What yoga means
The second sutra of Patanjali defines yoga in four words: "yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ" — yoga is the stilling of the movements of the mind. Postures and breathing are only part of it; the aim is a calm, clear mind in which one's true nature shines.
To reach that stillness Patanjali gives a path of eight limbs, often called Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. The first two build character, the next three prepare body, breath and senses, and the last three are the inner stages of meditation.
Yoga Sutra 1.2
योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥
yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ ||
Yoga is the stilling of the movements of the mind.
The eight limbs
- Yama — restraints. Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, self-control and non-possessiveness: how we treat others.
- Niyama — observances. Cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study and surrender to God: how we treat ourselves.
- Asana — posture. "Sthira-sukham āsanam" — a posture that is steady and comfortable, for sitting in meditation.
- Pranayama — breath. Regulating the flow of breath to calm the mind.
- Pratyahara — withdrawal of the senses. Turning attention inward, away from sense objects.
- Dharana — concentration. Holding the mind on one point.
- Dhyana — meditation. An unbroken flow of attention on that point.
- Samadhi — absorption. The mind becomes one with the object of meditation; the goal of the path.
Yoga Sutra 2.29
यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारणाध्यानसमाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि ॥
yama-niyama-āsana-prāṇāyāma-pratyāhāra-dhāraṇā-dhyāna-samādhayo 'ṣṭāv aṅgāni ||
Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi are the eight limbs.
Practising the eight limbs today
Begin with what is in reach: a few minutes of steady sitting, slow breathing and attention on the breath each day, and honest effort in the yamas and niyamas. The inner limbs grow from this foundation.
General information only, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, a hernia, epilepsy, recent surgery or any other condition, consult a doctor and learn from a qualified teacher before practising.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote the Yoga Sutras?
The sage Patanjali, traditionally dated between about 200 BCE and 400 CE; the text has 196 short sutras in four chapters.
Is Ashtanga Yoga the same as the "Ashtanga" exercise style?
Patanjali's Ashtanga is the eight-limbed path of the Yoga Sutras; the modern Ashtanga Vinyasa style of K. Pattabhi Jois is a system of postures named after it.
What is the goal of yoga?
In Patanjali's words, the stilling of the mind's movements, so that the seer rests in its own nature (Yoga Sutra 1.3).