The Eight Limbs of Yoga.
The "Eight Limbs of Yoga" is a concept that comes from the ancient text of Yoga Sutras, written by the Indian sage Patanjali. These limbs outline a path for individuals seeking to reach a state of union between mind, body, and spirit. The eight limbs are as follows:
- Yama: ethical guidelines, which include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-possessiveness.
- Niyama: self-discipline, which includes purity, contentment, self-study, and surrender to a higher power.
- Asana: physical postures that help cultivate strength, balance, and flexibility.
- Pranayama: breath control, which helps to develop awareness and control of the breath.
- Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses, which involves turning inward and disconnecting from external stimuli.
- Dharana: concentration, which involves focusing the mind on a single point or object.
- Dhyana: meditation, which involves sustained concentration on an object or point of focus.
- Samadhi: a state of ecstasy and deep connection with the universe or higher power, which is the ultimate goal of yoga.
These eight limbs are interconnected and build upon one another, and practicing all of them is said to lead to a state of peace, contentment, and unity within oneself and with the world.
How do these 8 Limbs show up in your life?
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