What are the 8 limbs of yoga?
The practice of yoga goes far beyond the physical postures often seen on social media. Yoga is a lifestyle that offers a step-by-step guide to living a life of self-realization and complete happiness.
In the sacred text "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," we will access the 8 yoga steps, which are 8 things we can do to achieve complete union with ourselves and the whole.
I love this "map" because it can be a great way to begin understanding why yoga is so powerful and transformative, but this is just one of the yoga schools.
Soon, I will make another blog post to discuss non-dual tantric yoga, which has a different view from Patanjali's and is actually the yoga view with which I identify the most at this moment in my life - But for now, here's a taste of what it means to live a yoga life (on and off the mat).
Shall we begin?
1. Yamas = moral and ethical behavior.
The Yamas represent the fundamental ethical and moral principles on the path of yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
They guide us in behaving with others and the world around us, establishing rules of conduct for a life of integrity and harmony.
Here are the 5 Yamas that Patanjali teaches us:
1.1 Ahimsa = Non-violence
When we talk about non-violence, it is crucial to understand that this Yama addresses, of course, physical harm, but primarily where social justice intersects with our yoga practice.
It is essential to look within ourselves and see where we stand on the privilege/oppression spectrum. From there, we should act from the places where we are privileged and see how we can support oppressed people.
Embracing ahimsa means we are committed to working toward an equitable world, stepping out of our comfort zones, and using our tools and privileges to speak up and slowly change our culture.
Social justice only caught my attention in 2020 with the vast Black Lives Matter movement, and since then, I have been deconstructing much of what I thought I knew, knowing that this is the way forward.
With this Yama, we aim to reduce harm and trauma for future generations. We want to rebuild a culture where people's needs can be met regardless of race, gender, body type, or skin color.
By doing nothing, we will only cause more harm and trauma. So, if you are looking for ways to start acting for social justice and living ahimsa, you can begin by educating yourself on social justice issues, paying attention to how you act within your communities, supporting small businesses and activists fighting for justice, volunteering, donating, etc.
Ahimsa invites us to act and work with our privilege to provide freedom, happiness, and equity for all!!!
1.2 Satya = Truth
Living in truth is the most precious gift we can access daily.
However, we often forget this and live our lives according to what others want or expect of us.
When we follow this path, we drift away and disconnect from who we truly are until it becomes very challenging to remember who we really are. That's when we find ourselves walking a path of unhappiness and dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, when we live our truth, we embrace our power, we know who we are and what we want, and our body, mind, and soul begin to align and act in harmony. That's when things start to get back on track and flow more smoothly and joyfully.
Another point to note in Satya is to accept that many truths exist simultaneously and be open to listening to each other carefully and compassionately, allowing space for authenticity and learning—both our own and others.
We can do this by:
Becoming aware of the sources from which we obtain information and observing whether there are hidden interests behind them;
Recognizing that many voices have been silenced and oppressed in trying to express their truths;
Using our privilege to create space for multiple stories and realities to emerge and have the same opportunity to express themselves and be heard.
When truth guides the way, you can be sure that you will live an authentic and fulfilling life.
1.3 Asteya = non-stealing.
At its deepest level, Asteya means being aware of any intention or desire to possess or steal something that does not belong to us, whether it be material, a talent, a relationship, a gift, an achievement, success, time, or natural resources.
The desire to steal in this way arises from a sense of lack or powerlessness and from comparing ourselves to others.
It's good to know that this can arise through attitudes, words, or thoughts. Whenever we notice these aspects emerging in our actions, thoughts, or words, we can pause and choose not to do so. We remember that we are unique and that comparison will only distance us from our greatest potential, peace of mind, and spirit.
Another point to note in exploring asteya is cultural appropriation, which occurs when we take an aspect of culture and use it for personal gain. We can see examples of cultural appropriation in dance styles, music, and religious symbols.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with appreciating a culture; however, there is certainly a fine line between appreciation and appropriation.
A great way to start appreciating rather than appropriating is by respecting and appreciating these cultures and always observing the contexts in which certain practices are applied within their root cultures.
The path of yoga sheds light on various points that may have been in the dark before, so take time to educate yourself and be open to this. We can only change what we can see and accept within ourselves.
1.4 = Bramacharya = Responsible use of energy.
Many research sources translate Brahmacharya as celibacy, but I like to see this Yama as knowing how to use our energy responsibly.
