The Eight "Limbs" or Steps of Yoga

According to the Yoga-sutra (YS)

(see YS 2.29)

  1. restraints
  2. constraints
  3. asanas (yogic postures)
  4. breath control (pranayama)
  5. withdrawal of the senses
  6. concentration (1st stage of meditation and "conscious power")
  7. meditation proper (2nd stage)
  8. mystic trance (3rd stage, samadhi, the supreme personal good)

STEP 1

Restraints:

NON-THEFT

NON-INJURY (ahimsa)

CELIBACY

TRUTHFULNESS

NON-GREED

STEP 2

Constraints:

ASCETICISM

PURITY

SELF-STUDY

CONTENTMENT

IMAGING GOD (as the archetypal yogin)

STEP 3: ASANA

goal: to be able to sit easily in meditation

STEP 4: PRANAYAMA

goal: to gain deep conscious control of breathing

STEPS 5 - 8: MEDITATION

occult processes of increased power over body & mind

FINAL GOAL: SELF-AWARENESS