Ashtanga Yoga “The Eight Limbs of Yoga”

Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, compares the eight aspects of yoga to limbs on a tree. As the tree grows steady and gradual so does our wisdom and spirituality unfold. David Swenson, in his book Ashtanga Yoga, correlates all the different styles and approaches to yoga to a forest filled with variety and color and where every tree has the same goal, to reach towards the light. “One tree’s method is not better than another’s. Each species has individual characteristics which enable it to grow to its greatest potential.” (D. Swenson, Ashtanga Yoga, 1999). It does not matter which yoga practice you choose because the purpose is the same, to grow towards the Devine Light.


With practice our tree begins to sprout. As we nourish our tree by regular practice the eight limbs begin to develop. The eight limbs of yoga are:

• Yama – Ethical disciplines or moral restraints
•  Ahimsa – Kindness
• Satya – Truthfulness
• Asteya – Non-stealing
• Brahmacharya – Moderation
•  Aparigraha – Generosity

•  Niyamas – Personal observations
• Saucha - Purity
•  Santosa - Contentment
• Tapas - Austerity
• Svadhyaya - Self Study
• Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender 

• Asana – Body Postures
• Pranayama – Mindful breathing
• Pratyahara – Turning Inward
• Dharana – Concentration
• Dhyana – Meditation and reflection
• Samadhi – Union with the Devine 

Just as a tree develops its limbs at different stages, so are we developing in our yoga practice. There is no particular sequence to the eight limbs, they sprout when the time is right. Patience is important because you cannot rush the growth of the tree. There is only one way to reap the fruit and that is to keep practicing.

Please join us in our practice of the eight limbs of yoga!


Namaste,

Betsy and Jesse