PATANJALI’S ASHTANGA YOGA

The eight limbs of Patanjali’s yoga sutra are as follows Yama (self – control ), niyama (observances), asana (steady posture), pranayama (lifeforce control), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation),samadhi (absorption).

1. YAMA

Yama refers to the first of the eight limbs of yoga, which are ethical guidelines meant to create harmony within oneself and with the surrounding world. Yama focuses on moral conduct and self-restraint and consists of five main principles:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Practicing non-violence in thought, word, and action towards oneself and others. It encourages compassion and kindness.
2. Satya (Truthfulness): Being truthful and honest in communication and actions, without causing harm or pain to others through one’s honesty.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking anything that does not belong to oneself, which also includes refraining from coveting or harboring desires for what others possess.
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Moderation): This involves controlling impulses and desires, often interpreted as moderation in all things to preserve energy and direct it toward spiritual growth. In a broader sense, it can mean practicing chastity or using one’s energy wisely.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Letting go of greed, attachment, and the need to accumulate more than is necessary. It encourages contentment and an understanding of what is truly important in life.

These yamas are seen as the foundation of a balanced and ethical lifestyle, essential for deeper spiritual practices and personal development.

2. NIYAMA

Niyama is the second of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, focusing on personal observances and practices that help maintain self-discipline and inner harmony. It complements Yama, which deals with external behavior. The Niyamas are practices directed inward and help cultivate a balanced, ethical, and peaceful life. There are five main Niyamas:

1. Saucha (Purity/Cleanliness): Maintaining cleanliness of the body and mind. This involves not just physical hygiene but also purity of thoughts, emotions, and surroundings to support mental clarity and overall well-being.
2. Santosha (Contentment): Practicing acceptance and gratitude for what one has and finding satisfaction in the present moment. It is about recognizing that true happiness comes from within and not from external achievements or possessions.
3. Tapas (Discipline/Austerity): Developing self-discipline, willpower, and the ability to withstand discomfort for the sake of growth. This can involve practices like fasting, regular exercise, or maintaining commitments that contribute to one’s spiritual and physical health.
4. Svadhyaya (Self-study/Self-reflection): Engaging in self-examination and the study of spiritual texts. This practice helps one understand their inner nature and fosters a deeper connection with oneself and one’s purpose.
5. Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a Higher Power): Cultivating a sense of surrender and devotion to a higher power or the divine, recognizing that not everything is within human control. This practice nurtures humility and trust in the unfolding of life.

The Niyamas encourage a disciplined lifestyle, promoting inner peace and spiritual growth, making them essential for personal and spiritual development in yoga.

3. ASANA

Asana is the third limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga and refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. While modern yoga often emphasizes asanas as a form of physical exercise, Patanjali’s original concept of asana in the Yoga Sutras had a deeper, more meditative purpose.

Key Points About Asana:

1. Definition: The term asana literally means “seat” and initially referred to the seated posture used for meditation. Over time, the meaning evolved to include a variety of physical postures that help prepare the body for meditation by enhancing strength, flexibility, and endurance.
2. Purpose: The main purpose of asana is to create a stable and comfortable body to support the mind in achieving prolonged concentration and meditation. The goal is to enable the practitioner to sit still for an extended period without physical discomfort, aiding in spiritual practice.
3. Sthira and Sukha: Patanjali described asanas with the qualities of “sthira” (steady) and “sukha” (comfortable/ease). This implies that a true asana is one where the body is stable and the mind is at ease.
4. Connection to Pranayama and Meditation: Mastering asanas helps regulate energy flow and prepares the body for deeper practices such as pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation).
5. Health Benefits: While Patanjali did not elaborate on the physical benefits, modern practitioners acknowledge that asanas promote physical health by improving flexibility, muscle strength, and circulation. They also aid in stress reduction and mental focus.

Modern Perspective:

Today, asana practice has expanded to include a wide range of postures that target different areas of the body and help maintain overall well-being. Popular examples include poses like Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), and Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana). However, in the classical sense, the practice remains rooted in preparing the body and mind for deeper spiritual practice and meditation.