Being able to control our senses and find balance; resting when we are tired but knowing when to rise and make something happen. Eating when we are hungry but learning to recognize when we are satisfied, etc.
We have the power to train our minds to be alert and know when it is time to stop or start something, and connecting with this power is an essential tool for the liberation of the self.
Another crucial point of this Yama is directing your energy towards actions that you know will benefit the collective—not just yourself. In other words, focusing on small actions knowing that they can bring immense changes in your communities, spaces, and even in the culture of a state or country in general.
We can do this by:
Educating ourselves about social justice.
Guiding children with teachings and books that will open their minds to the possibility of creating and living in a new world.
Igniting our inner fire so that we can stand up for convictions that benefit the collective and have difficult conversations with those close to us.
Choosing to volunteer and donate to causes you want to fight for.
Thinking about small changes you could make in your routine to benefit our larger home, planet Earth.
1.5 Aparigraha = Detachment.
This Yama is about avoiding living a life of accumulation or greed and understanding that whenever we become possessive, we are clinging to the idea that we do not have enough.
Thinking this way, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that we need to acquire more to be worthy, important, and valuable. That is why it is crucial to know how to keep around us only what still nourishes us and gives us the energy to grow.
A great way to practice Aparigraha is by being generous with others, offering time, attention, and space for everyone to have a voice, listening to different perspectives, and letting go of the outcome of our actions.
2. Niyamas = self-observances.
While Yamas focus more on interactions with the world around us, Niyamas are directed towards our internal relationships. They serve as a kind of code of conduct to enhance our spiritual and emotional well-being. They guide us towards a more conscious and authentic lifestyle, promoting personal development and spiritual connection.
2.1 Saucha = cleanliness.
When we live without awareness, it's difficult to identify things that need to be transformed to aid our evolution. Keeping our body, mind, spirit, and physical spaces organized and clean is essential to open this door to observation and curiosity.
We practice Saucha whenever we take a shower, clean our home, organize our workplace, pay attention to what we eat, who we spend our time with, and where we focus our daily attention and energy.
We also practice Saucha whenever we focus on the quality of our breath and the movement of our bodies—to dissipate stagnant energy. This is where breathing exercises and physical practice in yoga also play a crucial role (we'll delve into these more deeply soon).
2.2 Santosa = contentment.
Being content with the present moment of life and all our accomplishments so far is a significant step in the yoga process.
Sometimes, we may find ourselves in a defensive state of comparison, fear, or inferiority—all because we fail to clearly see all the good that lies ahead of us and be grateful for all that we already have and are.
Identifying these triggers is the key to changing how we see and live our lives. By cleansing our vision with a practice of gratitude, we can understand that we already have everything we need, and if we want to grow in any area of our lives, we need to recognize the abundance we already have and also act towards our dreams and goals.
Take time to appreciate what you already have, and don't wait for tomorrow to be happy. Do what needs to be done to achieve your dreams and accept the changes that happen along the way, even if they seem difficult.
2.3 Tapas = discipline.
Tapas was certainly one of my most challenging practices. Even when I was about 20 years old, my mind almost automatically thought that discipline was synonymous with monotony. However, after spending the entire year of 2021 building a great routine and discipline and experiencing its benefits firsthand, I now see discipline for what it truly is—freedom, which is my core life value.
The idea of Tapas encourages us to cultivate self-discipline and courage to move forward with our passions, to ignite that fire that allows us to strive and surpass ourselves, so that we can enjoy the rewards! And of course, a boost in self-confidence comes along with this.
Working on Tapas during moments of self-doubt can be crucial. And you can let these negative thoughts be dissolved through your physical yoga practice, which will bring you more self-confidence, self-love, courage, and strength to pursue your dreams.
And remember: personal and global change requires facing challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Tapas is like a call to action to create a fairer world for yourself and for everyone.
2.4 Svadhyaya = Self-study.
Studying ourselves means understanding that often our actions can be driven by the ego's command (which fights to "keep you safe," judges, criticizes, and is generally guided by fear) rather than from a place of truth, love, respect, and equality.
This Niyama helps us learn to recognize when we act from our higher self or when we act on autopilot/fear.
I practice Svadhyaya in my morning and evening routines, taking time to reflect on my day through meditation and writing.
This action helps me have a clearer and more panoramic view of my life as a whole and allows me to reflect and begin to bring awareness to my actions, no matter how small, to make positive changes in my life and the world around me.
Another way to practice this Niyama is to open ourselves up to conversations with people from different realities. This can open our minds and souls to new possibilities of living life.
