The Eight limbs of Yoga

In this fourth part of the Ashtanga Yoga series, we explore the final three limbs of the Eightfold Path — Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption). These three are known as the Antaranga Sadhana, or inner practices, in contrast to the earlier five external disciplines. While the first five limbs prepare the seeker by purifying the body, senses, and mind, these last three guide the consciousness inward — from focused attention (Dharana), to meditative flow (Dhyana), and finally to complete union with the Supreme Reality (Samadhi). Together, they represent the culmination of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, where the individual self merges into the infinite Self.

Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi — The Inner Path

The Inner Journey of Yoga

Here, we explore the inner path — Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, the final three limbs of Yoga. These stages guide the seeker from focused awareness to cosmic consciousness.

According to the Yoga Sutras, the roots of suffering lie deep within the mind. Sutra 2.9 reminds us that the fear of death exists in every being, even in the wise, because it is instinctive and rooted in the subconscious. Sutra 2.10 teaches that these subtle sources of pain can be dissolved by tracing them back to their origin. Finally, Sutra 2.11 explains that through meditation, these mental modifications (vritti) can be restrained and transcended, allowing the inner stillness of the Self to shine naturally.

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 Foundation for Transformation

To truly grasp these teachings, one must understand the Eight Limbs of Yoga — a complete path for self-discipline, mental purification, and spiritual realization.

n the earlier parts of this series, we built the foundation step by step — Part 1 introduced Raja Yoga and its goal of freeing the mind from suffering. The second Part explored Samadhi Pada, the first section of the Yoga Sutras. And Part 3 examined the first five limbs — Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara — which prepare the seeker for the higher journey through Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

Ashtanga Yoga Part-2:  Samadhi Pada , first section of four Sections of “Patanjali Yoga Sutras” explained briefly.

Ashtanga Yoga Part-3

In this part, we discussed the first five limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, which form the foundation for higher practices. These are:

1. Yama – Restraints or ethical discipline

2. Niyama – Observances and personal conduct

3. Asana – Physical postures for stability and ease

4. Pranayama – Regulation of breath and vital energy

5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses from external distractions

Introduction:

The Eight Limbs of Yoga — A Progressive Path

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra outlines Ashtanga Yoga, the Eightfold Path, as a complete framework for spiritual evolution. These eight limbs are divided into two groups: five external disciplines (Bahiranga Yoga) and three internal disciplines (Antaranga Yoga).
The first five—Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara—focus on purifying the body, mind, and emotions, preparing the practitioner for deeper concentration. The remaining three—Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi—lead the seeker inward toward meditation, absorption, and realization of the Self.
Together, these eight steps (5 + 3 = 8) form the complete journey from external discipline to inner illumination.

The Five Limbs of External Practice (Bahiranga Yoga)

The five limbs described in Sadhana Pada form a progressive method for eliminating external causes of mental distraction. Yama and Niyama help the practitioner remove disturbances born of emotions and uncontrolled desires. Asana and Pranayama purify the body and regulate energy, eliminating physical restlessness. Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses, detaches the mind from external objects and their influence. Through these practices, the yogi gradually becomes free from outward distractions. Together, these five disciplines are known as Bahiranga, or external practices. They prepare the aspirant—physically, mentally, emotionally, and morally—for the deeper stages of Yoga.

The Inner Limbs and the Path to Vibhuti

After mastering these external practices, the seeker advances toward the inner disciplines: Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption). These three are called Antaranga, or internal practices. In this section—Part 4—we will explore sutras from Vibhuti Pada, which describe these higher stages. Through continuous practice of Samadhi, the mysteries of Yogic life unfold, and the siddhis—spiritual powers—naturally manifest. Because this chapter deals with these extraordinary accomplishments, the third Pada of the Yoga Sutra is aptly named “Vibhuti”, meaning divine manifestation.

Vibhuti means to expanse your consciousness. Expanse of state of mind to higher level of consciousness is Vibhuti. Instead of scattered and fluctuating mind, mind should be held in one place , at one point. That is one pointedness.  Pranayama, Pratyahara helps to practice Dharana. That is the ultimate aim of practicing Dharana. This practice will lead the aspirant to next higher stage  “Dhyana”. One pointed attention is essential to explore the core of consciousness. Even one pointed attention can be applied in day to day activities for better results, better performances and thus getting a satisfaction which will keep the mind happy. When mind is happy, it means one can lead the life happily. The first sutra of Vibhuti Pada defines Dharana.

