The Astanga principles, from which our Guru derived the five components, are
listed here (courtesy of www.sivananda.org):
The Eight Limbs or Astanga
Compiled by the Sage Patanjali Maharishi in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs
are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind,
ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment. These 8 limbs are:
- Yamas - The Yamas or restraints (Don'ts) are divided into five moral injunctions,
aimed at destroying the lower nature. They should all be practiced and developed
by the letter but also more importantly in the spirit. They should all be practiced
in word, thought and deed.
- Ahimsa or non-violence
- Satyam or truthfulness
- Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (control of all senses). Also
refers to celibacy
- Asteya or non-stealing
- Aparigraha or non-covetousness
- Niyamas - The Niyamas or observances (Do's) are also divided into five and
complete the ethical precepts started with the Yama. These qualities are:
- Saucha or purity - this internal and external cleanliness.
- Santosha or contentment
- Tapas or austerity
- Swadhyaya or study of the sacred texts
- Ishwara Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the
divine Presence (surrender to God's Will)
- Asanas- Postures
- Pranayama- regulation or control of the breath. Asanas and Pranayama form the
sub-division of Raja Yoga known as Hatha-Yoga
- Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses in order to still the mind.
- Dharana - concentration. The last 3 steps constitute the internal practice
of Raja Yoga. When Dharana is achieved, it leads to the next step:
- Dhyana- meditation is that state of pure thought and absorption in the object
of meditation. There is still duality in Dhyana. When mastered Dhyana leads to
the last step:
- Samadhi - the superconscious state. In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is experienced.
This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness where body and mind have
been transcended and the Yogi is one with the Self or God.