Ashtanga Yoga: The 8 Limbs of Yoga

‘Patanjali’s set of practices is parallel to the eight-limbed path of early Buddhism. In both yoga and Buddhism, this set of practices is crucial to the realization of spiritual freedom. The Buddhist eight-limbed path comprises right views, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right contemplation. Several of these are also central elements in Patanjali’s practice: right conduct encompasses moral principles and observances, right mindfulness includes breath control and withdrawal of the senses, and right contemplation is equivalent to pure contemplation (samadhi)’.^[1]

This course contains articles, videos and quotes. It is advisable to immerse yourself in the course, consuming the content thoroughly. Apply a reflective mode, where you might read an article prior to, or immediately after practice. Keep a reflective journal to note your experiences as you engage with the material throughout this subject. Quotes are accompanied by an extract of the text. Articles and book extracts are provided for student study material only and comply with copyright laws. Take the time to engage deeply with the extracts provided or go to the text and read the passage more extensively.

[1] Stoller Miller B, Yoga Discipline of freedom p.51

About the Teacher:

Alan Goode is the Director of Yoga Mandir in Canberra. He holds a Junior Advanced Level 2 teaching certificate in Iyengar Yoga. Alan has studied regularly at the RIMY Institute in Pune, India with the Iyengar family for 40 years. Alan started practising yoga in 1975 in Sydney and commenced teaching in 1982 and has practiced and taught Yoga throughout his life. Alan is passionately involved with the practice of yoga and its application to daily life. Through his writing he unravels the themes of the yoga sutras and demonstrates their link to our daily practice.