Many people practice the physical postures, but there are actually eight limbs of yoga. Ashtanga yoga incorporates each of the limbs. There are six sequences of postures, and practiced progressively, they tone the body and purify the body and mind, benefiting the practitioner physically, psychologically and spiritually.

Patanjali, a philosopher and a physician, said to have lived 300 years BC, is believed to have been the originator of the eight limbs in the Yoga Sutras. From his teachings, Ashtanga Yoga was structured. Ashtanga is one of the more challenging asana schools and requires a lot of discipline in order to advance to the next series.

The eight limbs are as follows:

1. Yama
   moral observances for interactions with others: truth, control of vital energy, restraint from stealing, greed, violence
2. Niyama
   self discipline and spiritual observances: cleanliness, serenity, study, devotion & asceticism
3. Asana
   posture practice
4. Pranayama
   breath control
5. Pratyahara
   sensory inhibition
6. Dharana
   focus
7. Dhyana
   meditation
8. Samadhi
   awareness

Please understand that I am only a practitioner of the Primary series. What I am sharing here is my limited interpretation of a vastly complex and interesting system. If you are interested in learning more about ashtanga, check out this informative article. There are many more resources on the internet, including Ashtanga yoga.

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