“सङ्कल्पप्रभवान् कामान् त्यक्त्वा सर्वान् अशेषतः ।
मनसैवेन्द्रियग्रामं विनियम्य समन्ततः ॥
शनैः शनैरुपरमेद् बुद्ध्या धृतिगृहीतया ।
आत्मसंस्थं मनः कृत्वा न किंचिदपि चिन्तयेत् ॥”
Ashtanga Yoga Explained can help deepen your understanding of this practice. — Bhagavad Gītā 6.24–25

“Abandoning all desires born of worldly imagination, one should restrain the senses on all sides by the mind. Gradually, step by step, let one become still, guided by a steady intellect, and fix the mind upon the Self, thinking of nothing else.”

With this instruction, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa reveals the inner spirit of Yoga — a journey of self-mastery through discipline, faith, and unwavering focus. The same essence is systematically unfolded by Maharshi Patañjali in his Yoga Sūtras, where the science of inner stillness is presented as Aṣṭāṅga Yoga, the Eightfold Path to liberation.

In this section, we shall explore the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga — Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, and Samādhi — the progressive steps that transform discipline into meditation, and meditation into realization.

Introduction: 

In my previous blogs part-1 and part-2 of  “Ashtanga Yoga Sutras”, I have tried to explain about Yoga Philosophy and the basis of it. We have discussed four sutras of Samadhi Pada. A brief recap is presented here again. 

Four sections of Patanjali Yoga Sutras are as under:

Samadhi Pada — The Realm of Contemplation (51 Sutras)

Samadhi Pada explains the highest state of the yogi — absorption of the individual self into pure consciousness. In this state, the usual threefold sense of self (witness, witnessing, and witnessed) dissolves. Beyond this absorption lies Kaivalya — liberation, which Vedanta calls moksha.

Patanjali’s central teaching appears in the famous sutra: “Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah” — Yoga is the stilling of the modifications of the mind. The goal is to attain a calm and tranquil mind, free from conflict and distortion.

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Sadhana Pada — Practice (55 Sutras)

Sadhana Pada teaches the methods to purify mind and body. First, it presents Kriya Yoga, which includes three steps:

• Tapas (austerity)

• Swadhyaya (self-study or study of scriptures)

• Iswara pranidhana (devotion or surrender to the Supreme)

Then Patanjali introduces Ashtanga Yoga, the Eight Limbs of Yoga, from sutra 2.28 onward:

“Yoganganusthanad ashuddhi kshaye jnanadipti avivekakhyateh” — By practicing the limbs of yoga, impurities diminish and the light of wisdom shines, leading to discriminative understanding.

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Vibhuti Pada — Powers and Accomplishments (56 Sutras)

Vibhuti Pada describes siddhis (extraordinary powers) that may arise through disciplined practice. Patanjali cautions practitioners not to become attached to these powers, as they can distract the seeker from the higher goal of liberation.

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Kaivalya Pada — Liberation (34 Sutras)

Kaivalya Pada presents the process of emancipation — separation of pure consciousness from material modifications — leading to complete freedom of the Self.

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Ashtanga — The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Patanjali divides Raja Yoga into eight limbs: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Together, they form a complete and progressive path to realization.

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Yama — Ethical Restraints (Sutras 2.30–2.31)

Yama lays the foundation for moral and mental discipline.

• Ahimsa — Non-violence (2.35): Refrain from harming others through words, actions, or thoughts. Cultivate unconditional love for all beings and for yourself.

• Satya — Truthfulness (2.36): Living truthfully brings clarity and fearlessness, as there is nothing to hide.

• Asteya — Non-stealing (2.37): Avoid taking what is not yours. Share your knowledge and resources for the good of others.

• Brahmacharya — Right use of energy (2.38): Conserve physical and mental energy and channel it toward spiritual growth.

• Aparigraha — Non-possessiveness (2.39): Let go of greed and accumulation; keep only what sustains life.

Patanjali declares that these vows are universal: “Jati desa kala samayavat chinnah sarvabhauma mahavratam” — applicable to all, regardless of place, time, or circumstance.

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Niyama — Positive Observances (Sutras 2.40–2.45)

Niyama builds inner strength and devotion.

