3.

2 INTRODUCTION TO ASHTANGA YOGA (ELEMENTS OF YOGA)

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
​ •​ Understand the concept of Ashtanga Yoga
​ •​ Identify and explain the eight elements of Ashtanga Yoga
​ •​ Understand the systematic approach of yoga practice
​ •​ Recognize the benefits of following the eightfold path
WHAT IS ASHTANGA YOGA?
Ashtanga Yoga represents the systematic and scientific approach to yoga practice as described
by the great sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. The term “Ashtanga” is derived from two Sanskrit
words:
​ •​ “Ashta” = Eight
​ •​ “Anga” = Limbs or parts
Therefore, Ashtanga Yoga means the “Eight Limb Path” according to Patanjali’s yoga
philosophy.
Ashtanga Yoga is the experience of unity, harmony, and wholeness within one’s self and the
environment. It is a science of healthy living to relieve stress, promote vibrant health and
well-being, and cultivate deeper levels of awareness. This systematic approach provides a
complete framework for physical, mental, and spiritual development.
THE EIGHT ELEMENTS OF ASHTANGA YOGA
1. YAMA (Moral Restraints)
Yama represents the ethical guidelines and moral principles that form the foundation of yogic
life. It is the first element of Ashtanga Yoga and includes five main principles:
Key Principles of Yama:
​ •​ Ahimsa (Non-violence): Avoiding harm to any living being through thoughts,
words, or actions
​ •​ Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking and living in truth, being honest in all dealings
​ •​ Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking what doesn’t belong to us, including time,
ideas, or material possessions
​ •​ Brahmacharya (Energy Management): Proper use of vital energy and practicing
moderation
​ •​ Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Freedom from greed and unnecessary
accumulation of material things
Benefits: Practicing Yama helps develop strong moral character, builds trust in relationships,
and creates inner peace and harmony.
2. NIYAMA (Observances)
Niyama consists of positive practices and disciplines that purify the body and mind. These are
constructive habits that support spiritual growth.
Key Principles of Niyama:
​ •​ Saucha (Cleanliness): Maintaining physical cleanliness and mental purity
​ •​ Santosha (Contentment): Finding satisfaction and gratitude in present
circumstances
​ •​ Tapas (Disciplined Practice): Consistent effort and dedication in spiritual practices
​ •​ Svadhyaya (Self-study): Study of sacred texts and self-reflection
​ •​ Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to the Divine): Offering all actions to a higher
power
Benefits: Niyama practices cultivate inner discipline, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness.
3. ASANA (Physical Postures)
Asana refers to the physical practice of yoga postures. The word literally means “seat” or
“posture,” but in yoga context, it encompasses all physical positions and movements.
Key Aspects of Asana:
​ •​ Develops physical strength, flexibility, and balance
​ •​ Improves posture and body alignment
​ •​ Enhances circulation and organ function
​ •​ Prepares the body for meditation by creating stability and comfort
​ •​ Releases physical tension and stress
Benefits: Regular asana practice promotes physical health, increases body awareness, and
creates the foundation for deeper yoga practices.
4. PRANAYAMA (Breath Control)
Pranayama is the practice of controlling and regulating the breath to influence the flow of prana
(vital life energy) in the body.
Key Aspects of Pranayama:
​ •​ Conscious breathing techniques that calm the nervous system
​ •​ Helps balance the autonomic nervous system
​ •​ Increases lung capacity and oxygen intake
​ •​ Connects the body and mind through breath awareness
​ •​ Prepares the mind for meditation
Benefits: Pranayama reduces stress, improves concentration, enhances energy levels, and
promotes emotional balance.
5. PRATYAHARA (Withdrawal of Senses)
Pratyahara is the practice of withdrawing the senses from external distractions and turning
attention inward.