4. PRANAYAMA

Pranayama is the fourth limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga and refers to the practice of breath control. The word itself is derived from two Sanskrit terms: “prana” meaning life force or vital energy, and “ayama” meaning extension or regulation. Together, pranayama involves the conscious regulation of breath to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Key Aspects of Pranayama:

1. Control of Life Force: Pranayama goes beyond simply controlling the breath; it is considered a way to harness and direct the life force (prana) that permeates all living beings. By controlling the breath, practitioners can influence the flow of prana within the body and mind.
2. Preparation for Meditation: Practicing pranayama helps calm the mind and prepare the body for meditation. By regulating the breath, the practitioner can reduce mental distractions and achieve a more focused state of mind.
3. Health Benefits: Pranayama supports physical health by improving lung capacity, increasing oxygen intake, and promoting relaxation. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance mental clarity. Consistent practice has also been associated with improved immune function and better stress response.

Common Pranayama Techniques:

1. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): A balancing practice that helps purify the energy channels (nadis) and harmonize the left and right sides of the brain. It’s known for calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety.
2. Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath): A cleansing technique that involves short, forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations. It energizes the body, clears the sinuses, and stimulates the mind.
3. Bhastrika (Bellows Breath): A vigorous practice that involves active inhalation and exhalation to increase energy levels and stimulate the circulatory and respiratory systems.
4. Bhramari (Bee Breath): Involves making a humming sound during exhalation, which helps soothe the mind and reduce tension and anxiety.
5. Ujjayi (Ocean Breath): Often used in asana practice, this technique involves slightly constricting the throat to create a soft, whispering sound during both inhalation and exhalation. It helps increase focus and control during practice.
6. Anulom Vilom (Alternate Breathing): Similar to Nadi Shodhana but performed in a slightly different sequence. It helps balance and strengthen the respiratory system.

Significance:

Pranayama acts as a bridge between the physical practices of yoga (asanas) and the more internal practices like pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) and dhyana (meditation). By mastering pranayama, practitioners learn to regulate their internal energy and maintain a calm and focused mind, which is crucial for progressing on the path of yoga and achieving deeper meditation states.

Overall, pranayama is an essential practice for balancing the body and mind, facilitating spiritual growth, and enhancing overall well-being.

5. PRATYAHARA

Pratyahara is the fifth limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga and refers to the practice of withdrawal of the senses. It acts as a bridge between the external and internal aspects of yoga, preparing the practitioner to move from physical and breath-based practices toward deeper states of concentration and meditation.

Key Aspects of Pratyahara:

1. Sense Withdrawal: Pratyahara involves consciously turning attention inward by withdrawing from sensory stimuli. The goal is to reduce the influence of external distractions so that the mind can become more introspective and focused. This does not mean shutting down the senses, but rather training the mind not to react to sensory inputs.
2. Detaching from the External World: By practicing pratyahara, one learns to develop control over responses to sensory information. It helps to cultivate a sense of detachment from the external environment, enabling practitioners to maintain equanimity in different situations.
3. Preparation for Meditation: Pratyahara prepares the mind for the subsequent limbs, dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (union or deep absorption). By reducing sensory distractions, the practitioner can more easily achieve a one-pointed focus and deeper meditative states.
4. Developing Self-Awareness: This practice aids in recognizing habitual patterns, desires, and responses that are driven by external stimuli. With heightened awareness, one can make conscious choices instead of reacting impulsively.

Techniques to Practice Pratyahara:

1. Breath Awareness: Focusing on the breath helps shift attention away from sensory input and draws it inward.
2. Guided Visualization: Using mental imagery to imagine a place or scene that promotes calmness and detachment from external disturbances.
3. Body Scanning: Systematically moving attention through different parts of the body to increase awareness of internal sensations and withdraw from external inputs.
4. Mindful Listening: Sitting in a quiet space and observing the sounds around without attaching meaning or reactions to them. This helps in practicing non-reactivity to sensory stimuli.

