Reflection on the Eight Limbs of Yoga as Given in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

Welcome to the first session of our course looking at Patanjali's eight Limbs of Yoga. Today we are looking at the definition of yoga as given by Patanjali in Sutra 1:2, which together with three additional sutral from chapter 1, pave the way for moving into the reflections on the Eight Limbs of Yoga. We then move into chapter 2 where he talks of the importance of practice that asists in helping to remove obstacles and creatie clear perception. We complete the session with a guided relaxation and breath meditation including an affirmation for practicing peace.

This session takes us into Chapter 2 and it is here that we are given 'the method'. We will name the eight limbs as a whole before taking each one sparately and in this session we will discuss the 5 Yamas, which is the first of the eight limbs. The meditation practice will focus on compassion and provides an affirmation for this purpose.

In this session we are looking at the Niyamas, the second of the Eight Limbs. Compared with the Yamas, the Niyamas are more private and personal. We will look at how they refer to attitudes and observances we adopt toward caring for ourselves and how we choose to live. How they can build a strong will and character resulting in a flowing, harmonious, joyful life's journey with ourselves and others. Our meditation in this session will focus on patience and include an affirmation.

In this session we are looking at the role asana and pranayama play in the Eight Limbs of Yoga. We will discuss the purpose of asana and it's far reaching benefits. Likewise we will address the role that pranayama plays in our personal and spiritual development. In the meditation practice I will guide you in a breath technique, the use of mantra and an affirmation to reduce anxiety.

As we proceed into the Eight Limbs, we look now at the fifth limb. You will understand more, how the ability to concentrate is essential as we progress from the limbs concerning our relationship with the outside world, to the limbs which are considered to focus more on an inner level. This is the first stage of moving towards meditation. Our meditation proactice is beginning to focus more deeply within now, and inner peace is awakening more and more.

In this session we move into Chapter 3 of the Yoga Sutras to explore the sixth limb. Dharana translates as concentration. Delving into this limb, we are conscious of quite a focused level of concentration. The essential idea of Dharana is holding concentration or focus of attention in one direction. We talk about possible objects of concentration that can be taken into meditation. The meditation in this session is centered on this idea.

Continuing in chapter 3, Dhyana translates as Meditation. In this session I will reflect back on the previous three limbs. It is important to understand that the entire eight limbs are interconnected and play such an important role towards our realization and experience of deep meditation. Our discussion is around sutra 3:2 saying - "Meditation (dhyana) is an unbroken flow of thought toward the object of concentration". The meditation practice will consist of a breath technique, mantra and words from the Chandogya Upanishad as a focus of concentration.

There is a phrase in Sanskrit which is Sat Chit Ananda, meaning 'ever present, ever conscious, ever new bliss'. In this session we will look at what some of the great masters have said in regard to Samadhi. Our final meditation practice holds a focus on peace and oneness.