Ashtanga Yoga
8 limbs of yoga

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Ashta = eight. Anga = limbs.

Imagine a wheel with eight spokes - this represents the concept of ashtanga yoga, with each of the spokes representing one of the eight limbs of yoga. All eight spokes play a part in the turning of the wheel. Similarly, all the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga need to be practised simultaneously to keep the wheel of yoga turning in your life.

Ashta means eight and anga means limbs, and just like you wouldn't be complete without all your limbs, so too a complete yogee requires the concommitent functions of all eight limbs if they are to pratice ashtanga yoga - by its traditional definition.

Not to be be confused with the modern day ashtanga yoga which consists of a fixed sequence of 26 asanas performed as a high tempo, high impact, aerobic form of yoga.

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Eight limbs of yoga

The 8 limbs or spokes are:

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