The eight-fold path Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama

Niyama

Asana 

Pranayama  

Pratyahara  

Dharana  

Dhyana  

Samadhi 

Yama:

The yamas relate to one’s integrity, standards of conduct and ethics. 
 In general the yamas are a personal code of conduct in how one treats another.

The Five Yamas: 


Ahimsa: nonviolence

Satya: truthfulness 

Asteya: nonstealing

Brahmacharya: responsible behavior and contiousness of consequence

Aparigraha: noncovetousness and moderation

Niyama

Niyama:The niyamas relate to one’s spiritual practices and personal disciplines.

The Five Niyamas:

Saucha: cleanliness, hygene, and purity

Santosha: contentment

Tapas: austerity, self-discipline

 Swadhyaya: self-study, study of sutras or scriptures

Ishwara Pranidhyoura: devotion to your higher power and surrender

Asana:


Steady Posture
Asana is physical posture. In western culture we are typically strongest in this area. Through asana we develop physical strength, eliminate toxins, dissolve tension, increase mobility, and stimulate blood circulation.

Pranayama:


Control of prana and life-force expansion


Pranayama is expansion of life-force through the practice of breath control.
Control of one’s breath leads to control of one’s mind and thoughts;
which in turn helps us to find our inner peace and connect with our higher power.

Pratyahara:


Withdrawl from the physical senses

Pratyahara is the practice of removing ourselves from the over-stimulation of our senses by the external world, and drawing ourselves inward to experience the internal self. I like to associate this part as being alone with my thoughts.

Dharana:

This is the practice of focus and concentration. Chants, mantras and affirmations are often part of this practice, as they help hold the mind to a specific thought or idea. 

I am that

May I be filled with loving kindnessMay I be wellMay I be peaceful and at ease May I be happy

I allow that which is going to go. I allow that which is coming to come.

Just This

May we together be protected. May we together be nourished. May we work together with vigor. May our study be illuminating. May we be free from discord.

Om

Peace, Peace, Peace!

Samadhi

Samadhi is the absolute surrender to your higher power. It is the ecstatic and  transcendent merge with the divine.

Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit One Breath At A Time