8 Limbed Path (Ashtanga)
1. Yama – Ethical Disciplines:
- ahimsa-non-violence (compassion)
- satya- truth, integrity
- asteya- non-stealing (generosity)
- brahmacharya- continence (moderation of life source)
- aparigraha- non-coveting (awareness of abundance)
- The Yama’s are universal in their application
2. Niyama – Personal/ Individual Disciplines:
- saucha- purity, simplicity
- santosa- contentment, being at peace
- tapas- austerity, igniting the purifying flame (seriousness)
- svadhyaya- study of self, study of sacred scripture, and nature
- isvara pranidana- whole hearted dedication to god
3. Asana – Posture:
The yogi conquers the body by practice of asana and makes it a fit vehicle for spirit
4. Pranayama: Extension of breath, control and regulation of breath
- Prana: breath, respiration, life, vitality, wind, energy, or strength
- Ayana: length, expansion, stretching, or restraint
5. Pratyahara: senses are brought under control (prelude to meditation)
6. Dharana: single point focus
the mind is stilled in order to reach a state of complete absorption
7. Dhyana: Object and subject unite
continuous inward flow of consciousness
8. Samadhi: Union with divine consciousness, peak of meditation. (love&light vibration)
Obstacles - Things that distract the practitioner:
Avoidance is not the solution
1. Vyadhi: Sickness, disturbing physical equilibrium.
2. Styana: Lack of mental disposition for work.
3. Samsaya: Indecision or doubt.
4. Pramada: Indifference or insensibility.
5. Alasya: Laziness
6. Avirati: Desire for sensory objects
7. Bharanti Darsana: illusion, invalid knowledge.
8. Alabdha Bhumikatva: failure to attain continuity of thought or concentration so reality cannot be seen.
9. Anavasthitattva: instability in holding concentration, which has been attained after a long practice.
Chakras
