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What is the Basic Concept of Ashtanga (8 Limbs of Yoga)?

Yoga is  a word that means to unite our collective balance of mind and body And it stands on its 8 pillars. Have you ever heard of the 8 Limbs of Yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga? It is a traditional form of yoga that originated in Ancient India and has been practised for centuries. It is a complete path for spiritual development, incorporating physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana). If You’re Ready to deepen your practice and gain a more comprehensive understanding of yoga, it might be beneficial to consider enrolling in a Yoga Teacher Training School Rishikesh, such as a 200 hours YTTC Rishikesh  Where you can get firm belief over what your mind and body could achieve and can have a new perception for life.

1) Yama (restraints): 5 things to avoid

The very first limb, Yama, alludes to oaths, disciplines, or acts that are largely focused on our interactions with the outside world. What’s the use of doing yoga if we’re still inflexible, weak, and stressed out in daily life? Yoga may develop physical endurance and flexibility as well as help calm the mind. However, it requires a deep understanding of what it means to practise yoga beyond its physical aspects. Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh has been teaching people from all walks of life for many years how to reach higher states of awareness by mastering their own minds and bodies through the eight limbs of yoga. 

2) Niyama (observances): 5 things to cultivate

The second limb, niyama, is concerned with self-control and religious observances. There are five niyamas:

  1. Saucha: Cleanliness
  2. Samtosa: satisfaction
  3. Tapas: heat; ascetic spiritual practice
  4. Svadhyaya: the study of one’s self and the holy texts
  5. Isvara pranidhana: God-centred devotion

A Rishikesh yoga retreat is an ideal way to explore the true meaning of yoga more deeply. Here you will find teachings from experienced yoga teachers who have devoted their lives to studying this ancient tradition. A typical Rishikesh yoga retreat such as Om Yoga International will cover not only asanas and pranayama, but also asanas such as mudras and bandhas, vinyasa & hatha Yoga and instruction on philosophy 

3) Asana (postures): creating a stable and comfortable seat 

The asanas of Ashtanga yoga, which can be translated to mean ‘steady posture’, are the physical poses that make up a traditional Ashtanga yoga practice. The purpose of these postures is to create a stable and comfortable seat that allows you to focus on your breathing and still the body and mind. 

If you want to dive deeper into the practice of Ashtanga yoga, you can consider signing up for an Ashtanga yoga teacher training Rishikesh, India – the birthplace of yoga. There, you will learn how to perform each asana with proper alignment and breathing techniques. 

4) Pranayama (breath control): 3 types of Breath

Pranayama can be interpreted in two ways: as “prana-ayama,” which means “freedom of breath,” “breath expansion,” or “breath deliverance,” or as “pranayama,” which means “breath control” or “breath constraint.”

Rishikesh yoga retreats often incorporate meditative practices such as yoga Nidra, walking meditation, sound healing, and guided visualisations that can help you connect more deeply to your true nature. By taking part in a 200 hours YTTC Rishikesh at Om Yoga International you can learn deep meditation, positive thought processes, and a lively way of life.

5) Pratyahara (sense withdrawal): Turning inward

Pratyahara is an essential part of yoga practice and is one of the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Pratyahara is the practice of withdrawing our senses from external objects and turning them inward. 

Practising Pratyahara is essential for those looking to deepen their yoga practice. Yoga Teacher Training School Rishikesh is an excellent option for learning Pratyahara in-depth and mastering the art of withdrawing your senses from external objects. Through their comprehensive courses, such as 200 hours YTTC Rishikesh you will learn to cultivate an inner awareness and practice mindfulness as you take your yoga journey further.

6) Dharana (concentration): single-pointed focus

Dharana is the practice of single-pointed focus and concentration.This practice can be developed through meditation or in a Yoga Teacher Training School Rishikesh. By focusing on one object, thought, or sensation at a time, you are able to connect with your inner stillness and quiet. This practice helps bring clarity and a sense of peace to the mind. As you become more practised at this technique, you are able to carry this same sense of inner peace and focus throughout your day-to-day activities. 

7) Dhyana (meditation): the practice of non-judgmental witnessing

The practice of Dhyana (meditation) is one of the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga and involves the practice of non-judgmental witnessing. Meditation is used as a way to achieve a greater sense of clarity, focus, and insight into our mental and emotional states.At a Rishikesh yoga retreat, you will be able to immerse yourself in a spiritual environment while learning more about the practice of meditation. During your stay, you will gain a deeper understanding of the concept of non-judgmental witnessing and be able to explore the techniques needed to become a successful mediator. 

8) Samadhi (Bliss or Brilliance): a true Acknowledgement

The word “samadhi,” which many of us associate with “bliss” or “enlightenment,” refers to the culmination of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras’ journey. The culmination of bliss comes when we have rearranged our interactions with both the external world as well as our inner world. Achieving this requires intense dedication, guidance and practice of yoga, for which most people turn to a Yoga Teacher Training School Rishikesh. Om Yoga International provides classes on the eight limbs of yoga, known collectively as Ashtanga, designed to help people reach samadhi and become masters of their physical and spiritual selves.

Explore a New Life Within Yourself

Om Yoga International is a USA Internationally Recognized organisation working with years of professionalism and highly competent yoga teachers and integrating the mind and soul and giving new exposure to life to our students and  also offering the best Ashtanga yoga teacher training in Rishikesh including hatha yoga, breath control, meditation and a lot more. Hurry up and EXPLORE A NEW LIFE WITHIN YOU!