Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi – together they form the Ashtanga Yogasystem described by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Each limb builds upon the previous one, leading from ethical discipline and physical control to meditation and ultimate freedom.

1. YAMA

– Social Conduct and Ethical Values

The Yamas are moral guidelines that shape our relationship with the outer world.

• Ahimsa – Non-violence
• Satya – Truthfulness
• Asteya – Non-stealing
• Brahmacharya – Moderation in sensual and sexual pleasures
• Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness

These principles form the foundation for inner peace and harmony with others.

2. NIYAMA

– Personal Observance and Self-Reflection

The Niyamas guide our relationship with ourselves and encourage discipline and devotion.

• Saucha – Cleanliness
• Santosha – Contentment
• Tapas – Self-discipline
• Swadhyaya – Self-study
• Ishvarapranidhana – Self-surrender

They nurture self-awareness and cultivate inner strength.

3. ASANA

– Body Posture

Out of 195 Sutras, Patanjali devotes only three to Asana.
He defines it as a posture that is stable and comfortable enough to support undisturbed meditation.
In the practice of Asanas, effort should gradually decrease, and the mind should align with the concept of infinity.
Thus, Asana serves as a preparation for meditation — uniting body, breath, and mind in stillness.

4. PRANAYAMA

– Control of the Life Force

Prana means “life force” or “vital energy,” and Ayama means “control.”
Patanjali describes Pranayama as the pause between inhalation and exhalation.
Through conscious breath regulation, the Prana flows through 72,000 Nadis (energy channels) in the body, harmonising the nervous system and clearing blockages.

There are four basic types of Pranayama:

• Pooraka – Inhalation
• Rechaka – Exhalation
• Kumbhaka – Internal retention
• Kevala Kumbhaka – Suspension of breath

Breath control strengthens and purifies the mind, preparing it for Dharana (concentration).

The Three Main Nadis

• Ida – Left side, lunar energy, cooling, parasympathetic, creative and intuitive
• Pingala – Right side, solar energy, heating, sympathetic, logical and active
• Sushumna – Central channel along the spine, connecting all chakras

Main Pranayama Techniques

Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Balances energy and repairs energy channels.

Bhramari (Bee Sound Breathing)
Activates brain cells and induces relaxation.

Ujjayi (Ocean Breath)
Balances thyroid function; physically warming, mentally cooling.

Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)
Forceful breathing through both nostrils; energising and detoxifying.

Surya Bhedana (Right Nostril Breathing)
Stimulates solar energy, boosts immunity and focus.

Sheetali (Cooling Breath)
Inhaling through a rolled tongue to reduce heat and calm the system.

Sheetkari (Cooling Through Teeth)
Inhaling through closed teeth; lowers stress and body temperature.

Note: Do not practise cooling and heating Pranayamas together.

Pranayama benefits the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of life — improving circulation, calming the mind, balancing emotions, and deepening meditation.

5. PRATYAHARA

– Withdrawal of the Senses

Pratyahara bridges the outer and inner limbs of Yoga — from Bahiranga Yoga (external practices) to Antaranga Yoga(internal practices).
It marks the turning point where the senses withdraw from external distractions and move inward.
We still see, but no longer observe; we still hear, but no longer react.

There are four main forms:

• Control of the senses
• Control of action
• Control of Prana
• Withdrawal of the mind from the senses

6. DHARANA

– Concentration

Dharana is the first stage of meditation, where the mind becomes one-pointed (Ekagra Chitta).
It is the act of consciously focusing on a single object while remaining aware of oneself.
Dharana happens when the thoughts are many, but they all move in one direction — toward one object of focus.

7. DHYANA

– Meditation

In Dhyana, the consciousness of the act of meditation dissolves.
Only the experience of being and the object of focus remain.
It is a continuous flow of identical thoughts toward one object, where distractions fade and deep stillness arises.

8. SAMADHI

– Union

In Samadhi, the meditator and the act of meditation disappear — only pure awareness remains.
It is a state of oneness, where the individual consciousness merges with the universal.

Patanjali describes three levels of Samadhi:

• Savikalpa Samadhi – Transcending mental activity while time and space dissolve.
• Nirvikalpa Samadhi – Ego and impressions (Samskaras) dissolve; only consciousness remains.
• Dharmamegha Samadhi – The final, effortless state of liberation, beyond desire or effort — where divine grace reveals itself.

Here, the mind becomes completely still (Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha), and liberation is attained even while living in the body.