Ashtanga Yoga

Origin. Patanjali, Yoga Sutras (c. 2nd century BCE to 4th century CE). "Ashtanga" means "eight limbs" — a progressive procedure for achieving mental stability and, ultimately, absorption (samadhi).

Mechanism. The mind is naturally turbulent. External conduct, bodily practice, and attentional training progressively reduce disturbance. Each limb builds on the previous: ethical restraint prevents gross disturbance; posture and breath control prepare the body; sense withdrawal reduces external stimulation; concentration focuses attention; meditation sustains focus; absorption arises when the focused mind becomes still. The procedure works by systematically eliminating sources of mental agitation.

Procedure. Progress through eight limbs: (1) Yama — restraints: non-harm, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, non-grasping. (2) Niyama — observances: cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, surrender. (3) Asana — stable, comfortable posture for extended sitting. (4) Pranayama — breath regulation: lengthening, holding, and controlling inhalation and exhalation. (5) Pratyahara — sense withdrawal: detaching attention from external stimuli. (6) Dharana — concentration: fixing attention on a single object. (7) Dhyana — meditation: sustained, unbroken focus. (8) Samadhi — absorption: the mind becomes one with its object, distinction between observer and observed dissolves. The first five limbs are external; the last three are internal and develop through extended practice.

Applies to. Attentional training. Managing mental disturbance. Any context requiring sustained concentration or reduced reactivity.

Limitations. The full path requires significant time and commitment. Later limbs cannot be forced; they arise from sustained practice of earlier ones. The system assumes certain metaphysical goals (kaivalya — isolation of pure awareness) that may not transfer to other contexts. Without proper guidance, practices can be misapplied. The ethical restraints are integral, not optional preliminaries.