The 8 Limbs of Yoga The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit. What is commonly referred to as our ‘Western yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity. 1. Yama is 5 Ethical guidelines to moral behavior: nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, nonlust and noncovetness.

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2. Nivama is 5 ethical guidelines regarding moral behavior to oneself: cleanliness, contentment, sustained practice, self study and surrender to God.

3. Asana is the practice of yoga postures.

4. Pranayama is the practice of breathing exercises.

5. Pratyahara is the withdrawal of the senses, meaning that the exterior world is not a distraction from the interior world within oneself.

6. Dharana is concentration, meaning the ability to focus on something uninterrupted by external or internal distractions.

7. Dhyana is meditation. Building upon Dharana, the concentration is no longer focused on a single thing but is all encompassing.

8. Samadhi is bliss. Building upon Dhyana, the transcendence of the self through meditation. The merging of the self with the universe. Sometimes translated as enlightenment.

Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine.
Confidence through self-control. Energy within and energy without.
- Ymber Delecto