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The eight limbs of yoga are 8 steps in a series that lead to purification of the mind and body and help you reach enlightenment or salvation. To perform yoga physically is obviously important but you also need to follow these eight limbs that have their basics in meditation of god.
The following are the eight limbs of yoga that help you connect with yourself so that you may be able to reach a higher mental state. They have been talked about in the Sutras of Yoga:
Yama- teaches you about the basic characteristics that you need to follow while interacting with others. It tells you about how a person should basically be a follower of- Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Satya (truthfulness), Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Aparigraha (non-covetousness).
Niyama- refers to the rules that you must follow while interacting with none other but yourself. The niyamas are personal directives that comprise of - Santosha (contentment), Shaucha (purity), Tapas (disciplined use of or energy), Svadhyaya (self study) and Ishvarapranidhana (worship God).
Asanas- Most of the people know about the physical form of practicing yoga that comprises of practicing the various postures. Postures provide stability, health and balance to your physical self and help keep your body fit. Asana also have their impact on your mental self and they help you keep calm and quite!
Pranayama- The art of correct breathing is something for all to learn. It helps restore and maintain health. Pranayama is focused on teaching you the correct and controlled breathing. It is here for you to note that correct breathing keeps your body healthy at all levels.
Pratyahara- is all about controlling your senses to withdraw them from any external attachments. It is basically a process of drawing back or retreat. As you move on the path of self realization, it is very important for you to withdraw from all the attachments to the external objects that may lead to sensory distractions.
Dharana- takes you to the next level wherein you are expected to concentrate and focus in a single direction. It is all about holding yourself and your concentration so that the mind is still and is able to achieve a stage of complete absorption.
Dhyana- means meditation. It consists of focusing and concentrating on a point with the aim to know the truth behind it. The basic principle that goes in Dhyana is that when you concentrate on to something, your mind actually becomes that thing itself and thus you are able to realize the truth behind it.
Samadhi- is the final stage of yoga where the person has attained the ultimate connection with god. It is a pleasurable state where the individual gets merged with the divine. Your body as well as your senses are at peace during this stage while the mind is still working.
Thus the eight fold path comprising of these eight limbs of yoga indicates a path that leads to physical, ethical, emotional, mental and psycho-spiritual liberation.
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