Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)

Question 1

What are the Eight Limbs of Yoga?

Answer 1

Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.

Question 2

What are the Yamas?

Answer 2

Ethical restraints or moral disciplines for interacting with the external world.

Question 3

Name the five Yamas.

Answer 3

Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

Question 4

What are the Niyamas?

Answer 4

Personal observances or inner disciplines for self-care and growth.

Question 5

Name the five Niyamas.

Answer 5

Shaucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God).

Question 6

What is Asana?

Answer 6

Physical posture; originally intended to prepare the body for meditation.

Question 7

What is Pranayama?

Answer 7

Breath control; regulating life force through conscious breathing techniques.

Question 8

What is Pratyahara?

Answer 8

Withdrawal of the senses; turning inward away from external distractions.

Question 9

What is Dharana?

Answer 9

Concentration; fixing the mind on a single object or point of focus.

Question 10

What is Dhyana?

Answer 10

Meditation; uninterrupted flow of concentration.

Question 11

What is Samadhi?

Answer 11

Absorption; a state of blissful union with the Self or universal consciousness.