Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama

Moral disciplines focusing on our interactions with the world (ethical standards)

Niyama

Internal duties for self-discipline and spiritual growth (personal observations)

Asanas

Physical Postures. The physical practice designed to keep the body healthy and prepare it to sit steadily for meditation.

Pranayama

Breath Control. Techniques to regulate breath and control the flow of vital life force (prana) through the body.

Pratyahara

Sense withdrawal. The intentional shifting of focus inward by detaching the mind from the distractions of the external.

Dharana

Concentration. The practice of deep, unwavering focus on a single point or object.

Dhyana

Meditation. A state of continuous, uninterrupted meditative absorption where the mind remains focused without effort.

Samadhi

Enlightenment. The final stage of complete harmony and blissful union with the universal consciousness or true self.

Ahimsa

Non-violence, non-harming. 1st Yama

Satya

Truthfulness. 2nd Yama

Asteya

Non-Stealing. 3rd Yama.

Brachmacharya

Restraint, Moderation control. 4th Yama

Aparigraha

Non-possessiveness. 5th Yama

Saucha

Cleanliness, Purity. 1st Niyama.

Santosha

Contentment. 2nd Niyama.

Tapas

Self Discipline, Inner fire. 3rd Niyama.

Svadhyaya

Self-study. 4th Niyama.

Ishvarapranidhana

Surrender to higher power, dedication to the lord. 5th Niyama.