Ashtanga Yoga

1. Yama – Social or ethical discipline or restraint.
   Yama enables one to achieve command over speech, mind, body and emotions. It has got five parts.
             I        Ahimsa (Non-violence, the strength not to harm others.)
             II       Satya (Truth-purity of mind, truthfullness)
             III      Asteya (Not to steal)
             IV      Brahmachary (Celibacy)
             V       Aparigraha (Non-Covetousness, not to possess beyond actual needs)
   
   
2. Niyama –Individual discipline – the code of personal conduct
   Niyama is individual discipline, self purification and observance of peace, both inward and outward. It has got five parts.
             I        Sauch (Purity of mind and body)
             II       Tapas (Austerity to bear pain or agony)
             III      Santosha (Contentment – Atma Tripti)
             IV      Swadhyay (Steadiness of the self)
             V       Ishwar Pranidhan (Dedication to Lord)
   
   
3. Asanas – (Postures and exercises)
   These are special patterns of postures that stabilise the mind and the body   through static stretching.
   To sit, stand or lie down in one particular position without movement and pain. This brings physical as well as mental health and vigour.
   
   
4. Pranayam – The control of breathing - rhythmic breathing
   The control of the inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy is called Pranayama.
   
   
5. Pratyahara – (Control of mind - detachment)
   It is the control of senses like the shabda, sparsha, rasa, rupa and gandha.
   
   
6. Dharna – (Concentration)
   Complete concentration of the mind on a single point or task.
   
   
7. Dhyana – (Meditation)
    Unbroken flow of thought towards God.
   
   
8. Samadhi – (Super conscious state)
   The state where the body and senses are at rest as if, in sleep and the mind and the reason alert as if awake- is called Samadhi