Muni's PlayThe Eight Limbs of Yoga (Aṣṭāṅga) are the practical steps outlined by Patanjali to achieve the goal of Yoga—the cessation of mind-waves (Vrittis) and the realization of the Self. These limbs range from external ethical codes to internal states of deep absorption (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.29).
| # | Limb | Sanskrit | Transliteration | Definition / Key Concept | Key Sutras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restraints | यम | 5 Yamas | Social ethics and self-restraint | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.30–Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.31 |
| 2 | Observances | नियम | 5 Niyamas | Internal disciplines and duties | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.32 |
| 3 | Posture | आसन | Asana | Firm and pleasant seat for meditation | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.46–Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.48 |
| 4 | Breath Control | प्राणायाम | Pranayama | Control of the vital energy and breath | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.49–Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.53 |
| 5 | Sense Withdrawal | प्रत्याहार | Pratyahara | Drawing in the organs from objects | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.54–Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.55 |
| 6 | Concentration | धारणा | Dhāranā | Holding the mind on a single object | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 3.1 |
| 7 | Meditation | ध्यान | Dhyāna | Unbroken flow of knowledge toward the object | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 3.2 |
| 8 | Absorption | समाधि | Samadhi | Pure reflecting of meaning without form | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 3.3 |
The first five limbs are often called Bahiranga (External), while the last three—Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi—are called Antaranga (Internal) (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 3.7). When the internal three are practiced together on one object, it is called Samyama (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 3.4).
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