EIGHT LIMBS of YOGA YAMA NIYAMA The first two, yama and niyama, contain principles for ethical discipline. They are the basis for the practice of yoga. The yamas, including non-violence, truthfulness, freedom from greed and jealousy, instruct a yogi how they may begin to control the organs of action. These are the arms, legs, mouth, organs of reproduction and excretion. The niyamas teach control of the organs of perception. They are the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. The niyamas include lessons on cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study and self-surrender. Once a yogi has understood these principles they may move on to the next level of practice. ASANA PRANAYAMA PRATYAHARA The next three limbs, listed above, are the practices which leads to the development of the individual. They aim to integrate one’s physiological experience with the psychological and the spiritual. Asanas or postures build the body from within, cultivating strength, stamina and stability. Pranayama is control of the breath. It is through the breath that we may most easily access the connection between our conscious and subconscious experience. Pranayama calms and focuses the mind, relaxes the body, oxygenates the blood, purges the lungs of residual carbon dioxide, soothes anxiety and stress, balances left and right hemispheres of the body, and promotes clear thinking. Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses. It is a practice by which we draw our attention inward to the core of our being. Here we gain self-knowledge. DHARANA DHYANA SAMADHI These last three aspects are the fruit of the practice. They lead to total absorption into a state of bliss. Dharana is concentration or complete attention. Dhyana is meditation. Samadhi is that ultimate state wherein one realizes their union with the Universal.