Ashtanga Yoga (Patanjali's Ashtanga yoga - Eight limb / step yoga)

Eight Limbs of Ashtanga yoga

1. Yama (Principles or moral code)
   • Ahimsa - A principle of non-violence
   • Satya - A principle of Truthfulness
   • Asteya - A principle of non stealing
   • Brahmacharya - Continence / Celibacy
   • Aparigah - A principle of non-hoarding or non possessiveness
2. Niyama (Personal Disciplines)
• Shoucha - Purity
• Santosh - Contentment
• Tapa - Endurance
• Swadhyaya - Self study
• Eshwar Pranidhan - Dedication
3. Asana (Yoga Positions or Yogic Postures)
   

   A stable and comfortable posture which helps attain mental equilibrium.

4. Pranayama (Yogic Breathing)
   

   Extension and control of breath.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)
   

   A mental preparation to increase the power of mind.

6. Dharana (Concentration on Object)
   

   Concentration of mind on one object and its field.

7. Dhyan (Meditation)
   

   With drawing mind from all external objects and Focusing it on one point and meditating on it.

8. Samadhi (Salvation)

   State of Super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to universal consciousness. Union between Jivatman and Paramatman. Union of Shiva and Shakti in Sahasrar Chakra (the top of the head). Realizing the Bramhan (pure consciousness) or Realization of God is the ultimate achievement of Human Birth.

Background of Ashtanga yoga