8 Limbs of Yoga

The problem of controlling the mind is not capable of easy solution, so here's eight limbs of yoga through you can find your solution to controlling your mind and body and soul.
                        The name “8 Limbs” comes from the Sanskrit term Ashtanga and refers to the eight limbs of yoga:
        1.Yama(universal moral commandments)
        2.Niyama(self purification by discipline)
        3.Asana(posture)
        4.Pranayama(rhythmic control of the       breath)
        5.Pratyahara(withdrawal and emancipation of the mind from the domination of the senses and exterior objects)
       6. Dharna(concentration)
       7. Dyana(maditation)
       8. Samadhi(a state of super - consciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which the individual aspirant becomes one with object of his medication - Parmatma or the Universal Spirit.
   

A yama is a duty or observance recommended by yogic philosophy and teaching as part of the eight-limbed path of yoga.  

Yamas are the moral, ethical and spiritual guidelines of a person aspiring to reach balance, health, and well-being leading to spiritual development. There are five different characteristics, and these can be observed in our actions, words and thoughts. They help us to purify our nature and form a healthier and happier society. 

1. Ahimsa  (Non voilence)-  is the practice of non-violence, which includes physical, mental, and emotional violence towards others and the self.           
2. Satya (Truthfulness)-  urges us to live and speak our truth at all times.                                                                       
3. Asteya(Non-stealing)-   is best defined as not taking what is not freely given.                                                                 
4. Brahmacharya (Sense Control)-   states that when we have control over our physical impulses of excess, we attain knowledge, vigor, and increased energy.                                                        
5. Aparigraha (Non coveting)- urges us to let go of everything that we do not need, possessing only as much as necessary.
                               

The word ‘Niyama’ often translates as ‘positive duties’ or ‘observances’, and are thought of as recommended habits for healthy living and ‘spiritual existence’. 

                    While Yamas are aimed at a balanced interface with society, Niyamas are aimed at creating inner strength and discipline in order to take up subsequent higher yogic practices. Niyamas are inner restraints and observances or obligations

                  The five niyamas are constructive tools for cultivating happiness and self-confidence; the opportunities to practice them arise every day.Here is a brief description of each niyama, along with helpful tips to put your spirituality into action.

1. Saucha (cleanliness)  
2. Santosha (contentment)
3. Tapas (Discipline)
4. Svadhyaya(Study of the self and of the texts)
5. Isvara Pranidha (Surrender to higher being) 

                 An Asana is a Sanskrit term which is often translated as “posture” or “pose.” Asana can also be translated as “a steady, comfortable seat,” particularly for the purpose of meditation.
                   Asana is a body posture, originally and still a general term for a sitting meditation pose, and later extended in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise, to any type of pose or position, adding reclining, standing, invert
Relief from Stress and Anxiety.
                                                              Benefits of asana:
Enhanced Awareness: A lot of our problems stem from the fact that we can’t focus on the present. But with regular practice of Yoga, the awareness regarding the present is significantly increased, which aids in keeping the mind cool.
Boost to Immunity: Our immune systems must be in great shape to fight off the numerous diseases and infections that come their way. Unfortunately, regular bouts of anxiety can play their part in lowering immunity. Thankfully, Yogasana ensures that the immune system stays at the top of its game.
Lower Fatigue Levels: Fatigue leads to poor quality of work and for many, workplace absenteeism. With regular Yoga practice, you can expect your fatigue levels to drop down, and a rejuvenated way of looking at life.
The Benefits
Sound Physical and Mental Health: A healthy body needs a healthy mind to live well, and vice versa. The practice of Yoga ensures that both aspects of health, the physical and the mental, stay connected to each other, and most importantly, stay in tip-top shape.
                

     Pranayama is the conscious and deliberate control and regulation of the breath (Prana means breath, ayam means to control, to regulate). With each breath we absorb not only oxygen, but also Prana. Prana is cosmic energy, the power in the Universe that creates, preserves and changes. It is the basic element of life and consciousness. Prana is also found in food, therefore it is very important to have a healthy and wholesome vegetarian diet.  

