The 8 Branches of Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means to bind, join, or yoke. We seek to communicate with the authentic Self, also known as the 'divine essence,' 'ultimate self,' or atman. This may also be referred to as the spirit. If that doesn't sit well with you, note that the term yoga can also mean separation or disentanglement. The thing we're untangling is whatever is keeping us from becoming alive because the ultimate purpose of every yoga practice is to achieve moksha, which means salvation or equality.

Posted On April 22nd, 2021

Yama (abstinences)

Yama is the first limb. It refers to vows, disciplines, or activities that are mainly associated with the world surrounding us and how we deal with it. While yoga can help with physical strength and endurance and relax the mind, what is the point if we are all stiff, frail, and stressed out in our daily lives?

Niyama (observances)

Niyama, the second limb, normally applies to duties geared toward ourselves. Still, it can also be applied to our behavior toward the outer world. The prefix 'ni' is a Sanskrit verb that means 'inside' or 'inward.'

Asana (posture)

The physical part of yoga is the third stage on the road to liberation. If we're being honest, the word asana here doesn't apply to the ability to do a handstand or an aesthetically pleasing backbend. It means seat' – specifically the seat you will take for meditation practice. Patanjali's only alignment guidance for this asana is "sthira sukham asanam," which means that the stance should be steady and relaxed.

Pranayama (breathing)

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that means "fire" or "life source." It can be used to explain both the spirit that holds us alive and the force that surrounds us in the cosmos. Prana is often used to explain the breath, and dealing with the way we breathe directly impacts the mind.

Pratyahara (Withdraw)

Pratya means to 'withdraw,' 'draw in,' or 'draw out,' and ahara applies to something we 'pull in' on our own, such as the myriad sights, tastes, and smells our senses take in continuously. When we sit for a guided meditation session, we are likely to reflect on 'drawing in' as the first thing we do when we believe we are meditating. Drawing inward may require focusing on how we breathe, but this limb can also be closely related to pranayama practice.

Dharana (concentration)

Dharana is a Sanskrit word that means "centered concentration." Dha means 'keeping or sustaining,' and Ana means 'other' or'something else.' Dharana and pratyahara are integral aspects of the same component and are closely related to the previous two limbs. To focus on something, the senses must disappear so that all energy is focused on the point of concentration. To bring our senses in, we must concentrate and focus intently. Tratak (candle gazing), visualization, and reflecting on the wind are all Dharana rituals. At this time, many of us believe we are 'meditating.'

Dhyana (meditation)

The seventh limb is 'meditative absorption,' which occurs as we become fully immersed in the focus of our meditation. At this point, we are really meditating. All of the strategies we may study in a class, online, or from an instructor are simply techniques given to each person to help them settle, reflect, and concentrate. The actual practice of meditation is not anything we should consciously 'do.' Still, it describes the unconscious movement of something that occurs due to anything else.

Samadhi (absorption)

Many of us understand the term samadhi to mean 'bliss' or 'enlightenment,' and it is the final stage of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras journey. We arrive at the ultimate stage of bliss after re-organizing our interactions with the outside world and our own inner world. However, as we examine the term samadhi, we discover that 'enlightenment' or 'realization' does not imply floating away on a cloud in a state of bliss and ecstasy.