You can also live Svadhyaya whenever you observe how you deal with challenging poses on the mat (or challenging moments in life).
2.5 Ishvara-Pranidhana = Surrender.
This niyama is about surrendering our plans to something greater than ourselves and trusting with deep faith in the paradox of life.
When we worry too much about things we cannot control, we are more likely to become frustrated, confused, and sad. Consequently, we may end up living in an egregor of suffering and dissatisfaction.
This practice of surrender helps us understand that being in the present moment and giving our best in every situation is all we can do. Moreover, we must believe that the outcome will be guided by a Higher Force that wants to see us well, happy, and progressing.
When I think of Ishvara-Pranidhana, I feel that it is also essential to state that no one in Yoga should try to impose any dogma on their mind because Yoga is NOT a religion. The fact that we live on a giant ball floating in the universe and that our body keeps us alive—without us having to do much for it—is certainly a sign that there is something greater looking out for us—and yoga can help us remember that.
3. Asanas = physical postures.
Asanas are the physical postures practiced in yoga. They are designed to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, and promote physical and mental balance.
Each asana has its own specific benefits for the body and mind, and regular practice of these postures can help improve overall health and well-being.
When practicing asanas, the focus is not only on achieving the posture itself but also on conscious breathing and mindfulness.
With the transition of Yoga to the West, the way people have brought it - considering capitalism, white supremacy, patriarchy, fatphobia, and the fact that mind, body, and soul are often seen as separate things - diminishes Yoga's potential.
However, it's very important to understand that Yoga isn't just the physical practice of rolling out our mat and moving our bodies.
Physical practice has the potential to connect you with your body and open the gateway to knowing and appreciating your body. You can listen to it and be 100% present with it, allowing it to be what it is.
In other words, the more we connect with our bodies, the more we increase our capacity to connect with sensations, feelings, and emotions that can only be felt through the body. The wisdom stored in our bodies is powerful, and asanas allow us to embark on this journey of self-reconnection.
4. Pranayama = breath work.
Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga, aimed at expanding and directing vital energy known as "prana" throughout the body. This technique involves a series of breathing exercises varying in rhythm, duration, and breath pattern.
The benefits of pranayama are extensive, covering the physical body, mind, and spirit. Physiologically, pranayama improves lung capacity, enhances blood oxygenation, and promotes better blood circulation.
It also calms the nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety levels, helps improve concentration, increases mental clarity, and promotes a state of emotional balance.
On a subtle level, pranayama is considered a powerful tool for purifying the body's energy channels (nadis) and can help unlock patterns of stagnant energy, bringing about a better flow of prana throughout the body.
Ultimately, regular practice of pranayama is an extremely effective way to cultivate a sense of inner calm, vitality, and connection with life. It can be incorporated into a daily yoga routine or practiced independently.
5. Pratyahara = withdrawal of the senses.
Pratyahara is the intersection point between asana and meditation.
It is a very subtle action that invites us to look inward rather than simply reacting to all the stimuli our five senses receive constantly.
At every moment, we are receiving information through these five channels: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. When we let ourselves be carried away by instinct—which is completely normal and human—it's easy to become distracted and operate on autopilot most of the time.
The idea of this limb is to direct our attention inward and begin to find ways to focus on our inner reality whenever we want, instead of just "going with the flow" without any awareness.
This is what The Bhagavad Gita 6.67-68 states about Pratyahara:
"When you let your mind follow the call of the senses, they carry away your better judgment as storms drive a boat off its charted course on the sea. Use all your power to free the senses from attachment and aversion alike and live in the full wisdom of the Self."
A great way to start becoming aware of this is by choosing when to use our senses or not, and what I mean by that is:
Make it a habit to take breaks during the day to close your eyes and breathe deeply; you will quickly notice things calming down inside—and allowing you to access higher levels of energy;
Try practicing your asana with your eyes closed (I do this frequently, and it's a really cool experience you need to try to understand);
Another option is to go camping or just somewhere in nature and, while there, stay in complete silence—just observing natural sounds—and then observe what happens to your energy.
It is crucial to mention again that this is just a practice.
In the tantric yogic philosophical tradition, we do not believe it is possible to attain enlightenment by renouncing the world or our senses. However, this can be a great way to consciously choose when you want to engage with what's happening around you.
Now we have a solid foundation for the next step: samyama.
The true purpose of Yoga
Now we are moving towards the most significant purpose of yoga.
