Introduction to Ashtanga (Eight Limbs) Yoga

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be writing about the various aspects of Ashtanga Yoga ( अष्टाङ्ग योग – eight limbs of yoga) in my upcoming posts. The word Ashtanga is composed of two words – ashta, meaning eight and anga, meaning limbs. Ashtanga Yoga refers to the eight limbs of yoga that Patanjali has advocated in the Yoga Sutras as a means to eradicate ignorance and gain an understanding of our true identity. The eight limbs are: yamas (guidelines for social interaction), niyams (guidelines for self-discipline), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (total absorption). For a brief introduction to the eight limbs of yoga, please visit here.

In sutra 2.28, Patanjali, by way of introducing the eight limbs of yoga, gives an insight into what we can expect to achieve by practicing these eight limbs.

योगाङ्गाऽनुष्ठानादशुद्धिक्षये ज्ञानदीप्तिराविवेकख्यातेः॥२८॥ (Sutra 2.28)

yogāṅgā’nuṣṭhānādaśuddhikṣaye jñānadīptirāvivekakhyāteḥ||28||

"From the practice of the component limbs of Yoga, on the destruction of impurities, arises spiritual illumination which develops into discriminative wisdom and thus realization of our true nature"

As you can see, Patanjali is promising self-realization if we practice all the eight limbs of yoga. Let us look at some of the terms mentioned in this sutra.

Destruction of impurities (ashuddhi-kshaye)

The impurities here refer to the five afflictions (kleshas) which are the main cause of our suffering. These kleshas are: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion) and abhinivesha (desire to cling to life, or fear of death). You can read a little more about these in my blog post here. These impurities are like dirt on a mirror. Only when the dirt is completely removed can we see clearly in the mirror. Similarly these impurities are covering our awareness about our true nature. What Patanjali is telling us that by practicing these eight limbs of yoga, one can cleanse the mind of these impurities.

Spiritual illumination (jnana-dipti)

The word "jnana-dipti" in the sutra can be translated as "light of knowledge". Here "light" refers to the spiritual wisdom that shines through after the impurities have been removed. When the mind is under stress, the true wisdom of the intellect is not available. At that time, the mind is impelled by the ego and  the suffering continues. So, Patanjali here states that through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, one can dispel the darkness of ignorance and have direct access to the light of true wisdom.

Discriminative Wisdom (viveka-khyati)

When the mind is purified and the light of spiritual illumination shines through, then one can attain a state where there is a very clear understanding of right and wrong, good and bad etc. This is discriminative wisdom which allows us always to make the right choice from among various available options. At every step in our life we are faced with two or more choices. The intellect can make the right choice only when it is driven by pure discriminative wisdom and not by the misguided ego.

This sutra is a very strong statement urging us to practice the eight limbs of yoga if we want to attain the sharpest possible intellect which can make the right choice at the right time. When that happens we can attain a sense of inner joy which is independent of external situations in life.

In future posts I will try to cover the eight limbs, one at a time. I would love to get your feedback.