Eight Limbs of Yoga

Slo-Flo Yoga

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama

awareness of
external ethical
constraints on action

Niyama

awareness of
internal ethical
constraints on action

Asana

awareness of
body

Pranayama

awareness of
breath

Pratyahara

awareness of
senses

Dharana

awareness of percepts

Dhyana

awareness of
something larger
than the self

Samadhi

pure unconditioned
awareness

The Sanskrit word ashtanga comes from ashta 'eight' and anga 'limb'.
- It is sometimes said that yoga has eight limbs: ashtanga yoga.
- This idea can be traced back to a Sanskrit text called The Yoga Sutra written by Patanjali (approx. 200 CE), who describes the foundations of yoga philosophy & provides a framework for the practice of yoga.

(More recently, the term "Ashtanga Yoga" has come to be associated with a specific form of yoga taught by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, Indai.)

The eight limbs of yoga are: respect toward others, self-restraint, posture, breath control, detaching at will from the senses, concentration, meditation & contemplation…
~ Pantanjali, approx. 200 CE, "The Yoga Sutra" (11.29-11.33)

Breathe, Relax, Feel, Watch, Allow