Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it’s a way of life, a journey towards self-discovery and inner peace. Ashtanga Yoga, derived from the ancient teachings of Patanjali, is one of the most profound and structured approaches to yoga. Its foundation is based on the Eight Limbs of yoga, which serve as a guide for living a balanced, mindful, and spiritually enriched life.
At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, we emphasize the holistic essence of yoga through our Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training programs. Understanding the Eight Limbs is essential to deepen your practice and transform your life both on and off the mat.
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
1. Yama: Ethical Guidelines The Yamas are moral codes that govern our interactions with others. They are a set of principles that help yogis live harmoniously within society. The five Yamas are:
Ahimsa (Non-violence)
Satya (Truthfulness)
Asteya (Non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (Moderation)
Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)
Incorporating these into your daily life helps create a foundation of kindness, integrity, and humility.
2. Niyama: Personal Observances Niyamas are personal practices that cultivate self-discipline and inner strength. These observances encourage you to look within and foster a healthy relationship with yourself. The five Niyamas are:
Saucha (Cleanliness)
Santosha (Contentment)
Tapas (Discipline)
Svadhyaya (Self-study)
Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a higher power)
Through our yoga teacher training at Maa Shakti Yog Bali, students are guided on how to integrate the Niyamas into both their yoga practice and daily lives.
3. Asana: Physical Postures Asanas, or physical postures, are what most people associate with yoga. In Ashtanga Yoga, the practice of asanas is structured and precise, designed to create strength, flexibility, and balance. Beyond the physical benefits, asanas prepare the body for deeper meditative practices.
We guide our students to understand that yoga is not about achieving the perfect pose but rather finding balance between effort and surrender.
4. Pranayama: Breath Control Pranayama is the art of controlling your breath. By practicing specific breathing techniques, you can enhance your energy, calm your mind, and improve concentration. Pranayama also helps in purifying the body and mind, enabling deeper states of meditation.
At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, breath awareness is a fundamental part of our yoga teachings, connecting the physical and mental aspects of the practice.
5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the Senses Pratyahara is the practice of withdrawing the senses from external distractions and turning your awareness inward. This limb prepares the mind for deeper focus and meditation. It’s about learning how to detach from the noise of the outside world and focus on your inner self.
During our Ashtanga courses, we teach techniques to help students navigate distractions and cultivate mindfulness.
6. Dharana: Concentration Dharana is the practice of single-pointed concentration. It involves focusing your mind on one object, thought, or point of focus to develop mental strength and stability. In Ashtanga Yoga, Dharana is an essential step toward deeper meditation and spiritual growth.
By practicing Dharana, students learn how to sharpen their focus, which benefits not only their yoga practice but also their daily lives.
7. Dhyana: Meditation Dhyana, or meditation, is the uninterrupted flow of concentration. It’s a state where the mind becomes still and deeply absorbed in the object of focus. Regular meditation practice promotes mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual awareness.
Our training at Maa Shakti Yog Bali emphasizes meditation as a tool for personal transformation, allowing students to experience stillness and inner peace.
8. Samadhi: Enlightenment Samadhi is the ultimate goal of Ashtanga Yoga—a state of complete unity with the self and the universe. It’s a state of bliss, where the practitioner transcends the limitations of the mind and experiences pure consciousness.
While Samadhi may seem like a distant goal, every step on the path of Ashtanga Yoga brings you closer to this state of inner peace and enlightenment.
Why Learn the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga at Maa Shakti Yog Bali?
At Maa Shakti Yog Bali, we believe in teaching yoga as a holistic practice. Our Yoga Teacher Training programs dive deep into the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, providing not just physical training but a complete spiritual and philosophical understanding of yoga. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Ubud, Bali, you will find an ideal environment for self-reflection, growth, and transformation.
Our experienced instructors guide you through every limb, ensuring you develop a well-rounded practice that nurtures both body and mind. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, our courses are designed to help you integrate the Eight Limbs into your everyday life and teaching practice.
Embark on Your Ashtanga Yoga Journey Today
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga offer a roadmap to living a meaningful, balanced, and spiritually rich life. Through the structured practice of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, you can cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.
If you're ready to explore the full depth of yoga, join us at Maa Shakti Yog Bali for our Yoga Teacher Training courses in Ubud. Let us guide you on this transformative journey, helping you uncover the beauty and wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.
Namaste 🙏