Patanjali Asana

I started studying Yoga when I was 17 with Patanjali Yoga Sutras in various translations, and then read tons of book on various traditions in Yoga (Hatha, Pranayama, Kundalini, etc). First, I would like to present to you my personal compact version / interpretation of the 8 limbs of Yoga योग.

Yoga Sutras are based on atheistic philosophy Samkhya, an orthodox (Astika) and atheistic Hindu system of dualism.

8 Limbs of Yoga

My Short Version

For bliss: 

  • avoid violence, illusion, greed, wastefulness, possessiveness;
  • be clean, content, and engaged; study and respect own mind;
  • exercise and breathe efficiently; 
  • control impulses, abstract, concentrate, and think.

A Longer Version of 8 Limbs of Yoga

External aids to Yoga

Bahiranga Sadhana
  1. Yama refers to the five abstentions: outward observances:
    1. Ahimsa: non-violence.
    2. Satya: non-illusion, truth.
    3. Asteya: non-greed.
    4. Brahmacharya: energy conservation.
    5. Aparigraha: non-possessiveness.
  2. Niyama - inward observances:
    1. Shaucha: cleanliness.
    2. Santosha: contentment.
    3. Tapas: effort.
    4. Svādhyāya: study.
    5. Ishvarapranidhana: acceptance of the fullness of self.
  3. Asana: firm and pleasant postures. A good pose is one that stretches and strengthens simultaneously, in all the ways the body needs, in order to create optimal physical alignment.
  4. Pranayama: extended breathing.
  5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of senses from external objects.

Internal aids to Yoga

Antaranga Sadhana
  1. Dharana: concentration.
  2. Dhyana: meditation. 
  3. Samādhi समाधि, equilibrium ("samā") of a detached intellect ("dhi"): bliss, realization of unity. 
Yoga, Atheism
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