Ashtanga literally means "eight limbs" so ashtanga Yoga is eight limbs of yoga. These eight steps (limbs) basically act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. The Eight Limbs provide each person with steps for controlling the restless mind, improving health and enjoying lasting peace and happiness. While the path to yoga for most people these days is through the body by working with asanas, this is only one method. You may find you wish to explore the other limbs as your practice progresses.
Panatajali was the first person to present the ancient tradition of yoga in a systematic way over 2500 years ago. Patanjali compiled the Eight Limbs in The Yoga Sutras. Yoga is a state of mind and achieving
The goal of stilling the mind isn't as easy as one might think, so practices have been developed to allow you to move towards this state in the eight limbs.
Yamas the first limb, meaning restraints are divided into five moral codes focusing on our behaviour, aimed at destroying the lower nature that control not only your actions, but also your speech and thoughts:
Ahimsa meaning non-violence to all living beings or compassion or consideration for all living beings. this includes yourself i.e over working and your treatment of yourself in your yoga practice i.e not forcing postures.
Satya meaning truthfulness in thought, word, intention and deed. Conducting your life honestly.
Asteya meaning non-stealing, this includes cultivating a less materialistic view of life.
Brahmacharya meaning moderation in all things and avoiding the indulgence of the senses including sensual desires, not necessarily celibacy as often thought.
Aparigraha meaning non-possessiveness or non-greediness, it encourages you to seperate your true needs from what you desire on a material level. it is more beneficial to measure your success on who you are rather than what you have.
Niyamas the second limb, meaning observances are also divided into five and brings out positive qualities, self-discipline and spiritual observances.
Saucha meaning purity or cleanliness not only of physical hygiene, but also your surroundings, diet and purity of thought.
Santosha meaning contentment, appreciating what you have.
Tapas meaning austerity or create a enthusiasm for your practice or your life's work.
Swadhyana meaning study of self in order to better understand yourself or mindful self-reflection.
Ishvarapranidhana meaning surrender of the ego and acceptance of an all-knowing principle.
Asanas the third limb, meaning steady pose and are the postures in yoga. Through the practice of asanas, you develop the habit of discipline and the ability to concentrate, both of which are necessary for meditation. Asanas purify the body in preparation for samadhi.
Pranayama is the fourth limb, meaning control of the breath or energy ( prana ). Through breathing techniques you achieve mastery over the respiratory system, learning the connection between the breath, the mind and the emotions. The belief in yoga is the breath rejuvenates the body and life itself. There are specific breathing techniques as well as breathing in a correct manner.
The first four limbs of Pantanjali's ashtanga yoga concentrate on cultivating our personalities, achieving mastery over the body and developing an awareness of yourself, which prepares you for the second half of this journey, which delas with the mind, the senses and attaining a higher state of consciousness
Pratyahara meaning to draw the senses inward is the fifth limb. When the mind gains control over the senses, the distractions from the outside world diminish and the mind can then turn inward and observe. It is about detaching from our senses and directing your attention internally, so that you are able to step back and take a look at yourself. This withdrawal allows you to observe your habits or cravings that may be detrimental to your health.
Dharana meaning concentration of the mind and is the sixth limb. Having relieved yourself from the outside distractions, now you aim to deal with the distractions of the mind itself - not easy! With this limb you learn to slow down the thinking process by concentrating on an object, an image of say a deity, or the silent repetition of a mantra or sound. Concentration has already been developed in the practice of asanas, pranayama and pratyahara. In asanas and pranayama you observe your actions although your attention may wander, as you may find them difficult. Pratayahara you observe, so now in dharana you focus on a single point and extended periods of concentration naturally lead to meditation. Dharana paves the way to the seventh and eighth limbs.
Dhyana meaning meditation, is the seventh limb and is the uninterrupted flow of concentration, the mind has one-pointed focus. Although concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana) may appear to be the same, there is a distinction between these two stages. Dharana practices one-pointed attention, dhyana is ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus. At this stage the mind has been quieted with few or no thoughts at all. While this may seem a difficult, if not an impossible task, remember that yoga is a process. Even though you may not attain the perfect pose, or the ideal state of consciousness, you benefit at every stage and evolve.
Samadhi is the super conscious state and eighth and final limb. Which Pantanjali describes as a state of ecstasy; the ultimate state of yoga and enlightenment. Enlightenment simply meaning becoming aware of your true nature. At this stage the meditator - you, merges with his/her point of focus and transcends the Self altogether, realising the interconnectedness with all living things. The experience of bliss and being at one with the Universe is attained. While this may seem a tall order, what Panatajali has detailed or described in ashtanga yoga is what, deep down, all human beings wish for or desire: peace, fulfilment and happiness.
This ultimate stage of yoga - enlightenment - can be neither bought nor possessed, it can only be experienced, hence the practice of yoga as progressive to attain the ultimate state of life! How marvellous!