The eight limbs of yoga are found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which was compiled almost two thousand years ago in India. The eight limbs of yoga are a series of steps that lead to enlightenment. The best known of the eight limbs is asana, which is the third limb in Patanjali’s philosophy.
The eight limbs are Yama (universal morality with others) Niyama (universal morality towards self), Asanas (physical yoga poses), Pranayama (control of prana through breath), Pratyahara (control of senses), Dharana (concentration and stillness), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (enlightenment).
Although the path to enlightenment is a progression, the eight limbs don’t have to be practiced in sequence. For example, you are probably already practicing the third and fourth limbs in your yoga class and others based on your own moral or religious belief system. The ideas in the yoga sutras are not in conflict with other beliefs or religious traditions.
The first of the eight limbs is yama. Yama is universal morality and describes moral virtues that should be followed. Yama addresses an individual’s interaction with others and describes appropriate behavior in dealing with other people. The five characteristics of yama include non violence, truthfulness, non stealing, non lust, and non possessiveness.
Ahimsa is Non-violence or Compassion for all living things involves more than just not hurting others. One must also practice consideration and kindness to all other beings. Approach all people with a considerate attitude and cause no harm in all situations encountered in day to day life.
Satya is truthfulness and this refers to being truthful, but not in all situations. This is not black and white, but requires contemplation, understanding and thought. You must be truthful, but continue to practice non violence. If another person can be harmed by truthfulness, it is better to remain quiet.
Asteya is non stealing. This yama addresses more than just stealing possessions. It also means not taking advantage of others, acting selfishly, revealing confidential information or abusing power.
Brahmacharya is non lust. This yama refers to not giving into desire. It is described as abstinence, but not necessary complete celibacy. Patanjali believed sexual energy can be used to achieve enlightenment.
Aparigraha is non possessiveness. This involves learning to remove greed from your life and not to hoard wealth. To follow this yama, take only what is needed and let go of attachment to possessions. Don’t take advantage of situations to attain more wealth or possessions. Hoarding wealth is seen as a lack of faith that necessities will be provided.