Yoga: Everything You Need to Know to Learn Yoga

The term ‘8 limbs’ comes from the Sanskrit word Ashtanga. These limbs in Patanjali Yoga Sutras serve as codes or constructive tools for living a meaningful and purposeful life. Here is a brief description of each limb. So, let’s find out how each of them is different from one another.

Yama (abstinences)

The first limb deals with the moral/ethical discipline as the Yamas describe how to treat yourself as well as others. They are the guides for how to behave in society as a whole. This limb helps maintain calmness, release stress and tackle negative vitality. There are 5 aspects of Yama, namely:

• Ahimsa (non-violence)
• Satya (honesty/ truthfulness)
• Asteya (non-stealing)
• Brahmacharya (more on celibacy) and 
• Aparigraha (non-greed)

Niyama (observances)

The second limb is more of self-purification to cultivate self-confidence. It focuses on the study of personal development behaviour with an intent to build up good character and find happiness. There are in total of 5 Niyamas:

• Saucha (self-purification/cleanliness)
• Santosha (contentment)
• Tapas (self-discipline)
• Svadhyaya (self-study/self examine) and
• Ishvara Pranidhana (self-surrender/devoted to God)

Asana (postures)

The third limb refers to several forms of yoga postures. These postures deliver different benefits to practitioners. However, they for sure, help develop balance, strength to the body and disciples for meditation. Some of the most common postures to get started with include:

• Tadasana
• Kursiasana
• Adho Mukha Svanasana
• Vrikshasana 
• Trikonasana
• Sukhasana

Pranayama (breathing)

Pranayama is a widely practised yoga of breath control. This distinct breathing exercise is designed to have control of the life force extension. As this practice consists of synchronizing the breath with movements between asanas, regular exercise of Pranayama helps in fortifying the immune system, respiratory system and brings balance in terms of mental health.

Pratyahara (withdrawal)

This fifth limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga deals with self-awareness. Regular practice of Pratyahara not only helps cultivate inner growth but also enlightens the path to withdraw. In simple terms, it enables you to let go of unwanted habits in life, especially those that could cost your health.

Dharana (concentration/ one-point attention)

The sixth limb is all about concentration and deep focus. The fifth and the sixth limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga hold the same aspect. The practice of Pratyahara creates Dharana, and again Dharana helps in cutting off all the things that could cause distraction of the mind.

Dhyana (meditation)

Dhyana is about the uninterrupted or continuous flow of concentration. Since the seventh limb refers to deep meditation, it is often considered as a penultimate stage of Yoga, as per the Hindu and Buddhist Yoga.

Samadhi (absorption)

This final limb is entirely about self-realization or enlightenment. The practitioners in this stage can understand the connection between the living things on the earth with the divine. In English, the term Samadhi is spiritual absorption. It is a state of deep meditation which leads to higher consciousness.

Yoga classes or instructors’ cost can range from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000, depending on the level of classes- Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level. It may also vary depending on the situation of the instructors (qualification, travel, skills, experience and location). Indeed, the fee differs from location to location.

For example, the estimated monthly fee for Yoga at a student’s home in Whitefield is between ₹ 6,000 – 7,000, whereas it ranges from ₹ 5,800 – 8,000 in Yelahanka, Bangalore. For more details, you can click here to find out the estimated fee for your favourite yoga classes in India’s top cities.

As mentioned earlier, there are three forms of classes in terms of options available. You can opt for courses at home, courses at trainers’ home and online classes depending on your requirements.

Of course, you’ll find many instructors around you who are ready to impart the benefits it provides to others. But how to choose the right trainer/instructors for you. Individuals, for the most part, look for certified trainers, and there is no doubt about it. Other than that, what are different things that you have to remember while scanning for one?

• Research thoroughly on training institutes VS personal trainers
• Find out how experienced is the trainer
• Check out the reviews and ratings available
• Find out about the courses schedules
• Find out about the courses prospectus/syllabus
• Learn on the course timing whether it is suitable or not!
• Check out the budget/course fee

If you want to discover the benefits of Yoga, then why wait! All you need to do is to roll out your yoga mat. You don’t necessarily have to be professional to practice this world-class exercise as there are several simplest asanas to get you started. Age is not a matter to practice these anasas since it’s intended for everybody.

• Child’s Pose
• Mindful breath
• The Mountain Pose
• Downward-Facing Dog
• Plank Pose
• Four-Limbed Staff Pose
• Cobra Pose
• Tree Pose
• The Mountain Pose
• Standing Forward Fold Pose

To enjoy the advantages it gives, practice is critical. Without it, the term ‘benefits’ will simply be an arbitrary word in the dictionary. So, start practising it now to rewind and rejuvenate yourself. To know more about asanas and their benefits, explore the link here.