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The 8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga |
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Written by E Murphy
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Many people practice the physical postures, but there are actually
eight limbs of yoga. Ashtanga yoga incorporates each of the limbs.
There are six sequences of postures, and practiced progressively, they
tone the body and purify the body and mind, benefiting the practitioner
physically, psychologically and spiritually.
Patanjali, a philosopher and a physician, said to have lived 300
years BC, is believed to have been the originator of the eight limbs in
the Yoga Sutras.
From his teachings, Ashtanga Yoga was structured. Ashtanga is one of
the more challenging asana schools and requires a lot of discipline in
order to advance to the next series.
The eight limbs are as follows:
- Yama
moral observances for interactions with others: truth, control of vital energy, restraint from stealing, greed, violence
- Niyama
self discipline and spiritual observances: cleanliness, serenity, study, devotion & asceticism
- Asana
posture practice
- Pranayama
breath control
- Pratyahara
sensory inhibition
- Dharana
focus
- Dhyana
meditation
- Samadhi
awareness
Please understand that I am only a practitioner of the Primary
series. What I am sharing here is my limited interpretation of a vastly
complex and interesting system. If you are interested in learning more
about ashtanga, I would recommend finding a class in your area to try. There are also many resources available on the internet and at your local library.
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