   Pranayama, a form of Yoga breathing

Pranayama is not a simple breathing exercise yet it is a scientific breathing process where control over prana is achieved. 

                                                     Pranayama is the connecting link between physical (asanas) and mental (meditation) yogic practices.

      Significance & importance of Pranayama:

Pranayama is one of the important vital components of Yoga that directly or indirectly affects the proper functioning of different systems of the body.  If you practice pranayama regularly, it shows beneficial impacts upon respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system and endocrine system. Pranayama ensures more oxygen to lungs and good for hearts too. Pranayama tones up kidney and control the functions of nervous system. Kumbhaka or retention of breath helps supply of oxygen or exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide thus facilitates better work of lungs and helps brain to work more efficiently.  Pranayama affects autonomic nervous system which controls heart rate, glandular secretions, respiration, digestion and blood pressure.
                   Pratyahara
          In a world of information overload, the yoga practice of pratyahara offers us a haven of silence.

            Pratyahara is derived from the Sanskrit roots prati, meaning "away" or "against," and ahara, meaning "nourishment" or "food." Therefore, the whole word denotes a withdrawal from what nourishes the senses.

              Pratyahara comes after the earlier limbs of yoga because, before the senses are turned inwards the mind must be purified and calmed by yama, niyama and pranayama. When the senses are withdrawn, they become absorbed by the mind itself, rather than engaging the mind with the external environment. It is said that this allows the practitioner to experience the true inner Self.

                   It takes years to develop a practice of pratyahara. But, once it is established, it allows the mind to become peaceful so that good concentration and meditation can be developed. It is said that once someone has mastered pratyahara, they will never again experience distraction or need to withdraw from the world in order to meditate. They will simply be able to turn the senses inward. As such, pratyahara gives the practitioner power.

               Pratyahara can be practiced during pranayama, bringing the focus away from external stimuli and onto the breath. It can also be developed through the first stages of yoga nidra ("yogic sleep"), where all the senses are withdrawn, except for hearing, and focus is shifted only to the instructions of guided meditation.
                                                                        Dharna

The last three limbs of Ashtanga yoga — dharana, dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (enlightenment) — are collectively referred to as sanyam, which means "control." Patanjali explains dharana as the binding of attention to anything more than a single spot. He also states that the last three limbs should be considered together, as they are progressive stages of concentration.

Practicing dharana leads the practitioner to dhyana, which is the next stage of Ashtanga yoga. Dharana is the practice of concentrating on a particular subject, and dhyana is the state in which total concentration is achieved. This eventually leads to the eighth limb, samadhi, which is the deepest stage of concentration.

To practice dharana, the individual should choose a calm place and assume a comfortable seated position. The eyes can be kept shut to focus on a chakra or mantra, or they can remain open to fix the vision and mind on an external object. Beginners can practice dharana for about 10 minutes, then increase the duration as they advance.

Yoga can help an individual master the art of dharana because it involves focusing on the breath, body or even a mantra. Regular practice of dharana enhances yoga practice by improving the practitioner's ability to remain focused, no matter what they are doing. It trains the mind to remain calm and increases mental strength

                                                    

                                                                             Dhyana

Dhyana is the 7th limb of yoga, building upon asana (physical posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (control of the senses, moving the focus to the inside), and dharana (concentration). The word dhyana comes from the   Sanskrit word dhyai, which means "to think of. "  Dhyana involves concentration and meditation on a point of focus with the intention of knowing the truth about it. This deeper concentration of the mind is the instrument of self-knowledge where one can separate illusion from reality, and eventually, reach the ultimate goal of yoga: samadhi (bliss, or union with the source).

     

                                                                    Samadhi

When you have traveled through the seven limbs of yoga, when you have found ways to deal with yourself and the world, moved your body and your breath, when you have removed external stimuli, focused your mind and meditated, you are getting ready for the highest state of consciousness.

Samadhi, Bliss, the union with the Whole and oneness with the Universe, is something that cannot be explained in words. It's something each individual must try to experience on his own.