The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga)

Yoga is much more than postures or physical exercise; it is a path toward inner peace, balance, and self-awareness. Patanjali, an Indian philosopher who lived thousands of years ago, described this path in the Yoga Sutras, a classical text that forms the foundation of Raja Yoga. According to Patanjali, yoga is not simply about movement but about stilling the fluctuations of the mind, so that we can perceive clearly and experience our true nature. I’ve written about this in a previous article.

What Are the Eight Limbs of Yoga?

The ultimate goal of yoga is self-realisation and inner freedom. To reach this state, Patanjali outlines the Eight Limbs of Yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga. “Ashta” means eight, and “Anga” means limbs; together, they form a step-by-step guide to harmonise body, breath, mind, and consciousness.

Each limb builds on the previous one, and none should be skipped. Ultimately, the Eight Limbs lead to Samadhi, a state of transcendent awareness. The first four limbs focus on refining personality and the body, while the last four address the mind and the attainment of higher consciousness. Below you’ll find an overview of all eight limbs with practical ways to apply them.

1. Yama – Ethical Principles (How We Relate to Others)

Yoga Sutra 2.30: “Yamas are rules that foster harmonious relationships.”

The Yamas guide you to live ethically and respectfully with others and yourself:

• Ahimsa – Non-violence: Be kind to yourself and others.
• Satya – Truthfulness: Live with honesty and integrity.
• Asteya – Non-stealing: Respect the time, energy, and ideas of others.
• Brahmacharya – Wise use of energy: Avoid overindulgence in sensory pleasures.
• Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness: Practice contentment and let go of jealousy.

Practical tip: Start small—today, practice speaking kindly to yourself and others.

2. Niyama – Personal Discipline (How We Relate to Ourselves)

Yoga Sutra 2.32: “Niyamas are daily practices that bring inner purity and strength.”

The Niyamas cultivate self-care and inner growth:

• Shaucha – Purity: Keep body, mind, and environment clean.
• Santosha – Contentment: Be grateful even as you pursue growth.
• Tapas – Discipline: Develop perseverance to improve habits.
• Swadhyaya – Self-study: Reflect on questions such as “Who am I?”
• Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender: Let go of ego and acknowledge a greater whole.

Practical tip: Choose one habit, like a daily gratitude practice or moment of reflection.

3. Asana – Physical Postures

Yoga Sutra 2.46: “Asana is a stable and comfortable posture.”

Postures strengthen the body, improve circulation, and prepare you for meditation. Focus on how a pose feels, not how it looks.

Practical tip: Pick one posture—seated or standing—and stay for 5 breaths. Notice if your body feels steady yet relaxed, and adjust as needed.

4. Pranayama – Breath Control

Yoga Sutra 2.49: “Pranayama is the regulation of breath to control mind and energy.”

Conscious breathing calms the mind and regulates vital energy (prana).

Practical tip: Start with 3–5 minutes of mindful breathing each day and observe how your focus improves. Read more about Pranayama here and explore some easy breathing exercises to do at home.

5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the Senses

Yoga Sutra 2.54: “Pratyahara is withdrawing the senses from external objects.”

Turn the senses inward to reduce distraction and cultivate inner awareness. This practice leads to Antar Mouna—inner silence and the ability to observe thoughts without judgment.

Practical tip: Close your eyes for a moment, notice your breath, and simply observe your thoughts.

6. Dharana – Concentration

Yoga Sutra 3.1: “Dharana is focusing the mind on one object or point.”

Concentration trains the mind to rest on a single point, building clarity and focus.

Practical tip: Start small—focus on your breath, a mantra, or a candle flame for a few minutes.

7. Dhyana – Meditation

Yoga Sutra 3.2: “Dhyana is an uninterrupted flow of consciousness toward the same object.”

Meditation is a state of continuous awareness where you observe thoughts without clinging to them.

Practical tip: Meditate for a few minutes daily, letting thoughts come and go without attachment. Read more about meditation here.

8. Samadhi – Inner Unity

Yoga Sutra 3.3: “Samadhi is the highest state of concentration and union with the object of meditation.”

Samadhi is a deep state of connection and inner peace in which you experience your true self. It develops gradually through consistent practice of the earlier limbs.

Practical tip: See Samadhi as a process of deepening, not a goal to achieve overnight.

Why the Eight Limbs of Yoga Matter

By practising the Eight Limbs of Yoga, you can:

• Live more consciously and improve relationships
• Develop patience, concentration, and inner calm
• Step by step, uncover your true self

Patanjali’s Yoga is not a religion but a practical and philosophical system that anyone can follow, regardless of background or belief. It blends ancient wisdom with practical tools, making it as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

Experience Yoga on Curaçao

Would you like to explore how yoga goes beyond the physical? Book a private session with me on Curaçao and learn step by step how to harmonise body, breath, and mind. Or join one of my group classes on the island and experience the peace, focus, and energy that yoga brings.