Samyama is the entire process of meditation, which includes Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi; let's take a closer look at each of these steps.
6. Dharana = concentration.
Have you ever been involved in an activity where you lost track of time and space? If so, you have experienced Dharana, which is the complete state of focus.
Cultivating the attitude of always bringing the mind back to a focal point (activity, object, pranayama, candle, mantra, etc.) gives you more inner peace and helps you develop the habit of stabilizing and calming your mind.
In this way, when moments of chaos arise—and they will—you can have more clarity in your thoughts and actions rather than just reacting to what is happening around you.
Here's a simple yet powerful Pranayama exercise that I use to guide myself through Dharana, and you can practice it right now:
Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for another 4 seconds, and continue in this flow for as long as you wish. I love Pranayama because you can feel the effects of the practice immediately, and this one will can bring you a very good mental calm.
It's worth mentioning that these tools help us achieve complete focus on an activity or object so that, at some point, we can focus entirely on silence without needing to do something or have something to focus on.
7. Dhyana = meditation.
Dhyana is meditation. And if, like me, you always thought that meditating was only possible when you sit down, close your eyes, and connect with your inner world, that's okay because that is indeed the form of meditation we aspire to practice one day. However, meditation can also be anything you do with focus, presence, and without judgment.
I started my meditation practices every morning while brushing my teeth; I focused on each tooth while mentally affirming, "I am brushing my teeth." Later, I did the same while showering or eating.
After exploring meditation in this way, I began doing guided meditations (Aura Health BR is the app I use—discount link for annual access, or you can access some on my YouTube Channel), which helped me direct my attention during meditation to broader specific subjects (abundance, unconditional love, courage, etc.).
Nowadays, I feel very comfortable just finding a place to sit, closing my eyes, and focusing on my breath.
In Dhyana, the mind should be:
Free from all afflictions (the 5 kleshas—I'll talk more about this another time);
Free from attachment to all duality;
Stable, fluid;
Focused on an object while you, as the observer, watch thoughts come and allow them to go without engaging with them.
The word Mahaprajna in Buddhism means great understanding, and we achieve this understanding whenever we commit to sitting and closing our eyes every day without expecting any results until the meditation process becomes more natural for our body, mind, and spirit.
There are some profound teachings about this in the Gita, and I want to share a part with you:
"When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windlessplace. In the still mind, in the depths of meditation, the Self reveals itself. The practice of meditation frees one from all affliction. This is the path of yoga. Little by little, through patience and repeated effort, the mind will become stilled in the Self."
So awesome!
8. Samadhi = state of liberation, enlightenment, bliss.
The spiritual meaning of Samadhi is profound and powerful. It symbolizes the purest and deepest connection with the Supreme Force, where you can recognize the Divine and yourself as one.
This is how Yogapedia translates Samadhi:
This step of yoga has the power to connect us with our true Self, with higher consciousness, and place us in a state where we can clearly separate what is matter—prakriti (changeable and inconsistent)—and what is true—purusha (the soul)—because we become one with it.
Here, we are not "distracted" by any emotion (whether pleasant or unpleasant). When we talk about being distracted by emotions, it is crucial to pay attention not to spiritually bypass all the pain that many people are experiencing worldwide today. All feelings are valid, but here, Patanjali believes in setting feelings aside and simply "existing with what is."
As I mentioned before, Patanjali brought many cool and interesting points, but Tantric Yoga sees many of these aspects differently—about feelings, for example, they need to be looked at and felt. I'll share the view of this other school of yoga with you later because it's the one I believe in the most and inspires me to live and teach my classes.
We can achieve Samadhi when we can go through the following steps:
See an external object and focus on it and all its details (vitarka);
This same object "disappears," but we still have a thought about it and its details (vichara);
Now thoughts also "disappear," and all that remains is the feeling of bliss of it (ananda);
And now, even feelings "disappear," and all that remains is pure consciousness, the pure sense of "I" (asmita), and the mind is calm, stable, and happy.
Closing
I hope this information has brought you greater knowledge about the power of yoga practice! This information is valuable and can potentially transform your life, but I also know it can be a lot of information to process alone.
If you want guidance on your journey and the opportunity to experience yoga in practice through a powerful journey of self-discovery and personal fulfillment, come and check out my group mentoring Vision and Action—we start on September 15, 2024, and the deadline for registration is September 13, 2024.
And don't forget, if you have any questions about the content of this post or the mentoring, you can always message me!
Love,
Fernanda Santos