Benefits of Pratyahara:

• Enhanced Concentration: Helps improve mental focus by minimizing external distractions.
• Emotional Balance: Encourages detachment from reactive emotional responses, promoting a more balanced state of mind.
• Inner Peace: Reduces stress and anxiety by fostering a deeper state of calm.
• Heightened Awareness: Cultivates a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s mental processes.

Practical Implications:

In today’s world, where people are constantly bombarded with sensory input from technology, social media, and daily life, pratyahara is especially relevant. It helps individuals step back, disengage from overstimulation, and reconnect with their inner selves. Practicing this limb can lead to better mental health and an improved ability to manage stress and maintain focus.

Overall, pratyahara is a crucial practice for achieving mastery over the mind and is an essential step toward deeper states of meditation and self-realization.

6. DHARANA

Dharana is the sixth limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, and it refers to concentration or focused attention. It is the practice of holding one’s mind steady on a single point of focus, laying the groundwork for deeper meditation (dhyana) and ultimately leading to a state of oneness or absorption (samadhi).

Key Aspects of Dharana:

1. Concentration on a Single Point: Dharana involves fixing the mind on one object, thought, or area, such as the breath, a mantra, a candle flame, or an image. This focused attention helps train the mind to stay anchored, resisting distractions and wandering thoughts.
2. Bridging the Internal and External: While pratyahara withdraws the mind from external sensory distractions, dharana directs that withdrawn mind toward a single point. It is about maintaining awareness and engagement with one focal point.
3. Building Mental Discipline: Dharana cultivates the ability to control thoughts and prevent the mind from jumping from one subject to another. It builds the foundation for prolonged concentration and steadiness of mind.

Techniques for Practicing Dharana:

1. Trataka (Gazing): Focusing on an external object, such as a candle flame, without blinking until tears flow. This technique sharpens the mind and enhances concentration.
2. Mantra Repetition (Japa): Mentally or verbally repeating a sacred word or phrase (e.g., “Om”) to keep the mind focused.
3. Visualization: Imagining a peaceful image or scene in the mind’s eye and holding that image steady.
4. Breath Focus: Concentrating on the natural rhythm of the breath as it moves in and out, anchoring the mind to this consistent, soothing pattern.
5. Counting Techniques: Silently counting breaths or visualizing numbers during meditation to maintain mental focus.

Benefits of Dharana:

• Enhanced Focus: Regular practice of dharana improves the ability to maintain attention on a task without getting distracted.
• Mental Clarity: Reduces mental chatter and promotes a sense of calm and clarity.
• Stress Reduction: By training the mind to focus and stay in the present, dharana helps reduce anxiety and overthinking.
• Preparation for Dhyana: Lays the foundation for moving into meditation, where concentration evolves into a seamless flow of awareness.

The Relationship with Dhyana and Samadhi:

Dharana is often considered the starting point for deeper meditation (dhyana). When the practice of concentration becomes continuous and uninterrupted, it transforms into dhyana, a state of meditative absorption. Eventually, if this state of meditation deepens to the point where the sense of individual self dissolves and a feeling of unity with the object of meditation arises, the practitioner experiences samadhi.

Practical Application:

In the modern context, practicing dharana can be valuable for improving productivity and mindfulness. It can be used to develop greater focus on daily activities, such as work, study, or creative projects. Techniques like focusing on the breath or using a mantra can also be applied to manage stress and enhance overall mental health.

Overall, dharana is a powerful practice for cultivating concentration, helping practitioners to train the mind, reduce distractions, and build the foundation for profound meditation experiences.

Dharana is the sixth limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, and it refers to concentration or focused attention. It is the practice of holding one’s mind steady on a single point of focus, laying the groundwork for deeper meditation (dhyana) and ultimately leading to a state of oneness or absorption (samadhi).

Key Aspects of Dharana:

1. Concentration on a Single Point: Dharana involves fixing the mind on one object, thought, or area, such as the breath, a mantra, a candle flame, or an image. This focused attention helps train the mind to stay anchored, resisting distractions and wandering thoughts.
2. Bridging the Internal and External: While pratyahara withdraws the mind from external sensory distractions, dharana directs that withdrawn mind toward a single point. It is about maintaining awareness and engagement with one focal point.
3. Building Mental Discipline: Dharana cultivates the ability to control thoughts and prevent the mind from jumping from one subject to another. It builds the foundation for prolonged concentration and steadiness of mind.

