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Ashtanga 'Raja' Yoga

The authoritative description of Ashtanga Raja Yoga is given by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, from sutra 34 of Book II through sutra 3 of Book III.

Below, you will find the Sanskrit words for each of the eight limbs of yoga, as well as the five 'great vows' of the first limb and the five 'observances' of the second limb.

All of these important words are used as examples (for practice with reading and pronouncing) in "Gateway to Sanskrit" and then in order to bring them together in one place, a laminated card for review.
Astanga Yoga eight-limb yoga
1. yama 1. yama abstinence
ahimsa 1a non-injury
satya 1bsatya truthfullness
asteya 1casteya non-stealing
bramacharya 1dbrahmacarya celibacy
aparigraha 1eaparigraha non-possessiveness
niyama 2. niyama observance
shaucha 2a purity
santosa

2b

contentment
tapas 1etapas spiritual austerity
svadhyaya 2d spiritual study
2e surrender to God
asana 3. posture or seat
pranayama 4.
Life energy control
pratyahara 5. withdrawal of the senses from their objects
dharana 6.
concentration
dhyana 7.
meditation
samadhi 8.
contemplation, absorption

 

 
   
 

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