The Eight Limbs of Yoga: A Journey Through Ashtang Yoga

ABSTRACT

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj," which means "to join." This essentially refers to the integration of body, mind, and soul. Ayurvedic and yoga principles are most likely similar, if not identical. Ayurveda will improve mental and physical health through lifestyle and dietary changes, whereas yoga will unify mind, body, and consciousness. Yoga strengthens the mind by connecting it with the self, soul, or Atma.

INTRODUCTION

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EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA

1. Yama: Social ethics/restraints

The yama is the first stage of ashtang yoga; this represents the practice of self-restraint. This involves abstaining from actions like lying, stealing and violence and also involves being mindful of one's consumption of natural resources. They are in five numbers, as discussed below:

• Ahimsa: (nonviolence) means not physically harming others, ourselves, or nature, as well as not thinking negatively about others or ourselves. Also, make sure that whatever we do and how we do it is beneficial rather than harmful.
• Satya: (truthfulness) The word 'sat' literally means true essence or unchanging. Satya also inspires us to always speak the truth, which helps to boost integrity and fills our inner soul with positivity.
• Asteya: (non-stealing) By keeping our mind and heart free of greed, we can be more generous.
• Brahmacharya: (celibacy) Brahmacharya can be defined as the proper use of energy, which involves redirecting our energy away from external desires. It also refers to sensory moderation, which means controlling one's impulses and excitement.
• Aparigraha (unenvious/non-greed): This important yama teaches us to take only what we need. One should limit his/her demands. likewise, nature has gifted us all the necessary things.

2. Niyama (Rules, Guidelines Or Observances)

This is the second limb of the eight limbs that basically describes rules and regulations that one needs to follow for personal and spiritual discipline. This comprises five principles, as mentioned below:

• Shaucha (Purity): One must protect themselves from negativity, so it is critical to choose their surroundings carefully. The principles and practices of asana, pranayama and meditation are aimed at cleansing the mind and body. By doing deep meditation sessions for a few minutes, one can be free from stress and bad thoughts, and they can reach the highest spirituality.
• Santosha (bliss): This basically involves accepting and appreciating yourself. This niyama can also help you get rid of the past and set your mind free from expectations.
• Tapas (purification): this simply means self-discipline and maintaining strong willpower. Tapas help in controlling the premature impulses of the mind.
• Swadhyaya (simple self-observation): This is an essential component of kriya yoga; swadhayay is self-study as recommended by the yoga sutras—because one is not in yoga unless they are observing themselves and learning from it. Learning from daily experiences allows one to connect with divine powers.
• Ishwara Pranidhana (devotion): The fifth form of Niyama entails surrendering to God or one's higher self. Like, show your appreciation, love, and kindness to others. Be vulnerable and set boundaries.

3. Asana (Yoga postures)

When practicing yoga, it is important to be mindful of the sitting posture. Furthermore, classical yoga requires that the pose be stable and comfortable, solid yet relaxed. The asanas are a set of postures that help to maintain overall body health. Several asanas in yoga are described as ways to prevent and treat a variety of diseases.

4. Pranayama (Breath Regulation)

This technique is basically involved in controlling and regulating the breathing phenomenon. These are of three types:

• Rechaka/Bahyavritti pranayama entails holding and controlling breathing outside the body.
• Pooraka/Aabhyantra vritti pranyama involves holding and controlling breathing within the body.
• Stambha Vritti pranyama is the practice of blocking the prana vata at its natural location, which can be inside or outside the body.

5. Prathyahara (Senses Restriction)

It is a method of withdrawing the senses from sensual pleasures. This limb of yoga allows one to remain attached to oneself while being detached from objects of enjoyment or worldly pleasure as perceived by the sense organs and mind.

6. Dharna (Concentration Of Mind)

Dharna is an art of focusing the mind over an object or subject so as to inculcate concentration.

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

It entails focusing the mind on a single object and its sphere. Meditation will increase willpower and focus, which will undoubtedly lead to success.

8. Samadhi (Oneness Of Mind With The Soul)

Samadhi means unity of mind with its object of meditation. This is actually a state of bliss, joy, and consciousness merger.

AIMS OF ASHTANG YOGA

Yoga in a simple way this is the practice that aims to improve your physical and mental health and will develop a deeper concentration with yourself. Our body can not only be healed by medications and other formulations, but one can be healed internally by the forms of yoga. Yoga mantras can help you look better on the inside and out. The primary goal of Ashtang yoga is to improve mental and physical health. It also promotes mindfulness by encouraging you to focus on your breath and body. The aim of yoga is self-realization, to overcome all kinds of sufferings leading to the state of liberation (moksha) or freedom (kaivalya).

BENEFITS OF ASHTANG YOGA

Yoga encompasses numerous physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects. Everyone wants to be healthy and wise at no cost or naturally. And everything is inherent in our nature if we look at it from a positive perspective.

Physical Benefits Of Doing Yoga

• Ashtang yoga structured sequences of poses that help build muscle strength. By doing so, this can also overcome the varicose veins and improve blood circulation.
• A few dynamic ashtang yoga poses help improve flexibility in the joints, muscles and tendons.
• Also, if anyone is suffering from chronic pain, the yoga asanas will help in reducing such aches without any harm.
• It is also mandatory to improve the sitting positions. Many people suffer from backaches, so Ashtang yoga may help to alleviate these problems.

Mental Benefits Of Doing Yoga

• The disciplined nature of Ashtang yoga can help in improving concentration, focus and mental clarity. By giving time for yoga in the morning, this can enhance and build our minds strong so that we can be more focused towards goals.
• Stress is the most common thing in everyone; however, it can be overcome by practicing ashtang yoga, which combines breath control, movement, and mindfulness to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• One can even be free of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as sleeplessness, anxiety, migraines, and cancer symptoms relief.

Spiritual Benefits Of Doing Yoga

• Aside from the physical and psychological benefits, yoga has a significant impact on spiritual energy, self-consciousness, and mindfulness.
• This can help you grow and reach your full potential. These can only be fulfilled through Dhyana (abstract meditation). Studies have also shown that regular Dhyana practice activates many parts of the brain and releases neurotransmitter enzymes, which increase mental awareness.
• Yoga increases awareness of our bodies, feelings, and the world around us. This encourages the interdependence of mind, body, and spirit.

CONCLUSION

Ashtang yoga is extremely important in Ayurveda because it is the only way to heal using nature or natural aspects. The above-mentioned types of yoga demonstrated everything, such as the ability to perform yoga asanas and postures freely. Living in any suitable environment can help one learn yoga while also becoming aware of the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. When wisdom is established, it is possible to achieve a state of yoga. Yoga is presented as a way of understanding and approaching life.