Commonly known as the ‘eight limbs of yoga,’ Ashtanga yoga presents a holistic and all-encompassing method for achieving both spiritual and physical wellness. With its origins deeply intertwined with ancient Indian philosophy, this practice focuses on the connection between mind and body. It provides practitioners with a clear path toward self-discovery and balance. This traditional practice, popularised by K. Pattabhi Jois, has gained global recognition for its structured yet flexible approach to achieving balance, discipline, and inner peace. An energetic and dynamic form of yoga, it is a combination of breathing techniques and movement. In this article, we will understand what is Ashtanga yoga in detail.
Meaning of Ashtanga yoga
The term ‘Ashtanga’ translates to ‘eight limbs’ in Sanskrit, reflecting the eightfold path that forms the foundation of this practice. These limbs, outlined by the sage, Patanjali, in his classical text, the Yoga Sutras, serve as a comprehensive guide to leading a purposeful and meaningful life. The eight limbs are as follows:
- Yamas: The first one is Yamas (i.e., ethical principles). These moral and ethical guidelines guide practitioners in their relationships with others and the world. They include principles such as non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), and non-attachment (aparigraha).
- Niyamas: The second one is Niyamas (i.e., personal observances). Niyamas are self-disciplinary practices that cultivate inner growth and self-awareness. They encompass concepts like purity (saucha), contentment (santosha), and self-study (svadhyaya).
- Asana: Next comes Asana (i.e., physical postures). Asanas are the physical or body postures in yoga. While often associated with the physical aspect of yoga, they serve as a means to prepare the body and mind for meditation and higher states of consciousness.
- Pranayama: Pranayama (i.e., breath control) involves regulation. It is a crucial component of Ashtanga yoga, as it helps harness and direct the life force (prana) within the body, promoting vitality and mental clarity.
- Pratyahara: Pratyahara (i.e., sense withdrawal) is the abandonment of the senses from external stimuli, allowing practitioners to turn their attention inward and detach from sensory distractions.
- Dharana: Dharana (i.e., concentration) is the practice of focused concentration, training the mind to single-pointedness. This prepares the practitioner for deeper states of meditation.
- Dhyana: Next comes Dhyana (i.e., meditation). It is the sustained state of meditation where the mind is fully absorbed in the object of focus, leading to profound insights and inner stillness.
- Samadhi: Lastly comes Samadhi (i.e., self-realisation). In Ashtanga yoga, the ultimate aim is samadhi, a state marked by profound self-realisation and a sense of unity with the universe. It represents a transcendental experience where the practitioner discovers their authentic self and attains liberation, known as moksha.
So, now that you know what Ashtanga yoga is, let’s understand its origin.