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The Eight Limbs of Yoga explained | Michaël Bijker - Yogalap

Michael Bijker - Life Awareness Project · 16:39

In this practice

Key teachings

  • The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Raja Yoga philosophy)
  • Yamas (moral codes for societal interaction)
  • Niyamas (personal observances for self-discipline)
  • Integration of yoga philosophy into daily life

Ideal for

  • Students interested in the philosophical roots of yoga
  • Aspiring yoga teachers and advanced practitioners
  • Individuals seeking personal growth and ethical guidance
  • Anyone looking to deepen their yoga practice beyond physical postures

Lesson

Instructions

| In this video Michaël makes a comprehensive explanation of the Eight Limbs of Yoga to get a better understanding of Raja Yoga practice and how to implement it in daily life.

1 - The Yamas are rules of moral code and include ahimsa (non-violence or non-harming), Satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (sexual restraint), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). 2 - The Niyamas are rules of personal behavior including saucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (discipline or austerity), svadhyaya (spiritual studies), and Ishvara Pranidhana (constant devotion to God). 3 - Asana refers to yoga postures but in Patanjali’s initial practice, it referred to mastering the body to sit still for meditation. The practice of yoga asanas came about eight centuries later, which helped disciples ready their bodies for meditation. 4 - Pranayama is yoga breathing technique designed to control prana or vital life force. 5 - Pratyahara means withdrawal of the senses. 6 - Dharana refers to concentration. 7 - Dhyana is the practice of meditation. 8 - Samadhi means absorption/ merging with the divine and is a state of super consciousness

Michaël

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Steps

  • Understanding the Yamas (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, non-possessiveness)
  • Understanding the Niyamas (purity, contentment, discipline, self-study, devotion)
  • Philosophical concept of Asana (mastering the body for meditation)
  • Principles of Pranayama (breath control for vital life force)
  • Methods for Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
  • Cultivating Dharana (concentration)
  • Practicing Dhyana (meditation)
  • Concept of Samadhi (absorption/superconsciousness)

Benefits

  • Deeper understanding of classical yoga philosophy
  • Enhanced self-awareness and ethical conduct
  • Improved mental discipline and focus
  • Guidance for a more mindful and purposeful life
  • Foundation for spiritual growth

Practice summary

Level
all levels
Duration
25 minutes
Equipment
none
Target areas
mindintellectspiritual understandingethical conductmental clarity
Energy
calming

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