Ashtanga means eight limbs; Ashta – eight, anga – limb. The eight limbs of Yoga can be seen as a journey from the outer to the inner. They can also be viewed as a pathway to understanding how our many layers of being relate to and effect each other. The eight limbs are:
Yama – 5 Ethical Disciplines that help us relate harmoniously with others
Niyama – 5 Personal Observances that keep our personal environment clean and clear
Asana – Postures that balance, strengthen and purify the body
Pranayama – Breathing Practices that expand the movement of energy through the body
Pratyhara – Quieting input from the five senses to develop sensitivity to our inner world
Dharana – Creating a sustained peaceful settled state of mind
Dhyana – Focused meditation rising from a comfortable mind
Samadhi – Oneness with Self and the Cosmos – boundary-less absorption with all life
As we purify the outer we are opening a pathway to the inner. When we embrace the yamas and are no longer distracted by the drama of unethical choices, we can more easily focus on improving our personal life. The niyamas guide us to physically and energetically clean up our personal environment. When our environment is organized, clear, steady and pleasing, we naturally aspire to improve our bodies and are led to the asanas. As our bodies grow strong and supple we are no longer distracted by physical limitation, lethargy or agitation and we go deeper inward to the breath. Pranayama awakens the flow of the inner winds (life force energy) and we begin to feel who we are beyond the physical, we feel our energy body, our atman (soul) and we desire to know that divine aspect of ourselves. In order to do this we practice pratyahara, withdrawing our senses from the outside world and listening inward. As we listen inward we are drawn into meditation, first with Dharana, focusing on a field of steady emotion such as quiet joy. When our emotional atmosphere grows consistently pleasant, we awaken the naturally creative mind unsullied by doubt or memory. Dhyana, hones the creative mind into powerful one-pointed focus. When the mind grows open and steady, we slip easily into our natural state of infinite joy: Samadhi. From this center of connection with our true nature, we re-emerge with a higher perspective and deeper understanding of our creative power as individuals and our common roots as a collective human family.