• Saucha — Cleanliness (2.40–2.41): Purity of body and mind brings clarity and lightness.

• Santosha — Contentment (2.42): Live in the present moment without regret or worry.

• Tapas — Austerity (2.43): Discipline removes impurities and builds willpower.

• Swadhyaya — Self-study (2.44): Reflect on scriptures, recite mantras, and connect with your chosen ideal.

• Iswara pranidhana — Surrender to the Divine (2.45): Dedicate all actions selflessly; this leads to peace and union with the Higher Self.

Without sincere practice of Yama and Niyama, the remaining limbs of Yoga cannot bear fruit.

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Asana — Posture (Sutra 2.46)

Patanjali says: “Sthira sukham asanam” — the posture must be steady and comfortable. The aim of asana is to sit for long periods without discomfort, keeping the spine erect and the body relaxed. True asana prepares the nerves and body for meditation. Excessive focus on difficult postures can make one body-conscious, diverting attention from the higher goal of Yoga.

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Pranayama — Regulation of Breath and Energy (Sutras 2.49–2.52)

After mastering asana, practice pranayama.
“Tasmin sati svasa prasvasayor gati vicchedah pranayamah” — When posture is firm, regulate inhalation and exhalation.

Prana is the vital energy that sustains all life. By controlling the breath, we learn to control the mind, as both move together. With guidance from a qualified teacher, pranayama refines awareness and expands inner light.

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Pratyahara — Withdrawal of the Senses (Sutras 2.54–2.55)

“Svavisaya samprayoge chitta svarupa anukara ivendriyanam pratyaharah” — When the senses withdraw from their objects and follow the nature of the mind, this is pratyahara.
“Tatha paramo vashyendriyanam” — Then comes complete mastery over the senses.

Pratyahara teaches the mind to pause its constant evaluation of sensory inputs. By withdrawing attention inward, one becomes free from automatic reactions and begins to experience inner calm.

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Transition to Higher Limbs

Through Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara, the yogi becomes ready for the inner triad — Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi — the journey from concentration to meditation and finally to union with the Self. These final stages will be discussed in Ashtanga Yoga Explained – Part 4.

Conclusion:

In this section of the Sādhana Pāda, Ashtanga Yoga Explained points to the practical means for stilling the mind — the ultimate goal of yoga.
So far, we have discussed five limbs of this eightfold path. The first two limbs, Yama and Niyama, include ten guiding principles that are logical, compassionate, and visionary.
When followed sincerely, they release a person from agony, stress, and suffering, leading to joy and deep peace that accompanies one even in sleep. After all, who does not long for a peaceful night’s rest?

These practices naturally prepare the aspirant for higher stages — Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, and Samādhi.
Together, all eight limbs form a complete, progressive path that lifts human consciousness toward the higher Self. When the mind becomes disciplined and steady, it connects effortlessly with its divine source, and that inner awakening is what we call Self-realization.

Now let us see how this yogic method resonates with the vision of Vedanta.
In Vedanta, the seeker must first become qualified to study the scriptures.
This qualification, known as the Sadhana-Chatustaya (fourfold means), includes:

Nitya-anitya-vastu-viveka — discrimination between the eternal and the transient.
IhamutrarthaphalabhogaViraga — dispassion toward pleasures here and hereafter.
Shatsampat — six virtues: śama, dama, uparati, titikṣā, śraddhā, and samādhāna.
Mumukṣutva — an intense desire for liberation.

The third discipline, Śat-sampat, closely parallels Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras in spirit and practice.
Thus, Ashtanga Yoga Explained and Vedānta both guide us toward the same inner stillness through self-control, faith, and contemplation.

In Part 4, we will explore the final three limbs — Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, and Samādhi — the essence of mastering the mind and realising pure consciousness.

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Recommended readings:

1. Patanjali Yoga Sutras: commentary By Swami Vivekananda.
2. FOUR YOGAS OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA :Condensed and retold by Swami Tapasyananda.
3. Patanjal Yogasutra : Commentary , by Swami Premeshananda.
4. Inside the Yoga Sutras- By Reverend Jaganath Carrera.
5. Four Chapters on Freedom- By Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

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