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YOGA:

Yoga is the study of 8 limbs within the tree of life. Yoga is not only the practice that we experience on our mats, it’s also the practice we live day to day off our mat.

What are the 8 Limbs of Yoga?

1. YAMA – Restraints or moral vows

This first limb, Yama, refers to vows or practices that are connected to our awareness with  the outer world and  our interaction with it.  


There are five Yamas: 

  • Ahimsa (non-violence)

  • Satya (truthfulness)

  • Asteya (non-stealing)

  • Brahmacharya (right use of energy)

  • Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding)

2. NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances

The second limb, Niyama, usually refers to duties directed towards ourselves, but can also be considered with our actions towards the outside world. The Niyamas are traditionally practiced by those who wish to travel further along the Yogic path.

There are five Niyamas: 

  • saucha (cleanliness)

  • santosha (contentment)

  • tapas (discipline around burning of desire)

  • svadhyaya (self-study )

  • isvarapranidaha (surrender to a higher power).

3. ASANA – Posture

The physical aspect of yoga is the third step on the path to liberation 

4. PRANAYAMA – Breathing Control

Pranayama can be understood as either ‘prana-yama’ which would mean ‘breath – control’

5. PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal

Pratya means to ‘withdraw’, ‘draw in’ or ‘draw back’, and the second part ahara refers to anything we ‘take in’ by ourselves, such as the various sights, sounds and smells our senses take in continuously. When sitting for a formal meditation practice, this is likely to be the first thing we do when we think we’re meditating; we focus on ‘drawing in’.

6. DHARANA – Focused Concentration

Dharana  means ‘focused concentration’. Dha means ‘holding or maintaining’, and Ana means ‘other’ or ‘something else’. Closely linked to the previous two limbs; dharana and pratyahara are essential parts of the same aspect. In order to focus on something, the senses must withdraw so that all attention is put on that point of concentration, and in order to draw our senses in, we must focus and concentrate intently.

7. DHYANA – Meditative Absorption 

The seventh limb is ‘meditative absorption’ – when we become completely absorbed in the focus of our meditation.

8. SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment

Many of us know the word samadhi as meaning ‘bliss’ or ‘enlightenment’, and this is the final step of the journey of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Yoga Teacher Training

Join me for Yoga Teacher Training to learn more! Sacred Devotion Yoga Teacher Training is created for those who want to deepen their understanding of Yoga whether you want to become a teacher or not. It’s a deeply transformative experience where you are given the time and space to connect to your soul.

Sacred Devotion Yoga Teacher Trainings applies ancient wisdom traditions of yoga and holistic healing, along with modern practices that are accessible to all. We offer a variety of curriculum you won’t find anywhere else, featuring extraordinary senior teachers and leaders in our community.

Our training’s are not just about the mechanics of teaching, it’s a rite of passage to deepen and expand your self awareness. This training integrates aspects of the mind, body and spirit, through practices and teachings of, Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Anatomy, Chakras, Philosophy, Mentorship, Teaching Methodology, Business of Yoga and more.