Eight limbs of yoga

The eight limbs of yoga are stepping stone of Yoga. They are one of the most important sutras in world of Yoga. Eight Limbs are described by a yogi called Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras written around 500 B.C

What are the 8 limbs of Yoga?

Eight limbs of Yoga gives us guidance on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. These steps shows us how to demolish confusion, free ourselves from useless habits, and gain better clarity in Life.

YAMAS

The first Limb of Eight Limbs of Yoga is called YAMAS. Yamas are the principles or attitudes. Yamas help us to manage our inside and outside world. Yamas take away worldly spread confusion, uplift joyful nature of our being, and bring clarity to the mind.

#1 AHIMSA

Ahimsa - non-harming

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Ahimsa - non-harming 〰️

A-Himsa (non-harming) means taking responsibility for our thoughts, speech, actions, and behavior so it does not harm and it is nourishing, liberating, and beneficial for your community.

The same importance is to comprehend Ahimsa towards our inner world - non-harming ourselves, protecting and taking care of our own physical body and mind. Non-harming ourselves by thoughts, speech or actions.

#2 SATYA

Satya - Truthfulness

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Satya - Truthfulness 〰️

Satya (truthfulness). Sayta means to communicate the truth. Satya supports us to be truthful in our thoughts, words, and actions. Practicing satya allows us to live authentically and with a deeper sense of integrity.

Satya is about learning to be honest and truthful with yourself and others. Honesty comes from the space established in Truth.

By integrating Satya in your life we build self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a deeper connection to ourselves.

#3 ASTEYA

Asteya - non stealing

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Asteya - non stealing 〰️

Asteya (non-stealing). Asteya goes far beyond the act of simply taking physical possessions from others. Asteya emphasizes non-stealing thoughts, words, and behavior. By practicing Asteya, we realize that we don’t need to compare ourselves and we do not take something that rightfully belongs to another person. Rather than that, we cultivate a deep sense of contentment, gratitude, and respect for others and for ourselves.

Those who trust in natural progression and their own intelligence will naturally be delighted.

#4 BRAHMACHARYA

Brahmacharya - self control

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Brahmacharya - self control 〰️

Brahmacharya (self-control, or moderation). Brahmacharya teaches us how to not overindulge in sensory pleasures. It refers to right use of energy, that is available to us.

Incorporating brahmacharya can develop a deeper understanding of our impulses, allowing us to make conscious decisions rather than being driven by our immediate desires.

In some traditions, Brahmacharya means complete celibacy. In today's context, Brahmacharya can be seen as a moderation. It invites us to cultivate harmony in Life.

Brahmacharya teaches us to be concentrated, and direct energy to what is really important - to our long-term goals and desires.

#5 APARIGRAHA

Aparigraha - non attachment

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Aparigraha - non attachment 〰️

Aparigraha (non-attachment, non-possessiveness). Aparigraha is about being able to let go of all attachments and desires for material possessions, as well as mental and emotional attachments, that may stop us from living joyfully.

Aparigraha invites us to live in the moment, cultivating gratitude and contentment, rather than seeking validation from others and accumulating possessions.

Aparigraha reminds us to focus on what truly matters, always connecting with a deep sense of contentment and gratitude.

Yamas - Virtues of Yoga