As a concept, the eight limbs of yoga provide a model for human ‘being’. We commence with the most manageable limb, but the limbs occur simultaneously. They have a sense of progression, however they are not necessarily hierarchical. As we progress, the previous steps need to be maintained.
The first five limbs are the ‘outer limbs’; they are concerned more with the external, with our relationship to the outer world, and gradually we are moving to the most subtle aspects of ourselves, from the outside to the inside. The last three limbs, called the higher limbs ‘antaranga’, concern consciousness and describe three progressive stages on the way to inner peace or spiritual liberation.
The limbs:
1. Yamas
Don’ts; general disciplines, which are largely related to our social interactions;
ethical and moral codes of behaviour, observations; how to relate to the
outside world/environment.
They bring awareness to the fact that yoga is not just physical health and that it does not prescribe a solitary spiritual existence, but that we have social relationships with others; they relate to the external world. The ‘Yamas’ aren’t necessarily regarded as a preparation for asanas and pranayama, pointing to the fact that there is no hierarchical system within the eight limbs. They are the foundations for the refinement of the mind/reduction of the ‘Kleshas’, and the developing of clarity of mind. They form the foundation of the notion of ‘Kriya’ Yoga.
2. Niyamas
Do’s; personal precepts, observances; human values, cultivating certain values of self-discipline; a path to refine the mind; self-conduct and study; how to relate to oneself.
3. Asanas
The practice of postures; a stable and comfortable seat – sthira sukhamasanam – Sutra II.46; being firmly established in a happy state.
4. Pranayama
Control and extension of the breath; extension of life force. Lifting of the veil, which clouds the inner light. Cultivates the quality of non-reactivness; it is supposed to sooth the nervous system. It’s practice helps us better manage the energies that animate the body; linked to the emotions.
5. Pratyahara
Giving the senses a new and inward directed focus; creating inward awareness; understanding and practicing an appropriate role of the senses; to change the focus of the mind from external objects to internal objects. This is not simply ‘sense withdrawal’, but being able to shift the focus of the mind to the internal.
This involves changing the patterns of the mind from being heavily influenced by the senses; so that the mind chooses how to react when ‘seeing’, ‘smelling’ etc certain things. ‘The mind is the slave of the senses’: – this pattern needs to change so that past experiences, which created pain, can be
avoided (controlling the ‘Kleshas’). By shifting the focus of the mind towards internal processes, we are not asked to deprive ourselves. Effort is involved initially and this process can be uncomfortable, as we might want something very strongly: – the mind is changing it’s ‘diet’. Practicing pratyahara is not self-denial, but choosing what is good for us.
praty = opposite
ahara = food
changing the ‘diet’ of our mind from the senses, to the minds own processes (internal).
6. Dharana
Concentration; to give direction; to hold our attention, contemplation. The concentration/meditation focus has already begun with the previous five limbs. The function of the mind, where we direct the mind to a subject, object, or topic.
The ability to choose clearly, to discriminate; beginning the process of choosing a focus of the mind and following it without being distracted by what might come along through the senses.
7. Dhyana
Dhyana is Meditation. In yoga, meditation is a practice and a state of mind. There are three levels of the mind (from superficial to deepening):
- Manas – information – what the senses perceive and process
- Citta – knowledge – relates to the five functions of the mind
- Pratyaya – wisdom – when we access our ‘deeper understanding’ of things
Without being established in the first five limbs, meditation is not possible.
Prerequisites for meditation:
- steady breath
- good posture
- manas mind bound
- citta mind bound: i.e.
- Dharana needs to be established first. The deeper level of the mind, pratyaya, becomes one with the focus of the direction we have chosen. Dharana: at this level the citta mind is strongly bound i.e. more effort is involved;
- Dhyana: at this level the mind is more fluid i.e. the practitioner has reached a level where, for binding the citta mind, less effort is required. Salt dissolved in water: Salt is more fluid; and the fluid is more salty. The mind has a steadiness about it, which is less subject to influences like e.g. ‘memory’ (smrti – one of the functions of the mind).
8. Samadhi
Self-realization, enlightenment; absorption, oneness; bliss; perfect, complete integration. Samadhi is a state, not a practice; it arises through the benefit of practicing the previous limbs. Meditation refines the mind. It is not sustainable over long time, but the state of yoga is sustainable over long time.