Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga


Yama- Laws of Life: how we interact with the world
Ahimsa-non-violence
Satya-truth
Asteya-non-stealing
Brahmacharya-moderation
Aparigraha-non-attachment

Niyama- Laws of Living: how we interact with ourselves
Shauca-purity
Santosha-contentment
Tapas-austerity
Swadhyaya-self-study
Ishvara-pranidhana-living with awareness of the Divine

Asana- postures
Sthira Suhkham Asanam-our connection to the earth should be steady and joyful.

Pranayama- breath control
The practice of pranayama purifies and removes distractions from the mind, making it easier to concentrate and meditate.

Pratayahara- withdrawal of the senses
Pratyahara occurs during meditation, breathing exercise, or during asana—any time you are directing your attention inward.

Dharana- concentration
Teaching the mind to focus on one point or image.

Dhyana- meditation
The goal of meditation is not unconsciousness or nothingness, but a heightened awareness and oneness with the universe.

Samadhi- bliss
Pure contemplation, super consciousness, in which you and the universe are one.