Techniques for Practicing Dharana:

1. Trataka (Gazing): Focusing on an external object, such as a candle flame, without blinking until tears flow. This technique sharpens the mind and enhances concentration.
2. Mantra Repetition (Japa): Mentally or verbally repeating a sacred word or phrase (e.g., “Om”) to keep the mind focused.
3. Visualization: Imagining a peaceful image or scene in the mind’s eye and holding that image steady.
4. Breath Focus: Concentrating on the natural rhythm of the breath as it moves in and out, anchoring the mind to this consistent, soothing pattern.
5. Counting Techniques: Silently counting breaths or visualizing numbers during meditation to maintain mental focus.

Benefits of Dharana:

• Enhanced Focus: Regular practice of dharana improves the ability to maintain attention on a task without getting distracted.
• Mental Clarity: Reduces mental chatter and promotes a sense of calm and clarity.
• Stress Reduction: By training the mind to focus and stay in the present, dharana helps reduce anxiety and overthinking.
• Preparation for Dhyana: Lays the foundation for moving into meditation, where concentration evolves into a seamless flow of awareness.

The Relationship with Dhyana and Samadhi:

Dharana is often considered the starting point for deeper meditation (dhyana). When the practice of concentration becomes continuous and uninterrupted, it transforms into dhyana, a state of meditative absorption. Eventually, if this state of meditation deepens to the point where the sense of individual self dissolves and a feeling of unity with the object of meditation arises, the practitioner experiences samadhi.

Practical Application:

In the modern context, practicing dharana can be valuable for improving productivity and mindfulness. It can be used to develop greater focus on daily activities, such as work, study, or creative projects. Techniques like focusing on the breath or using a mantra can also be applied to manage stress and enhance overall mental health.

Overall, dharana is a powerful practice for cultivating concentration, helping practitioners to train the mind, reduce distractions, and build the foundation for profound meditation experiences.

7. DHYANA

Dhyana is the seventh limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, and it refers to meditation or a state of continuous, uninterrupted flow of concentration. Unlike dharana, which involves focused attention on a specific point, dhyana is the sustained and effortless concentration that arises when the mind becomes fully absorbed in its object of focus.

Key Aspects of Dhyana:

1. Effortless Flow of Concentration: While dharana involves deliberate concentration, dhyana is the seamless, unbroken flow of attention. It is a state where the practitioner becomes deeply immersed in the focus without effort, and the distinction between observer and object starts to dissolve.
2. Inner Stillness and Awareness: Dhyana is characterized by a profound sense of inner peace and heightened awareness. The mind becomes quiet, but consciousness remains active and present. This meditative state allows for deeper insight and self-realization.
3. Beyond Techniques: Unlike dharana, which may involve techniques such as focusing on a mantra or an image, dhyana transcends methods. The practitioner reaches a point where the mind remains effortlessly concentrated, and techniques are no longer necessary.

How to Practice Dhyana:

1. Progress from Dharana: Begin by practicing dharana to train the mind to focus on a single point or object. Once concentration becomes steady and the mind can hold its focus without significant effort, it naturally transitions into dhyana.
2. Create a Quiet Environment: Minimize distractions by finding a peaceful, comfortable space to sit. Maintaining a stable seated position helps support extended meditation.
3. Maintain Relaxed Focus: Allow the mind to settle and move beyond active concentration. Let your awareness be soft and continuous, without forcing the mind to stay on the object of focus.
4. Be Present: Embrace a state of mindfulness where you are fully present in the moment without judgment or attachment to thoughts that may arise. Let go of any effort to control the experience.

Benefits of Dhyana:

• Deep Inner Peace: Helps cultivate a sense of profound calm and inner stillness.
• Increased Insight: Facilitates self-awareness and deeper understanding, leading to greater clarity about oneself and life.
• Emotional Balance: Reduces stress, anxiety, and reactivity by promoting mental and emotional equilibrium.
• Enhanced Spiritual Connection: Supports a sense of oneness with the universe or the divine, fostering spiritual growth and development.

