Yoga
- Ashtanga

Yama
(Moral Restraints) – Ethical Conduct Towards Others

Yamas are social ethics that guide interactions with others, forming the moral foundation of yoga. They help practitioners lead a disciplined and righteous life.

● Ahimsa (Non-violence) – Avoid harming others in thought, word, or action.
● Satya (Truthfulness) – Speak and live truthfully while being mindful of its impact.
● Asteya (Non-stealing) – Avoid taking what is not freely given, including material and intellectual property.
● Brahmacharya (Moderation/Chastity) – Exercise self-control, particularly in desires and impulses.
● Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) – Avoid material greed and attachment to worldly possessions.

Niyama
(Self-Discipline) – Ethical Conduct Towards Oneself

Niyamas are personal observances that focus on self-improvement and inner discipline.

● Shaucha (Purity) – Maintain cleanliness in body, mind, and surroundings.
● Santosh (Contentment) – Develop gratitude and inner peace regardless of circumstances.
● Tapas (Self-Discipline) – Cultivate determination and willpower to overcome obstacles.
● Swadhyaya (Self-Study) – Study sacred texts and reflect on one’s inner self.
● Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to Higher Power) – Trust in divine guidance and accept life’s unfolding.

Asana
(Physical Postures) – Mastery Over the Body

Asana refers to yogic postures designed to strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and prepare the practitioner for meditation. In ancient texts, the primary focus was on seated postures for meditation, ensuring stability and comfort for long periods. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika later expanded on various postures for health and spiritual growth.

Pranayama
(Breath Control) – Regulation of Vital Energy

Pranayama involves controlling the breath to regulate the flow of prana (life force) in the body. This practice enhances mental clarity, vitality, and inner peace.

● Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) – Balances energy channels.
● Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) – Increases energy and detoxifies the body.
● Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath) – Clears the mind and energizes the system.

Ancient texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika emphasize that breath control leads to mastery over the mind.

Pratyahara
(Withdrawal of Senses) – Turning Inward

Pratyahara is the practice of detaching the senses from external distractions, allowing the mind to turn inward. It is a bridge between external (physical) and internal (mental) yoga practices.

● Encourages self-awareness and introspection.
● Helps overcome distractions from sensory pleasures.
● Prepares the mind for deep concentration and meditation.

Dharana
(Concentration) – One-Pointed Focus

Dharana is the practice of focused concentration on a single object, mantra, or thought. It is the first step towards meditation and mental stillness.

● Improves mental clarity and awareness.
● Enhances the ability to meditate deeply.
● Develops inner discipline and control over thoughts.

Examples include focusing on the breath, a candle flame, or a mantra like "Om."

Dhyana
(Meditation) – Continuous Awareness

Dhyana is uninterrupted meditation, where the mind remains effortlessly absorbed in a single focus. Unlike Dharana, which requires effort, Dhyana happens naturally as concentration deepens.

● Leads to deep self-awareness and inner peace.
● Allows the practitioner to connect with higher consciousness.
● Reduces stress and cultivates a state of bliss.

Ancient yogis used Dhyana as a path to enlightenment (Samadhi).

Samadhi
(Ultimate Liberation) – Merging with the Divine

Samadhi is the highest state of yoga, where the practitioner experiences unity with the universe and transcends the ego. It is the ultimate goal of yoga.

● Savikalpa Samadhi – A temporary state of bliss with awareness of duality.
● Nirvikalpa Samadhi – Complete absorption into the divine, beyond thoughts and identity.

In this state, the yogi attains liberation (Moksha), experiencing eternal peace and enlightenment.