Yogic Philosophy Explained: Using the 8 Limb Path to Yoga To Enhance Your Practice

Yoga is a philosophy that combines ethical, physical, mental and spiritual practices to heal the body and transform the mind. The goal of a yoga practice is to achieve “Shanti” (“peace”) by developing a relationship to self and consistent communication with a higher power. The philosophy teaches this is achievable through the Eight Limb Path to Yoga, a set of principles developed by Indian philosopher, Patanjali.  

Patanjali is coined as the “Father of Yoga” for his leadership in the yoga movement. In his most popular text, The Eight Limbs of Yoga, the yogic path is organized into eight sections, guiding students to find a higher purpose, achieve enlightenment and lead a meaningful life through the practice of yoga and meditation. Often, the Eight Limb Path is either taught with an abundance of indigestible information, or too little, appearing vague and confusing.

Here is a visual to better understand the purpose and organization of the yogic path:

Now let’s break down each limb to further understand of how the philosophy of each will deepen your yoga practice:  

1. Yamas, are a moral and ethical code of personal conduct guiding conscious behavior:

• Practice non-violence by refraining from using harmful words or destructive actions.

• Embody truth by living with integrity and being honest with yourself and the world.  

• Refrain from stealing physical items, time, or energy of others.  

• Apply moderation by adhering to a disciplined lifestyle, focused on balance without bingeing or restricting. 

• Free yourself from greed by practicing reckless generosity, ceasing to hoard.

*This code of conduct establishes your relationship with society.

2. Niyamas are lifestyle habits for developing self- discipline and establishing self-worth:

• Keep all internal and external spaces organized and clean.

• Find contentment in life through acceptance, self-compassion and non-judgement.   

• Develop self-discipline in any lifestyle habit that generates positive change.  

• Consistently engage in self-study to consciously improve yourself.  

• Devote your life to God to silence the Ego and lead a meaningful life.

*These lifestyle choices establish the relationship you sustain with yourself.

3. Asanas pertain to the physical practice of yoga.

The asanas challenge the body by contorting it beyond its point of flexibility – igniting the body’s natural detoxification process, strengthening muscles and healing the spine. This limb challenges any preconceived limitations of the physical body to expand its comfort zone.

*Explore how the body heals through conscious movement and traditional stretches.

4. Pranayama is a breathwork practice that amplifies the benefits of the asanas.

Consciously controlling the breath, through lengthy inhalations and exhalations, stabilizes the central nervous system by reducing anxiety, releasing stress, and regulating emotions – contributing to improved mental clarity.

*Utilize various breathwork patterns to ignite the body’s natural healing abilities.

5. Pratyahara, focuses on controlling the senses, teaching the benefits of inward mental focus by withdrawing attention from the five senses. 

Understanding how distractions of the external world stimulate the body’s sensory preceptors, Pratyahara does not encourage the avoidance of stimulation, but to consciously respond to it, cultivating discipline and moderation – essential attributes for the next limb.

*Observe the world around you, without responding to it.

6. Dharana teaches concentration of the mind

When the mind is withdrawn from the five senses, it can concentrate energy on a single focal point – whether an object, scene, or vision – and transition into theta brain waves which places the body into a state of deep tranquility. This allows for greater communication with self, and a higher power.

*Sit in silence to still your mind and focus your thoughts on one thing.

7. Dhyana is a state of meditation on the Divine

This is a mental practice of continuous, uninterrupted flow of consciousness towards a chosen object. This intense concentration helps you transcend into deep delta brain waves guiding the body and mind to enter a meditative, flow like, state.

*Focus your attention on God while in this state of stillness.

8. The final limb, Samadhi, pertains to a union with Divine energy

This is a blissful state of deep meditative liberation when the mind is unified with a higher power and free from worldly distractions. This experience cultivates moments complete inner peace, where one feels more connected with a higher power than one’s physical body.

*Bask in the peaceful state and receive the divine messages intended for you to take inspired action, follow your intuition, and live in harmony.

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The philosophy of yoga teaches there are two components to the human being: the physical body and the spiritual body. The physical is composed of muscular and biological systems, and the spiritual of emotional and psychological systems. In English, “yoga” translates to “yoke” or “join”. The goal of the Eight Limb Path to Yoga is to unite the physical and the spiritual bodies, creating a relationship between them.

Yoga is a devotional practice focusing beyond simply stretching limbs or strengthening the core: it’s a methodology to override mental chatter and create a home within oneself. Apply the Eight Limb Path to your practice and observe how it can transform your physical and mental states – freeing the mind of attachments and releasing residual stress. Time spent on the mat will feel more valuable and your future self will thank you.

Join a yoga class hosted by the JIM to explore these limbs further and continue exploring the wonderful healing components of your yoga practice -- on and off your mat.  

How do you believe the 8 Limbs will improve your yoga practice? Share with us in the comments section.