“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations; your conscious expands in every direction; and you find yourself in a great, new and wonderful world.” – Patanjali, the sage who wrote the Yoga sutras.

Pathways to Purpose

Our perceptions are shaped by our social ideologies and the embedded cultural principles. In the western world, within a heavily conditioned approach to life, many people are beginning to follow their intuitive voice, escaping the shackles of suppression and finding solace in surrender. By encapsulating the values, teachings and ancient knowledge of Yoga we are comforted with the idea that by following these practices we are able to find inner peace, and essentially, liberation from all suffering. Patanjali’s yoga sutra, the eight fold path is called ashtanga, which literally translates to Eight Limbs. These eight steps act as a pathway on how to live a purposeful and meaningful life. They guide us to aknowledge the spiritual aspects of our nature; they assist us in moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline while nourishing our interest in our health and self- discovery. By incorporating these principles and practices into our daily lives we will surely reap the sweet fruits of existence.

What are the eight limbs of yoga?

Limb 1: Yama – The first limb deals with one’s ethical standards and how we interact with our inner and outer worlds, our behavior and sense of integrity. The Yamas are instructions for honorable action and moral standards written by Patanjali. The five sections within this Limb include :

•  Ahimsa – non-violence or gentleness towards oneself or others as well as compassion and consideration to all living beings

•  Satya – living with honesty and truthfulness

•  Asteya – non-stealing, non-jealousy and a less materialistic mindset

•  Brahmacharya – moderation or abstaining from sexual activity in order to free the ego from self-reward

•  Aparigraha – developing appreciation for who you are rather than external circumstances and material possessions

Limb 2: Niyamas – They are observances, disciplines and the attitude we have with the self. The five sections within this limb include:

• Saucha – purity and cleanliness

• Santosha – contentment and an uncomplaining attitude

• Tapas – purifying practices

• Swadhyaya – mindfulness and study of the self 

• Ishwara pranidhana – surrendering to a higher force

Limb 3: Asanas – The physical poses which are used to bring concentration, awareness and discipline to the mind and body. They are essential tools for progression in meditation. This is the limb which is predominately focused upon in western style yoga. The asanas within the ‘Sun salutation sequence’ are composed to open up all major parts of the body and to bring a deeper sense of calm and detachment from the mind.

Limb 4: Pranayama – The control of life force or energy through different breathing techniques. It aids the connection between emotions, the mind and the breath. An example of a Pranayama exercise would be ‘Nadi Shodana’ or ‘alternate nostril breathing’. Check out a short video demonstrating this incredible practice below.

Limb 5: Pratayahara – The withdrawal or sensory transcendence. Cultivation of detachment from the senses while remaining keenly aware of them. The withdrawal allows us to objectively observe our inner behaviour and personality traits which have a negative effect on spiritual growth. An example of Pratayahara would be the action of Vypassana (a duration of time spent in absolute silence and no communication with the external world).

Limb 6: Dharana – The practice of concentration, which precedes meditation. It helps to relieve the mind from outside disturbances and tackle the distractions of the mind itself. By focusing on an energy point or a deity the mind is able to concentrate and enter meditation.

Limb 7: Dhyana – An uninterrupted flow of concentration and awareness. Being keenly aware without focus .

Limb 8: Samadhi – The ultimate state of enlightened bliss and self-realisation. Samadhi is the connection to the Divine and being one with all that is and ever will be – the Universe.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga is more of a journey, without chronological order of importance or practice. They allow us to touch a deeper part of ourselves, to grow, to let go, to learn and to unlearn. They guide us to touch our deepest self. The ability to ‘see equally’ without disturbances from the mind, without our experience being conditioned by likes, dislikes or habits, without a need to judge or become attached to any particular aspect; that is bliss. The bliss which echoes within each of the eight Limbs. And of course… you, ya’ beauty 😉