Yoga Project: The Eight Limbs of
Ashtanga Yoga
Name: Aryan Prasad
Class: 11
School: Narayana School
Introduction
Yoga is not just about physical postures (asanas); it is a complete way of life. One of
the most ancient and respected systems of yoga is Ashtanga Yoga, which means
"Eight-Limbed Path" in Sanskrit. It was outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga
Sutras and serves as a guide to achieve spiritual growth, mental peace, and
self-discipline.
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
1. Yama (Ethical Restraints)
Yama refers to moral codes or universal ethical rules that guide how we interact with
the world.
● Ahimsa – Non-violence
● Satya – Truthfulness
● Asteya – Non-stealing
● Brahmacharya – Self-control
● Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness
2. Niyama (Self-Discipline)
Niyamas are internal disciplines or personal practices.
● Shaucha – Cleanliness
● Santosha – Contentment
● Tapas – Self-discipline
● Svadhyaya – Self-study
● Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender to God
3. Asana (Posture)
Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga. It helps keep the body
healthy and strong, preparing it for long periods of meditation.
4. Pranayama (Breath Control)
Pranayama involves controlling the breath. It enhances the life force (prana) and
brings balance to the body and mind.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)
Pratyahara means withdrawing the senses from external objects and focusing inward.
It helps in controlling distractions.
6. Dharana (Concentration)
Dharana means focusing the mind on one object or thought. It is the beginning of
meditation and improves mental clarity.
7. Dhyana (Meditation)
Dhyana is deep meditation, where the mind is quiet and focused. It leads to inner
peace and spiritual insight.
8. Samadhi (State of Bliss)
Samadhi is the final goal of yoga – a state of union with the divine or pure
consciousness. It brings ultimate peace and enlightenment.
Conclusion
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga form a complete path toward a balanced and
meaningful life. By practicing these steps, one can achieve physical well-being,
mental peace, and spiritual liberation. It teaches us how to live ethically, develop
self-discipline, and reach inner harmony.
Yoga Project: Introduction and Study of
Gheranda Samhita
Name: Aryan Prasad
Class: 11
School: Narayana School
Introduction to Gheranda Samhita
The Gheranda Samhita is one of the three classical texts of Hatha Yoga, along with the
Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Shiva Samhita. It is a comprehensive manual of yoga,
attributed to the sage Gheranda, who imparts this knowledge to his disciple Chanda
Kapali.
This text stands out due to its practical and detailed approach. Unlike Patanjali’s
Ashtanga Yoga, Gheranda Samhita emphasizes physical and moral purification as a
foundation for higher yogic practices.
Author and Structure of the Text
The Gheranda Samhita was composed in the 17th century and is written in Sanskrit. It
is structured as a dialogue between the sage Gheranda and his student Chanda.
The text is divided into seven chapters, outlining the Saptanga Yoga or the "Seven
Limbs of Yoga." Each limb focuses on a specific aspect of the yogic journey,
providing a detailed path from physical discipline to spiritual enlightenment.
The Seven Limbs of Yoga in Gheranda Samhita
1. Shatkarma (Purification Techniques)
These are six cleansing practices that purify the body and prepare it for advanced
yogic practices:
● Dhauti – Cleansing the digestive tract
● Basti – Colon cleansing
● Neti – Nasal cleansing
● Trataka – Fixed gazing for concentration
● Nauli – Abdominal churning
● Kapalabhati – Skull-shining breath for detoxification
2. Asana (Postures)
The text describes 32 asanas (yoga poses) that provide strength, balance, and health.
These postures are considered essential for preparing the body for long meditation
sessions.
3. Mudra (Gestures or Seals)
Mudras are specific body positions or hand gestures that channel pranic energy
within the body. They play a vital role in awakening the kundalini energy and
controlling the inner energy systems.
4. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)
This practice involves detaching the senses from the external world and turning the
focus inward. It helps in achieving control over distractions and deepens
concentration.
5. Pranayama (Breath Control)
The regulation of breath, or pranayama, is used to increase the life force (prana) in the
body. Gheranda Samhita gives detailed steps for different types of pranayama,
including holding the breath and balancing the nadis (energy channels).
6. Dhyana (Meditation)
Meditation is described as the continuous flow of the mind toward a single object. It is
a means of developing inner peace and heightened awareness.
7. Samadhi (Absorption or Enlightenment)
This is the final goal of yoga — the state of spiritual liberation or union with the divine
consciousness. In Samadhi, the yogi transcends the ego and realizes their true
nature.
Unique Features of Gheranda Samhita
● Focus on purification as a foundation for spiritual growth
● Emphasis on physical discipline before mental control
● Systematic and practical guide for Hatha Yoga
● Detailed descriptions of yogic techniques for serious practitioners
Conclusion
The Gheranda Samhita is a powerful and practical yogic manual that offers a full
system for self-transformation. From purifying the body to achieving the highest
spiritual state, the text guides a yogi through every stage.
It is not just a book but a spiritual guide that shows how discipline, devotion, and
practice can lead to ultimate liberation. For anyone interested in traditional Hatha
Yoga, the Gheranda Samhita is an essential resource.