Relationship with Dharana and Samadhi:

Dhyana builds upon dharana and precedes samadhi. In dharana, the mind focuses intensely on one point. When this concentration becomes unbroken and smooth, it evolves into dhyana. If dhyana deepens further, the sense of individual self merges with the object of meditation, leading to samadhi, the state of ultimate absorption or union with the universal consciousness.

Modern Applications:

Practicing dhyana in daily life can be invaluable for enhancing mindfulness and living with greater awareness. It encourages individuals to be present in their actions, whether during a simple task or in moments of reflection. This meditative state helps individuals cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and promotes a balanced, peaceful state of mind.

In essence, dhyana is not just meditation as an activity but a state of being where the practitioner finds unity with their inner self and the object of their meditation, paving the way for transformative experiences and spiritual growth.

8. SAMADHI

Samadhi is the eighth and final limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, representing the culmination of the yogic path. It is often described as a state of profound meditative absorption or complete union with the object of meditation. In this state, the practitioner transcends the limitations of the individual self and merges with the universal consciousness, experiencing oneness and pure awareness.

Key Aspects of Samadhi:

1. Union with the Divine or Universal Consciousness: The defining feature of samadhi is the dissolution of the ego and the realization of unity with the universal consciousness or divine essence. The sense of separation between the observer and the object of meditation disappears.
2. State of Bliss: Samadhi is characterized by an intense and profound sense of bliss and peace. This state goes beyond ordinary happiness and embodies a spiritual joy that arises from deep within.
3. Transcendence of the Mind: In samadhi, the fluctuations of the mind cease entirely. The mind becomes still, and there is no awareness of dualities, such as inner and outer, subject and object, or self and other. It is a state of pure, undisturbed consciousness.
4. Timeless and Spaceless Experience: Time and space lose their meaning in samadhi. The experience is beyond physical dimensions and involves a sense of eternity and infinity.

Types of Samadhi:

1. Savikalpa Samadhi (Lower Samadhi):

• This is an initial stage of samadhi where traces of the ego or individual identity still remain.
• The practitioner experiences profound unity but may still be aware of subtle dualities.
• Thought waves may arise but do not disturb the deep state of meditation.

1. Nirvikalpa Samadhi (Higher Samadhi):

• This is the ultimate form of samadhi, where there is complete absorption and dissolution of the ego.
• No mental fluctuations or traces of individual identity exist; only pure consciousness remains.
• The practitioner experiences true liberation (moksha or kaivalya), free from all attachments and identifications.

How to Reach Samadhi:

• Practice of the Previous Limbs: Mastery over the earlier limbs of yoga—yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana—is essential for achieving samadhi. Each limb prepares the practitioner for this ultimate state of absorption.
• Sustained Meditation: The practice of dhyana (deep meditation) naturally leads into samadhi when concentration becomes so profound that it transitions into oneness.
• Detachment and Letting Go: A critical aspect of reaching samadhi is relinquishing attachment to the ego, thoughts, and worldly desires. This detachment allows the practitioner to experience unity with the divine or universal consciousness.

Benefits of Samadhi:

• Liberation and Enlightenment: Achieving samadhi is often considered the final goal of spiritual practice and brings liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
• Profound Peace and Bliss: The experience of samadhi provides unparalleled inner peace and joy that is not dependent on external circumstances.
• Spiritual Awakening: Leads to a deep and true understanding of the nature of reality and existence.
• Oneness with the Universe: The experience of unity with all that exists fosters a deep sense of compassion and interconnectedness with the world.

Practical Implications:

While samadhi may seem like an esoteric or distant goal, aspects of it can be experienced in moments of deep presence and connection during meditation or other spiritual practices. Even short glimpses of such states can transform a person’s understanding of themselves and their place in the world, inspiring greater empathy, mindfulness, and spiritual fulfillment.

In essence, samadhi represents the pinnacle of the yogic journey, where the individual self merges with the infinite and experiences the profound reality of existence in its truest form.