The 8 Branches of
YOGA
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.
Yama (abstinences)
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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.'
Niyama (observances)
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.
Asana (posture)
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.
Pranayama (breathing)
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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.
Pratyahara (Withdraw)
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Dharana is a Sanskrit word that means "centered concentration." Dha means 'keeping or sustaining,' and Ana means 'other' or'something else.'
Dharana (concentration)
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.
Dhyana (meditation)
Many of us understand the term samadhi to mean 'bliss' or 'enlightenment,' and it is the final stage of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras journey.
Samadhi (absorption)