Yama
the first limb; ethical restraints governing how we relate to the outside world
Niyama
the second limb; personal observances governing how we relate to ourselves
Asana
the third limb; physical posture; originally meant a stable, comfortable seat for meditation
Pranayama
the fourth limb; regulation and extension of the breath and life force
Pratyahara
the fifth limb; withdrawal of the senses from external objects, turning attention inward
Dharana
the sixth limb; single-pointed concentration; fixing the mind on one object
Dhyana
the seventh limb; uninterrupted flow of meditative awareness; sustained concentration
Samadhi
the eighth limb; complete absorption; the state where the meditator, the act of meditation, and the object of meditation merge into one
Ahimsa
Yama. non-violence; the commitment to cause no harm through thought, word, or action; considered the highest ethical principle in yoga and the foundation all other yamas rest upon
Satya
Yama. truthfulness; being honest in all aspects of life; speaking and living in alignment with what is real and true
Asteya
Yama. non-stealing; refraining from taking what is not freely given; extends beyond physical theft to include not stealing time, energy, or credit from others
Brahmacharya
Yama. wise use of vital energy; traditionally understood as celibacy; in a modern context, broadly interpreted as not wasting or misusing your life force energy
Aparigraha
Yama. non-possessiveness or non-greed; taking only what you need; releasing attachment to things, people, and outcomes
Saucha
Niyama. cleanliness or purity; maintaining cleanliness of the body, mind, and environment; also refers to purity of thought and intention
Santosha
Niyama. contentment; cultivating a sense of peace and satisfaction with what is, without needing circumstances to be different
Tapas
Niyama. disciplined effort or austerity; the heat generated by consistent practice that burns away impurities and strengthens willpower
Svadhyaya
Niyama. self-study; inquiry into one’s own nature through introspection, journaling, and the study of sacred texts
Ishvara Pranidhana
Niyama. surrender or devotion to a higher power; dedicating the fruits of one’s actions to something greater than the individual self
A Snake Always Brings Apples
Yamas: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
Some Students Try So hard Indefinitely
Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Ishvara Pranidhana
Young Ninja Athletes Practice Pretty Darn Deep Stillness
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi
Niyama
the second limb; personal observances governing how we relate to ourselves
Asana
the third limb; physical posture; originally meant a stable, comfortable seat for meditation
Pranayama
the fourth limb; regulation and extension of the breath and life force
