The Eight Steps of Yoga

We saw last message that the science of Yoga had been codified into 196 sutras or short verses by Maharishi Patanjali in his work “Ashatnga Yoga or Patanjali Yoga “ .Maharishi Patanjali has divided the entire science of yoga in to 8 steps . They are :1) Yama ( External discipline ) 2) Niyama ( Internal Discipline )3) Asana ( Postures ) 4) Pranayama ( Breathing Exercies ) 5 ) Prathyahara ( Withdrawing the senses from outside ) 6 ) Dharana ( Concentration ) 7) Dhyana ( Meditation ) and 8) Samadhi ( Super conscious state )

These 8 steps are Universal and are applicable to every individual at any place and time .No matter which country / race / caste / language or religious beliefs a person belongs to he/she have to go through these 8 steps to progress on the spiritual path .This Universality of Yoga Sutras is what has made the Science of Yoga the most popular and respected science the world over .

We will be discussing Yoga Sutras in detail in the coming days .

Krishnanand