In the journey of Ashtanga Yoga, the last three limbs—Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi—represent the pinnacle of yogic practice. These advanced stages guide practitioners from focused concentration to deep meditation, ultimately leading to a state of enlightenment. In this blog article, we will delve into these final limbs, their significance in a holistic yoga practice, their benefits, and how they can be practiced.
Pratyahara, often referred to as “withdrawal of the senses,” is about learning to tune out external distractions and turn our focus inward. This practice sets the stage for deeper concentration (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana), which follow in the last three limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Let’s take a closer look at what Pratyahara is all about, why it’s important, and how you can practice it.
The fourth limb, Pranayama, is often translated as “breath control” but carries a deeper significance. The term is derived from two Sanskrit words: “prana,” meaning life force or vital energy, and “ayama,” meaning expansion or control. Pranayama, therefore, refers to the regulation and expansion of the life force through deliberate breathing techniques. In traditional yogic philosophy, there is a belief that one’s lifespan is measured in breaths.
The third limb is Asana, which refers to the physical postures of yoga. The word “Asana” comes from the Sanskrit root “ās” which means “to sit” or “to be established in a particular position.” The original purpose of the physical practice of yoga, known as Asana, was to prepare the body for prolonged periods of meditation and to facilitate the spiritual journey toward self-realization and enlightenment.
Following the Yamas, which provide ethical guidelines for our interactions with the external world, the second of the eight limbs is the Niyamas. These are personal observances or disciplines that guide our inner growth and help us cultivate a positive and harmonious inner life. Hereby, Ni (नि) translates to “within” and Yama (यम) to “restraint”. The Niyamas consist of five principles that support the development of self-discipline, purity, and contentment.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of classical yoga philosophy, outline an eight-limbed path to above mentioned enlightenment and self-realization. The first of the eight limbs are the Yamas. The Yamas are ethical guidelines or moral imperatives that govern our behavior and interactions with the world around us. The Yamas are the foundation upon which a yogic lifestyle is built and provide a moral compass.
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