Ashtanga yoga started around 5000 years BC, and was began by Patanjali Yoga Sutra. It is the eight limbs or eight fold path formulated by Patanjali. The ashtanga yoga basics include paying attention to each of the eight limbs, which are:
1. Yama (principles or moral code)
The moral observances that are necessary for achieving a condition of deep harmony with other beings.
2. Niyama (personal disciplines)
The ethical observances necessary for achieving a condition of deep balance within one’s self.
3. Asana (ashtanga yoga postures)
The physical poses or postures, which affect the being on many different levels, from physical, energetic, and mental/emotional, to higher psychic connections.
4. Pranayama (yoga breathing)
The use of the breath as a primary tool for control and manipulation of the life-giving, universal energy known as Prana.
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
The stage of withdrawal of the attention into oneself.
6. Dharana (concentration on objects)
The willful act of concentration of the mind, or the efforts of the mind to remain focused upon one point.
7. Dhyana (meditation)
Meditation or the state of “mystic absorption”.
8. Samadhi (salvation)
The state of super consciousness characterized by the complete absorption of the individual self into the absolute, universal consciousness.