Dharana — The Art of Concentration (6th Anga)

Sutra 3.1: “Desha-bandhash chittasya dharana” — Concentration is the binding of the mind to one point.

The phrase “desha-bandhash chittasya” suggests confining the mind within a limited space, allowing no movement beyond that boundary. This focused stillness is called Dharana.

Dharana means one-pointed attention. It is the process of fixing the mind on a single object — internal or external — such as a sound, a symbol, a mantra, or a noble idea for the good of all. After mastering the first five limbs of Yoga, the practitioner becomes ready for this inward journey.

Through regular practice, the mind gradually stops wandering and becomes fully absorbed in the present moment. Even simple acts like focusing on the breath, chanting a mantra, or visualizing a divine form can build the foundation of true concentration.

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 Preparing the Mind for Dharana

Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi — the final three limbs — together form the inner path that leads the aspirant to the ultimate goal of Yoga. Yet, in practice, the mind rarely stays fixed for more than a few minutes. Even during devotion, it often drifts toward countless thoughts and memories.

Therefore, it is vital to cultivate purity of mind through the first five limbs, especially Pratyahara, which trains the senses to turn inward. A purified mind becomes steady and ready for deep focus.

To achieve this purification, Patanjali offers guidance in Sutra 1.33 (Samadhi Pada):
“Maitri-karuna-muditopeksanam sukhadukhapunya-apunya-visayanam bhavanatah chitta-prasadanam” —
The mind becomes clear and peaceful when we cultivate four noble attitudes:

1. Friendliness toward those who are happy,

2. Compassion toward those who suffer,

3. Joy for those who are virtuous, and

4. Equanimity toward those who act wrongly.

By practicing these qualities daily, the heart softens, distractions fade, and Dharana arises naturally — not by force, but as the natural flowering of a calm and balanced mind.

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7. Dhyāna — Meditation: The Seventh Limb

Sutra 3.2: “tatra pratyayaikatanatā dhyānam” — Uninterrupted stream of consciousness is Dhyāna.

Definition and Nature of Dhyāna

Dhyāna, or meditation, is the natural extension and lengthening of Dhāraṇā. When concentration (Dhāraṇā) continues without interruption, it becomes Dhyāna.

Through systematic and disciplined practice of the earlier limbs — Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Pratyāhāra, and Dhāraṇā — the practitioner becomes prepared for this deeper stage of meditation. Each limb is scientifically designed to purify and strengthen the body, mind, and emotions. Only after mastering the foundations can Dhyāna arise naturally.

Let us look deeper into Sutra 3.2. If we divide the expression “tatra pratyayaikatanatā dhyānam” into its parts:

• tatra — “in that place,” referring to deśa as mentioned in Sutra 3.1,

• pratyaya — the total content of the mind that occupies consciousness at any given time,

• ekatanatā — continuous extension without break.

Thus, Dhyāna is the uninterrupted continuity of awareness in Dhāraṇā. Before one can reach Samādhi, this sustained flow of concentration must be established. It is not an easy practice, but it is certainly possible through dedication and perseverance.

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Why Patanjali Begins with Samadhi Pada

Patanjali opens the Yoga Sutras with Samadhi Pada instead of Sadhana Pada to first reveal the ultimate goal of Yoga — the stilling of the mind’s fluctuations. As he defines, “Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ” — Yoga is the cessation of mental movements that veil pure awareness.

The real Self (Purusha) is pure consciousness, not the restless mind we identify with. This confusion arises from Avidya (ignorance), which can only be removed through Viveka (right understanding) and steady practice.

When ignorance dissolves and the mind becomes still, Dharana (concentration) arises naturally. With continued focus, Dharana flows into Dhyana (meditation), and finally into Samadhi — complete absorption in the Self.

Thus, Patanjali begins with Samadhi Pada to remind us that the goal must be seen first, for only then can the path unfold with clarity and purpose.

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The Practical Understanding of Dhyana

In modern times, meditation is often discussed but seldom understood. To begin practically, one may simply concentrate on the breath — the vital force of life. The breath (Prāṇa) is not ordinary air; it is the divine energy that sustains the universe. By observing and respecting the breath, we begin to honor the source of life itself.