Key Aspects of Pratyahara:
​ •​ Learning to control sensory input
​ •​ Developing inner focus and concentration
​ •​ Reducing dependence on external stimulation
​ •​ Building mental strength and self-control
​ •​ Preparing for deeper states of meditation
Benefits: Pratyahara develops mental discipline, reduces anxiety, and enhances inner
awareness.
6. DHARANA (Concentration)
Dharana is the practice of focused concentration on a single object, thought, or concept.
Key Aspects of Dharana:
​ •​ Sustained attention on one point
​ •​ Development of mental focus and clarity
​ •​ Training the mind to remain steady
​ •​ Preparation for meditation practice
​ •​ Overcoming mental distractions
Benefits: Regular dharana practice improves concentration, enhances mental clarity, and
develops inner stability.
7. DHYANA (Meditation)
Dhyana is the continuous flow of awareness toward a chosen object of concentration. It is the
sustained state of meditation where the mind becomes completely absorbed.
Key Aspects of Dhyana:
​ •​ Effortless maintenance of awareness
​ •​ Transcendence of ordinary thought patterns
​ •​ Experience of inner peace and stillness
​ •​ Development of witness consciousness
​ •​ Preparation for the highest state of yoga
Benefits: Dhyana promotes deep relaxation, spiritual insight, emotional healing, and expanded
consciousness.
8. SAMADHI (Union/Absorption)
Samadhi is the highest stage of yoga practice, representing the state of complete absorption
and union with the object of meditation.
Key Aspects of Samadhi:
​ •​ Complete merger of the observer, process of observation, and object
​ •​ Transcendence of individual ego consciousness
​ •​ Experience of universal consciousness
​ •​ Ultimate goal of yoga practice
​ •​ State of perfect peace and bliss
Benefits: Samadhi brings about spiritual realization, inner transformation, and the experience of
oneness with all existence.
THE SYSTEMATIC APPROACH
The eight elements of Ashtanga Yoga are arranged in a logical sequence that supports gradual
development:
​ 1.​ Ethical Foundation (Yama & Niyama): Establishes moral character and purifies
lifestyle
​ 2.​ Physical Preparation (Asana): Develops bodily strength and flexibility
​ 3.​ Energy Management (Pranayama): Regulates vital energy and prepares for inner
work
​ 4.​ Sensory Control (Pratyahara): Develops inner focus and reduces external
distractions
​ 5.​ Mental Training (Dharana): Cultivates concentration and mental discipline
​ 6.​ Meditative Awareness (Dhyana): Develops sustained mindfulness and inner
peace
​ 7.​ Spiritual Realization (Samadhi): Achieves the ultimate goal of yoga practice
BENEFITS OF PRACTICING ASHTANGA YOGA
Physical Benefits:
​ •​ Improves flexibility, strength, and balance
​ •​ Enhances cardiovascular health
​ •​ Boosts immune system function
​ •​ Increases energy levels
​ •​ Promotes better sleep quality
Mental Benefits:
​ •​ Reduces stress and anxiety
​ •​ Improves concentration and memory
​ •​ Enhances emotional regulation
​ •​ Develops mental clarity and focus
​ •​ Promotes positive thinking
Spiritual Benefits:
​ •​ Cultivates inner peace and contentment
​ •​ Develops self-awareness and wisdom
​ •​ Promotes spiritual growth and realization
​ •​ Creates sense of connection with universal consciousness
​ •​ Brings about lasting transformation
CONCLUSION
Yoga is a comprehensive system for achieving optimal health, happiness, and spiritual
fulfillment. The practice of Ashtanga Yoga provides a systematic approach to developing all
aspects of human potential - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
By understanding the meaning and importance of yoga, and by following the eightfold path of
Ashtanga Yoga, students can develop a strong foundation for lifelong wellness and personal
growth. The regular practice of yoga not only benefits individuals but also contributes to creating
a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Remember that yoga is not just about physical flexibility or mental relaxation - it is a complete
way of life that leads to the realization of our highest potential as human beings.