अष्टाङ्ग
Ashtanga
concepts“Eight limbs.” The system of yoga codified by Patañjali in the Yoga Sutras.
The eight limbs are:
- Yama — Ethical restraints (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha)
- Niyama — Observances (saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, ishvara pranidhana)
- Asana — Stable posture
- Pranayama — Regulation of prana
- Pratyahara — Withdrawal of senses
- Dharana — Concentration
- Dhyana — Meditation
- Samadhi — Absorption
Hatha Yoga specifically prepares the third and fourth limbs, creating the physical and energetic conditions for higher states.