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When Dharana is maintained for a long and unbroken period, it naturally transforms into Dhyana. In other words, the prolonged condition of Dharana is Dhyana.

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The Yogic Science Behind Dhyana

According to yogic science, thousands of subtle energy channels (Nāḍīs) permeate the human body. Life energy (Prana) flows through these pathways. Among them, three are supreme:

Ida Nadi — the lunar channel (cooling, left side)

Pingala Nadi — the solar channel (heating, right side)

Sushumna Nadi — the central channel (neutral, spiritual axis)

If Prana is considered as an energy field, Ida can be imagined as the cathode (-) and Pingala as the anode (+) through which energy flows. When these channels are balanced, body and mind remain stable — the ideal condition for meditation.

Pranayama practice harmonizes Ida and Pingala, thereby activating Sushumna Naḍi, which ascends along the spinal column. Yogic texts affirm that when Sushumna becomes active, the practitioner experiences the bliss of Samadhi.

While the science of Nāḍīs and Prana is vast and subtle, and beyond the scope of this part, it helps us understand that balanced energy flow is the physical foundation of Dhyana and Samadhi.

Samadhi– The state of Cosmic Consciousness- the 8th anga: 

Sutra 3.3 — The State of Samadhi

“Tad eva arthamatra-nirbhāsam svarūpa-śūnyam iva samādhiḥ” — In that absolute state, there is no meditator or object of meditation; only the act of meditation remains — this is Samadhi.

When Dhyana deepens into Samadhi, the gateway to higher reality opens. The mind, refined through Dharana and Dhyana, becomes completely tranquil. The yogi is so absorbed that even the sense of individuality fades away.

The term “Svarūpa-śūnyam” combines svarūpa (own nature) and śūnyam (emptiness). It means the residual awareness of personal identity disappears. The meditator loses all sense of “I am meditating,” and only pure awareness remains — vast, luminous, and infinite.

In this state, no vritti (mental movements) disturb the mind. All duality between observer and observed dissolves, and total awareness shines alone — unbroken, unbounded, and eternal.

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 Sutra 3.4 — The Power of Samyamah

“Trayam ekatra samyamaḥ” — The combined practice of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi on one object is called Samyamah.

The word Samyamah comes from Sama (perfection or balance) and Yama (control or restraint). Through Samyamah, the mind dives deeply into a chosen object or idea and perceives it in its most subtle essence.

This complete absorption unveils hidden dimensions of knowledge and energy, giving rise to Vibhutis — the extraordinary powers described by Patanjali. Mastering the art of Samyamah opens the doorway to higher wisdom and spiritual perfection, leading the yogi beyond intellect into direct experience of truth.

Key points : Dharana, Dhyana , Samadhi , concentration, meditation, purusha, samyamah , Ashtanga Yoga.

 The Journey Through Vibhuti Pada

In this section, Vibhuti Pada, we explored the many ways that guide a seeker toward the ultimate goal — the eighth and final limb of Yoga. Up to this point, we have studied all the eight angas, each unfolding step by step as a progressive path to inner mastery. As the practitioner advances through these disciplines with steadiness and sincerity, the mind becomes calm, clear, and centered.

Gradually, joy arises on its own, and peace deepens with every stage of practice. By the end of each day, that peace stays as a gentle companion, offering rest and clarity within. Thus, Vibhuti Pada not only reveals the siddhis — the powers born from intense concentration — but also prepares the aspirant for the final liberation described in Kaivalya Pada.

In the next stage, we move beyond mental perfection and enter the realm of complete freedom — the radiant state of Kaivalya, where the Self shines in its pure awareness. After all, who does not long for peaceful sleep and inner stillness at the close of the day?

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Conclusion:  From Mind Control to Self-Realization

All the practices above lead to Samyamah, the union of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Together, these eight limbs form one complete path guiding the seeker toward truth. As the mind becomes steady and clear, it naturally connects with the higher Self.

Through this alignment, awareness deepens into direct experience — revealing the true nature of the Self. Step by step, disciplined focus transforms mental harmony into spiritual illumination, culminating in Self-Realization, the highest goal of Yoga.

Next, in Part 5, we will explore Samadhi Pada and Vibhuti Pada, focusing on Vrittis — the movements of the mind — and methods to dissolve them for lasting inner stillness.

Note: This summary draws upon insights from multiple classical Yoga texts, presented here as a concise guide to Ashtanga Yoga.

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.