The 8 Limbs of Yoga – A Path to Wholeness, Not Perfection

When I first stepped onto my yoga mat, I thought yoga was all about movement. Flowing from Down Dog to Warrior. Feeling strong, flexible, aligned.

But the deeper I went, the more I realized: Yoga isn’t just a practice—it’s a path.

A path that’s ancient, wise, and beautifully layered.

A path called: the 8 Limbs of Yoga.

What Are the 8 Limbs of Yoga?

The Eight Limbs (or Ashtanga in Sanskrit) come from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational yogic text written over 2,000 years ago.

They offer a step-by-step guide to living with awareness, not only on the mat but in every breath, every relationship, every choice.

Let’s walk them together:

1.

Yama – Ethical Foundations

How we relate to the world around us.

The Yamas are like moral compass points. They teach us non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), energy integrity (Brahmacharya) and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha).

They remind us: How we treat others is how we treat ourselves.

2.

Niyama – Inner Observances

How we relate to ourselves.

This limb speaks to self-discipline (Tapas), contentment (Santosha), cleanliness (Shaucha), study of the Self (Svadhyaya), and surrender (Ishvarapranidhana).

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present with what is, with honesty and compassion.

3.

Asana – The Physical Postures

The part most of us know well.

But originally, asana meant simply: a steady, comfortable seat for meditation.

Today, it’s evolved into a vast practice of movement. Still, its purpose remains: prepare the body so the mind can settle.

4.

Pranayama – Breath Awareness

The bridge between body and mind.

With techniques like Ujjayi, Viloma, or Nadi Shodhana, we begin to regulate our energy, soothe our nervous system, and create inner spaciousness.

The breath is the rhythm of presence—and the key to stillness.

5.

Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the Senses

Turning inward.

In a world that pulls our attention in all directions, Pratyahara invites us to pause. To detach from external distractions and come home to our inner landscape.

It’s the gateway to meditation—and deep self-inquiry.

6.

Dharana – Focused Concentration

Like a candle flame in still air.

Dharana is the art of keeping the mind steady—whether it’s by focusing on the breath, a mantra, or a visual object. It’s not about emptying the mind but training it to stay.

7.

Dhyana – Meditation

Beyond doing. Simply being.

In Dhyana, there is no effort, only a natural flow of awareness. You’re not watching the breath anymore—you are the breath.

Not observing the moment—you are the moment.

8.

Samadhi – Union

The ultimate merging.

This is the state where individual self dissolves into universal consciousness. Words fall away. Time disappears.

Not a goal to achieve—but a state to remember.

Why It Matters

Yoga is not just what we do—it’s how we live.

The 8 Limbs are not stairs to climb, but aspects of a circle—interwoven, alive, and always available.

Some days, I try to live with satya.

Other days, I need Santosha more than a headstand.

And sometimes, just coming back to my breath is the most sacred practice of all.

Let This Be Your Invitation

To explore. To soften.

To see yoga not as a performance, but as a gentle remembering of who you are.

With love,

Marie