The Eight Limbs (Ashtanga)
Aṣṭāṅga (Yoga Sūtra 2.29)
Eight limbs — yama (restraints), niyama (observances), āsana (posture), prāṇāyāma (breath regulation), pratyāhāra (withdrawal of the senses), dhāraṇā (concentration), dhyāna (meditation) and samādhi (absorption).
History
The scheme set out in Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra, widely referenced as the ethical and philosophical foundation of modern yoga. Pattabhi Jois's Ashtanga style takes its name from it.
Philosophy
Āsana is only one of the eight; yoga is seen as a whole path that includes ethics, the senses and the workings of the mind.
This page offers general information and is not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, consult a doctor or a qualified teacher before practising.
Related practices
- 024 Classical text
The Yoga Sutras
Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali
A classic of yoga attributed to Patañjali, made up of about 195 short aphorisms in four chapters.
India · dating is debated (c. 2nd century BCE – 5th century CE)
- 002 Style
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Aṣṭāṅga Vinyāsa Yoga
A strong, dynamic practice moving through fixed sequences of postures, with each movement linked to the breath.
Mysore, India · 20th century
- 018 Practice
Zazen
坐禅 Zazen
The seated meditation of Zen Buddhism. Not a yoga style, but introduced here for its close kinship as a meditative practice.
From Chinese Chan Buddhism to Japan · 13th century