Buzz Expert: The 8 Limbs of Yoga & Their Connection to Life

Wellness
The Buzz Nepal
August 24 , 2025

Yoga is often seen as a series of physical postures practiced on a mat, but its roots go much deeper. The ancient sage Patanjali, in his timeless text The Yoga Sutras, described yoga as an eightfold path-known as Ashtanga. These eight limbs are not just steps for practice but guiding principles for living a meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling life.

1. Yama – Ethical Disciplines

The first limb, Yama, is about how we relate to the world around us. It teaches truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), non-stealing (asteya), moderation (brahmacharya), and non-greed (aparigraha). “Practicing these values helps us live harmoniously with others and with nature, fostering kindness, respect, and balance in our relationships.”

2. Niyama – Personal Disciplines

Niyama focuses inward, guiding us to cultivate purity, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power. These practices build inner strength, resilience, and clarity, supporting both spiritual and personal growth.

3. Asana – Postures

Perhaps the most recognized limb, Asana refers to physical postures. While many practice yoga for flexibility or fitness, Patanjali emphasized asanas as a way to keep the body strong, healthy, and ready for deeper practices like meditation. “It builds discipline and prepares the body for meditation.”

4. Pranayama – Breath Control

The breath is the bridge between body and mind. Pranayama is the conscious regulation of breath, which balances energy, calms emotions, and enhances vitality. By learning to control the breath, we influence our state of mind, creating inner stillness and focus.

5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of Senses

In a world full of distractions, Pratyahara is the practice of turning attention inward. It doesn’t mean shutting off the senses completely but rather choosing not to be controlled by them. “This inward focus increases self-awareness and helps us gain control over impulses and emotions.”

6. Dharana – Concentration

Dharana is about focusing the mind on a single point, thought, or object. This practice sharpens attention, trains clarity, and prepares the mind for meditation. It is like building the muscle of focus in a world that constantly pulls us in many directions.

7. Dhyana – Meditation

When concentration deepens, it naturally flows into Dhyana, or meditation. This is the continuous flow of awareness, where the mind becomes still and present. Meditation brings peace, stability, and inner joy, connecting us to a deeper sense of self.

8. Samadhi – Union

The final limb, Samadhi, is the ultimate goal of yoga: a state of blissful union with the self and the universe. It is pure consciousness, where the boundaries between the individual and the whole dissolve. “This state of oneness brings profound inner peace and fulfillment.”

The Connection to Life

The beauty of the eight limbs of yoga lies in their integration. They are not rigid steps but interconnected practices that enrich every aspect of life. Together, they teach us to live with integrity, maintain physical health, manage stress, cultivate focus, and connect with our true essence.

When embraced as a lifestyle, yoga becomes far more than just exercise – it becomes a way of living with purpose, harmony, and joy.

About the Author

Reena Maharjan is a passionate yoga educator with over 10 years of practice and 8 years of teaching experience. She is a 500-hour certified instructor trained in Nepal and India. Also certified in prenatal/postpartum yoga and mat Pilates, she blends ancient wisdom with mindful movement.

Instagram: yogawith_reena

For more yoga tips like this, stay tuned to The Buzz Nepal, where true wellness begins with real journeys.