The Eight Limbs of Patanjala Yoga

Yoga : Self-discipline for self-realization

• Yamas (five restraints for social observances)
  • nonviolence (ahimsa)
  • truthfulness (satya)
  • nonstealing (asteya)
  • celibacy & sensory control (brahmacarya)
  • nonpossessiveness or detachment from material possessions (aparigraha)
• Niyamas (five observances for personal disciplines)
  [austerity, study, surrender = kriya-yoga]
  • purity (sauca)
  • contentment (santosa)
  • austerity (tapas)
  • study (svadhyaya)
  • surrender (isvara pranidhana)
• Asana (yoga postures)
• Pranayama (Breathing (control of vital force):prana, apana, samana, udana, vyana)
  [From yamas to pranayama = hatha-yoga]
• Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from worldly objects)
• Dharana (concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
  [dharana, dhyana, samadhi = samyama]
• Samadhi (spiritual absorption)