What Is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga means the 'eight-limbed' yoga (ashta = eight, anga = limb). It is the systematic path laid down by Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, and forms the practical core of Raja Yoga - the royal path of meditation and mind-mastery.
Patanjali defines yoga in his second sutra as yogas chitta vritti nirodhah - 'yoga is the stilling of the modifications of the mind.' The eight limbs are the gradual means to reach that stillness, leading step by step from right living in the world to the deepest absorption in the Self.
It is important to note that here 'asana' is only one of eight limbs - the path is far wider than physical postures alone. The eight limbs work together as a ladder of inner growth.
The Eight Limbs (Ashtanga)
The eight limbs, in order, are:
- 1. Yama (restraints): Ethical disciplines toward the world - ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (moderation), aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
- 2. Niyama (observances): Personal disciplines - shaucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (austerity), svadhyaya (self-study and scripture), Ishvara pranidhana (surrender to God).
- 3. Asana (posture): A steady, comfortable seat that keeps the body still for meditation.
- 4. Pranayama (breath control): Regulating the breath to steady the prana and the mind.
- 5. Pratyahara (withdrawal): Drawing the senses inward, away from outer distractions.
- 6. Dharana (concentration): Fixing the mind on a single point or object.
- 7. Dhyana (meditation): Unbroken flow of attention toward that object.
- 8. Samadhi (absorption): Complete union, where the meditator merges with the object of meditation.
The first five are often called bahiranga (outer limbs) and the last three antaranga (inner limbs).
Scriptural Basis
The eight limbs come directly from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational text of the Yoga Darshana, one of the six classical schools (darshanas) of Hindu philosophy. The Sutras are arranged in four chapters (padas):
- Samadhi Pada - on the nature of yoga and the stilling of the mind.
- Sadhana Pada - on practice, where the eight limbs are introduced.
- Vibhuti Pada - on the powers and inner attainments that may arise.
- Kaivalya Pada - on liberation (kaivalya), the goal of yoga.
The vision behind it echoes the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, where yoga is described as steadiness of mind and union with the Self. Patanjali gave this timeless wisdom a clear, step-by-step structure that has guided seekers for over two thousand years.
How to Apply the Eight Limbs
The limbs are best built one upon the other, gently and over time:
- Begin with yama and niyama: Live truthfully, kindly and simply; cultivate contentment, purity and surrender to God. This foundation makes all later practice steady.
- Steady the body (asana): Sit comfortably and still, with a straight spine, so the body does not disturb the mind.
- Calm the breath (pranayama): Practise slow, even breathing under proper guidance; the breath and mind move together.
- Turn inward (pratyahara): Gently withdraw attention from sights and sounds when you sit.
- Concentrate, then meditate (dharana, dhyana): Hold the mind on a single point - a mantra, the breath, or an image of God - and let attention flow unbroken.
- Samadhi is the natural fruit of long, patient practice, not something to be forced.
A simple start: a few minutes of quiet sitting, steady breath and one-pointed remembrance of the divine each day. Consistency, not intensity, is the key.
Common Questions From Devotees
What are the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga?+
The eight limbs are yama (restraints), niyama (observances), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption), in that order, as laid down by Patanjali.
Who composed the Yoga Sutras?+
The Yoga Sutras were composed by Sage Patanjali. They are the foundational text of the Yoga Darshana, one of the six classical schools of Hindu philosophy, and set out the eight-limbed path of Ashtanga Yoga.
Is Ashtanga Yoga the same as physical yoga postures?+
No. Asana (posture) is only one of the eight limbs. Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga is a complete inner path covering ethics, breath, concentration and meditation, aiming ultimately at samadhi and liberation, not just physical postures.
What is the goal of Ashtanga Yoga?+
The goal is samadhi - deep absorption in which the mind is fully stilled - leading to kaivalya, liberation and union with the true Self. The eight limbs are the gradual means to reach this stillness.
About the author
Anjali Mehta · Editor, M.A. Religious Studies
Anjali is the managing editor for Vandnaa and oversees the festival and vrat coverage. She holds an M.A. in Religious Studies and reviews every published article for accuracy, accessibility, and tradition-fidelity.
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