Discover the eight branches of yoga and their role in balancing body and mind. A path to daily well-being and serenity.
Yoga is not just a series of postures or a moment of calm on the mat. It is a true path of transformation that invites us to explore all the dimensions of our being. The 8 limbs of yoga , also called Ashtanga Yoga (from the Sanskrit Ashta = eight and Anga = limbs), are a guide that helps us find harmony between body, mind and soul.
These eight pillars were described by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras , a founding text of yoga . They constitute a progressive path to a state of serenity and spiritual awakening. Let us discover together the age-old wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga !
1. Yama - The rules of life in society?
The Yamas are ethical principles that guide us in our interactions with others and the world around us. They invite us to cultivate integrity, kindness, and respect in our daily lives.
The 5 Yamas:
- Ahimsa - Non-violence: Cultivating kindness and compassion, not hurting in thought, word or action, including towards oneself.
- Satya - Truth: Being sincere with oneself and with others, expressing one's authenticity with respect and accuracy.
- Asteya - Do not steal: Go beyond simple material theft: respect the time, energy and resources of others.
- Brahmacharya - Moderation: Managing one's vital energy with balance, avoiding excess in food, pleasures or distractions.
- Aparigraha - Detachment: Learning to let go, not to become attached to objects, ideas or results.
2. Niyama - Personal discipline?
Niyamas are inner, personal practices that help us cultivate a healthier lifestyle and spiritual discipline.
The 5 Niyamas:
- Shaucha - Purity: Taking care of your body and mind, adopting healthy habits.
- Santosha - Contentment: Finding inner peace, cultivating gratitude and acceptance of what is.
- Tapas - Discipline: Developing the will and perseverance to evolve despite challenges.
- Svadhyaya - Self-study: Questioning yourself, learning to know yourself better through the study of texts or meditation.
- Ishvarapranidhana - Surrender to the Universe: Having faith in life, freeing oneself from excessive control and opening oneself to something greater than oneself.
3. Asana - Yoga postures???
Asanas , or yoga postures , are often the gateway to the practice. But they are not just a physical exercise! They aim to harmonize the body and mind, develop strength, flexibility and balance, while calming the mind.
Practicing asanas also helps prepare the body to remain still and comfortable in meditation, without tension or pain.
4. Pranayama - Breathing, the key to energy?
Breath is the source of life. Pranayama (breath control) acts directly on our vital energy, calming the mind and regulating emotions.
Some Pranayama techniques:
- Nadi Shodhana: Alternate nostril breathing to balance energies and calm the mind.
- Ujjayi: Victorious breathing, used in Vinyasa for a smooth, controlled flow.
- Kapalabhati: A dynamic breath to purify the body and revitalize energy.
Regular practice of Pranayama helps reduce stress, improve concentration and strengthen vitality.
5. Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the senses?
In a world where we are constantly stimulated, Pratyahara teaches us to come back within and detach ourselves from external distractions.
By reducing sensory stimuli (screens, noise, overactivity), we regain mental calm, improve our ability to concentrate and prepare our minds for meditation.
6. Dharana - Concentration?
Dharana means focusing one's attention on a single point, in order to develop mindfulness and mental clarity. This can include:
- Focus on breathing ?
- Recite a mantra ?
- Stare at a candle flame ?
The more we practice Dharana , the easier it becomes to enter deep meditation.
7. Dhyana - Meditation???
Dhyana is the state of pure meditation, a space of inner silence and deep connection. It is no longer about making an effort to meditate, but about naturally being in a state of presence and fullness.
The benefits of meditation:
- Stress reduction
- Better management of emotions
- Improved concentration and creativity
- Deep feeling of well-being
8. Samadhi - Spiritual awakening?
Samadhi is the ultimate goal of yoga: a state of total connection with the universe, where the ego disappears and only inner peace remains.
This state can be temporary (such as a moment of ecstasy or profound happiness) or lasting in those who reach an advanced spiritual level. It is an experience of unity where there is no longer any separation between “self” and “the whole.”
Yoga: a path of daily evolution
At Yoga Searcher , we invite you to integrate these eight branches of yoga into your daily life, step by step, at your own pace. Whether on the mat or in everyday life, yoga is above all an art of living.
? And you, which branch of yoga speaks to you the most? Namaste?