The Yoga Sutra is a series of compiled aphorisms by Patanjali dated between 200 B.C.E. – 400 C.E. and is considered to be the first organized layout of yogic practice. He developed the basis for Raja yoga / Ashtanga yoga, the eight-limbed path of liberation combining Karma yoga (hard work) and Jnana yoga (meditation, knowledge). His eight-limbed path is a focal path of many modern yoga schools of practice...


8 disciplines (limbs) of yoga

1) Yama – ethics, non violence, truthfulness, non stealing, social restraints

2) Niyama – self conduct, study of self, surrender, purity, tolerance

3) Asana – postures, physical exercises

4) Pranayama – Breath Control, regulation

5) Pratyahara – withdrawal and control of the senses

6) Dharana – concentration

7) Dhyana – meditation

8) Samadhi – higher consciousness


This list has been excerpted from the article titled "Yoga - Wisdom of the Self - Union with Divinity" in the Articles Section