The 8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (made simple)
- Salla Vedder
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
There is a common misconception that yoga begins and ends on the mat.
In truth, the physical practice is one part of a much bigger path. The tradition of Ashtanga Yoga describes eight limbs—eight interconnected practices that invite us to live with more awareness, presence and connection.
Rather than a checklist to complete, they are a path of remembering.
A way of living awake.
Each limb naturally supports each other, guiding us from how we relate to the world around us, to how we relate to ourselves, and ultimately to a deeper experience of peace and wholeness. Ready? Take a deep breath... Let's begin.
1. Yamas
Practice of - Living in alignment with others & with the world.
The Yamas are the foundations of how we move through life in relationship.
They invite us into gentleness, honesty, simplicity, healthy boundaries, and spaciousness. They remind us that integrity isn't something we think about—it's something we live. Integrity that moves our lives in motion. When we begin here, every interaction becomes part of the practice.
2. Niyamas
Practice of - Living in alignment with yourself.
If the Yamas are about how we meet the world, the Niyamas are about how we meet ourselves (When I teach 8 Limbs in INBODHI Teacher Trainings, I sometimes call them "Me-Yamas")
They teaches us Self-care and devotion to our growth and gratitude. They lean on to trust in something greater - into the guidance from inside. The universal truth of who we really are as a human being.
These practices encourage us to nurture our inner landscapes with the same care we offer others, creating a steady foundation for everything that follows for oneself, and for others.
3. Asana
Practice of - Experiencing steadiness in the body.
Asana is the limb most people recognize as "yoga," but it was never intended to be the whole practice. The postures can strengthen, open, and prepare the body—not simply to move effortlessly, but to sit comfortably, breathe freely, and to be present with what is (what ever it is) -- The body becomes a doorway into cosmic energy and inner awareness, and these two together can heal us emotionally, mentally, physically, energetically and intellectually.
4. Pranayama
Practice of - Connecting through the breath.
Pranayama is the practice of working consciously with the breath. Each inhale creates space. Each exhale invites body's natural expression of release.
As we become more aware of our breathing, we begin to notice how closely breath, body, and mind are connected. Often, changing the breath gently changes everything else in life as well - the breath is one that unites.
5. Pratyahara
Practice of - Noticing your inner activation.
This is about choosing to take your attention inward. Creating connection underneath the noise on the surface level - Choosing to listen inward. Slowing down internally to notice present somatic sensations.
Rather than being constantly pulled outward by distractions, Pratyahara invites us to become curious about what is happening within. It's less about shutting the world out and more about hearing ourselves clearly.
6. Dharana
Practice of - Staying with one thing at a time.
Concentration and choosing where your attention lands and becoming present as a practice itself. Dharana is Re-focusing.
In a world that constantly competes for our attention, Dharana reminds us that focus is something we cultivate. Every time we gently return our awareness, we're strengthening the mind's abundant capacity to be here & now, present in the moment.
7. Dhyana
Practice of - Realizing you've already arrived.
Meditation is less about becoming someone / something else - It's about recognizing what is, and what has always been here. Being right where you are, and where you were meant to be.
A meditative moment rises naturally, effortlessly. When concentration becomes continuous, effort softens and the presence deepens. We simply rest in awareness (A practice we call in INBODHI circles JUST BE)
8. Samadhi
Practice of - Connecting with all there is & everything.
The final limb isn't something we force or achieve - It's a natural unfolding. One is in Union with and within. There is a a sense of wholeness - a feeling of coming home (OM). Separation simply dissolves - One feels harmony and connected.
When Yoga is More Than a Practice...
The eight limbs are not eight separate steps to climb. Rather than seeing them as linear progression - the invitation is to see them as a practice to revisit. Not to become "good in yoga" but becoming "good in practicing yoga."
They weave together, supporting one another throughout a lifetime of practice.
Some days yoga looks like moving your body and breath... Other days it's choosing honesty.
Some days it's taking one conscious breath before reacting - other days it's simply remembering that just as you are now - you are enough.
This is why yoga is so much more than flexibility or postures. It's a path of remembering and a way of living your life in awakening state.
Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening an established practice, the eight limbs can offer a gentle invitation: to move through life with more awareness, with intention, and with real connection to yourself, to others, and to the world around you.
Interested in learning more?
Get curious - Our next trainings are already listed on our website!
Namaste, let me know your questions!
You can connect me via Inbodhi Yoga Fuerteventura website
<3 Salla
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