Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga means eight limbs, which include Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Each limb is crucial and complete. According to Lord Patanjali, practicing these limbs earnestly with a traditional teacher can help yoga alleviate physical, mental, moral, and spiritual sufferings, showing his wisdom.

1. Yama represents self-control, including Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Brahmacharya (Celibacy), and Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness).

Following Yama helps us feel affection and compassion for all beings, vital for society's well-being.

2. Niyama, fixed observances—Shaucha (Purity), Santosha (Contentment), Tapas (Austerity), Swadhyaya (Self-Study), and Ishwara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine)—gradually reduce unrest, anger, hatred, and aversion from society.

3. Asana, postures, promote bodily and mental stability, removing duality. Correct blood circulation and body part function result from Asana practice.

4. Pranayama regulates life force, mainly breath, requiring some asana proficiency, checked by the teacher.

Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama are external practices (Bahiranga Yoga).

5. Pratyahara withdraws senses from stimuli, aiming to control wandering senses.

6. Dharana is concentration, crucial for achieving focused mind and taming senses.

7. Dhyana is contemplation.

8. Samadhi is complete absorption.

Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are internal practices (Antaranga Yoga).

Mere rituals and discussions yield no result; only dedicated Abhyasa (practice) brings yoga's benefits. Overcome obstacles—sleep, laziness, illness—for consistent yoga practice.