Ashtanga Yoga: A Holistic Path

In our journey as human beings, we are blessed with the profound wisdom of Maharishi Patanjali, one of the greatest beings to have ever graced this planet. He provides us with the Yoga Darshana—a beautiful perspective of the universe in which we live and, more importantly, a roadmap to knowing our true, universal self.

Often, we hear people speak of "Ashtanga Yoga" as merely "eight steps" of yoga. However, Patanjali uses the term Yoga Anga, or the "limbs" of yoga. Just as our body is made of limbs—hands, legs, and other components—each is an essential, inseparable part of who we are. Similarly, each component of the Ashtanga—from Yama to Samadhi—is vital for the wholesome nature of yoga. Yoga is wholeness; it is beyond division.

Living as a Human Being

When Patanjali speaks of the Yama-Niyama, he offers us a profound freedom. He tells us they are Sarvabhauma—universal—and are not limited by Jati (class/species), Desha (place), Kala (time), or Samaya (circumstance). They are the Mahavrata, the great vows we take to fulfill our Manushya Dharma—our responsibility to live, think, speak, and act as a human being, not as a sub-human entity.

The Yama are the restraints that enable us to control our sub-human aspects, while the Niyama enable us to fully embody our human nature. We do not practice these out of fear of punishment or a desire to be better than someone else; we embrace them because we consciously choose to transform our lives.

The five Yama—Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha—and the five Niyama—Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana—are deeply personal. They are not mere rules; they are states of being. When we live in a state of Ahimsa (non-violence), it is not just about not harming; it is living in a state where the very thought of violence no longer arises.

From Purification to Illumination

Patanjali reminds us: Yoga Anga Anushthana—to consciously live and experience these limbs is to begin the process of Ashuddhi Kshaya, the burning away of all impurities, Kleshas (afflictions), and Karma bonds.

We begin to eliminate all that we are not.

As these impurities fall away, we experience Jnana Deepti—the inner illumination. This is not some cartoonish light, but the awakening of Viveka, the discerning intellect. This Viveka allows us to distinguish the real from the unreal, the pure from the impure, and the permanent from the impermanent. It is the remedy for Avidya, the root Klesha that prevents us from knowing our own self.

The Four Domains of Wholesome Health

Maharishi Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga provides a comprehensive framework that aligns perfectly with the World Health Organization’s definition of health as a dynamic state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.

Social Health (Yama & Niyama): Our social domain is enhanced by the Yama and Niyama. These are not optional suggestions; they are the fundamental choices that distinguish a human being from a "sub-human doing." By practicing non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), and integrity, we move away from impulsive, animalistic reactions and toward a state of noble, responsive human nature characterized by love, gratitude, and kinship.
Physical Health (Asana & Pranayama): To address the physical domain, we utilize Asana to restore homeostatic balance and Pranayama to master the autonomic nervous system. By shifting from sympathetic dominance to parasympathetic activation through conscious breathing, we regain the vital life force (Prana). This strengthens the psycho-neuro-immunological and endocrinological axes, effectively reducing the "allostatic load" of modern life.
Mental Health (Pratyahara & Dharana): Our minds often resemble a "drunken monkey stung by a scorpion." Through the withdrawal of senses (Pratyahara) and the focused training of the mind (Dharana), we transition from being reactive creatures to responsive human beings. Yoga serves as the ultimate training tool to sharpen our intellect and stabilize our consciousness.
Spiritual Health (Dhyana & Samadhi): The pinnacle of health is reached through Dhyana and Samadhi. As noted in our recent seminars, Samadhi represents the state of perfect health where one moves beyond Aadhi (mental) and Vyadhi (physical) afflictions, entering a dynamic equilibrium of the spirit.

The Holistic Path

The Ashtanga provides the tools to purify and illuminate ourselves, leading to the highest state of wisdom—Prajna—where we finally know who we are.

We begin with the Bahiranga (external) limbs: Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama. Once we have established these, we move toward the Antaranga (internal) practices. Through Pratyahara, we draw our senses inward to find the serenity that lies within. We then pinpoint the mind in Dharana, enabling an uninterrupted flow in Dhyana, and finally, the complete absorption of oneness in Samadhi.

In truth, one could even consider these to be sixteen limbs, for each of the five Yamas and five Niyamas is so detailed and encompassing that they stand as pillars in their own right. Whether we view them as eight or sixteen, they remain our most beautiful tools for life. They are beyond the divisions of time and space, guiding us always toward that ultimate truth of our own Universal Self.