How to Practice Ashtanga Yoga Steps

Ashtanga Yoga steps are the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Each succeeding step builds cumulatively upon the previous step(s). Practiced together, as taught in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga create a way of life that reaches the physical body, one's conduct in the world and one's spiritual aspirations.

Things You'll Need

• Ashtanga Yoga Master
• Yoga practice supplies
• Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Instructions

The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

1. 

   Cultivate Yama, an attitude of discipline or restraint. Specifically, refrain from violence and speak the truth. Only take what you have earned, control the senses with moderation and do not steal. These are the Five Behaviors.

2. 

   Observe Niyama, which is rules of devotion or discipline. Maintain inner and outer cleanliness, modesty, practice asanas and pranayama (breath control) to stay healthy. Practice self-examination to purify wrong actions and thinking. Do all that you can and lay the results at the Lotus Feet of the Lord.

3. 

   Poise between activity and non-activity with asanas. State of mind is revealed in every yoga posture. Breath, mind and body flow together. A prayerful asana is the Lotus Pose.

4. 

   Breathe. Pranayama is the Fourth Limb of Ashtanga Yoga. Prana, Life Force, flows freely through the whole person with breath control. Pranayama can be practiced with asanas or alone. Dirga Pranayama is a breath control exercise.

5. 

   Release attachment to sensory objects, objects of illusion. With the Fifth Limb, focus the mind in meditation and realize that happiness was yours all along. The Sixth Limb helps you to focus on a single solid object. You can focus on the Third Eye, your nose or navel.

6. 

   Worship (Dhyana) with profound intention to penetrate the Truth of reality, with the purpose of experiencing more unified consciousness.

7. 

   Attain Samadhi, Complete Equilibrium in Ashtanga Yoga. Distinctions between "I" and "That" become superfluous. This is God-consciousness and liberation from illusion (Maya).

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a physician when beginning yoga asanas