Source http://www.sonima.com/yoga/eight-limbs-of-yoga/
You know ashtanga as the physical form of yoga practice that has become famous in studios and gyms around the world. But what you may not know is that aṣṭāṅga refers to much more than just a series of postures and breathing. Aṣṭāṅga literally means ‘eight limbs’ or ‘eight parts’ and refers to eight different aspects of yoga practice defined by the great sage Patañjali as a method for reaching the “state” of yoga.
Prior to defining the eight limbs, Patañjali tells us that “by practicing the limbs of yoga, the impurities are gradually removed and the inner light of wisdom is revealed, leading to perfect discrimination.” In order to reach the state of yoga, you must first purify your system through yoga’s limbs. The first four limbs should be practiced diligently in order to move beyond them and experience yoga’s essence—a state of mental and spiritual clarity that allows you to reach your highest potential.
Patañjali defines the limbs of ashtanga yoga as yama, niyama, āsana, prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇa, dhyāna and samādhi although commentators explain that only the first four limbs can be truly practiced while the last four arise as a result of diligent practice of the first four. This article briefly describes each of…
Source http://www.sonima.com/yoga/eight-limbs-of-yoga/
You know ashtanga as the physical form of yoga practice that has become famous in studios and gyms around the world. But what you may not know is that aṣṭāṅga refers to much more than just a series of postures and breathing. Aṣṭāṅga literally means ‘eight limbs’ or ‘eight parts’ and refers to eight different aspects of yoga practice defined by the great sage Patañjali as a method for reaching the “state” of yoga.
Prior to defining the eight limbs, Patañjali tells us that “by practicing the limbs of yoga, the impurities are gradually removed and the inner light of wisdom is revealed, leading to perfect discrimination.” In order to reach the state of yoga, you must first purify your system through yoga’s limbs. The first four limbs should be practiced diligently in order to move beyond them and experience yoga’s essence—a state of mental and spiritual clarity that allows you to reach your highest potential.
Patañjali defines the limbs of ashtanga yoga as yama, niyama, āsana, prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇa, dhyāna and samādhi although commentators explain that only the first four limbs can be truly practiced while the last four arise as a result of diligent practice of the first four. This article briefly describes each of…
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