The Eight-Limbed Path

Question 1

dharma

Answer 1

The spiritual path

Question 2

Yama

Answer 2

First limb. Literally means abstinence. Represents our moral obligations that help us live in society and thus engage with ourselves.

Question 3

The five yamas

Answer 3

1. Ahimsa (non violence)
2. Satya (truthfulness)
3. Asteya (non-stealing)
4. Brahmacharya (moderation)
5. Aparigraha (non-hoarding)

Question 4

Ahimsa

Answer 4

Yama. Non violence. Applies to both ourselves and others. Practice of compassion

Question 5

Satya

Answer 5

Yama. Truthfulness. Practice living authentically, being truthful to ourselves and others. Directing your behavior to align with your values and intentions.

Question 6

Asteya

Answer 6

Yama. Non-stealing. Not taking anything that is not freely given. Being respectful of others’ time, giving credit, and honoring others’ energies.

Question 7

Brahmacharya

Answer 7

Yama. Moderation. Breaking the bonds of attachment to excess and external desires.

Question 8

Aparigraha

Answer 8

Yama. Non-hoarding. A form of non-stealing (asteya). Clearing attachments caused by feelings of obligation from gifts. The sense of having enough. Sharing, giving, collaboration. Teaches gratitude.

Question 9

Niyama

Answer 9

Second limb. Observances to help develop positive relationships with ourselves

Question 10

The five niyamas

Answer 10

1. Saucha (purity of being)
2. Santosha (contentment)
3. Tapas (austerity)
4. Svadhyaya (self-study)
5. Isvara Pranidhana (devotion to a higher power)

Question 11

Saucha

Answer 11

Niyama. Purity of being. Ultimately about mindfulness and connecting to Pure Awareness (Isvara)

Question 12

Isvara

Answer 12

Pure Awareness

Question 13

Santosha

Answer 13

Niyama. Contentment. Arises from purity. The sense that we have everything we need. A realization of wholeness. Compassionate self-forgiveness

Question 14

Tapas

Answer 14

Niyama. Austerity. The drive to practice all aspects of yoga day after day. Bringing you back to the Self when you become distracted

Question 15

Svadhyaya

Answer 15

Niyama. Self-study. Integrates purity, contentment, and austerity. Investigation of yourself in relation to higher Self.

Question 16

Isvara Pranidhana

Answer 16

Niyama. Devotion to a Higher Power. Practice of devotion to Isvara. Requires consistence.

Question 17

Asana

Answer 17

Third limb. Posture practice. Physical practice meant to cleanse the body. Moving meditation.

Question 18

Pranayama

Answer 18

Fourth limb. Breath. Active regulation of the breath to remove mental disruptions and create a calm mind to prepare for meditation.

Question 19

Two types of interactions with the breath

Answer 19

1. Passive observance: bringing awareness without changing. Leads to involuntary changes in breathing patterns.
2. Active regulation: Pranayama, produces effects on kosha bodies. Physical control, using breath as a guide to focus on object of meditation.

Question 20

Four parts of the breathing cycle

Answer 20

1. Rechaka - exhalation
2. Puraka - inhalation
3. Bahya kumbhaka - suspension of the breath after exhalation
4. Antara jumbhaka - retention of breath after inhalation

Question 21

sa-mantraka

Answer 21

Mantra with seed - adding a mantra to pranayama

Question 22

a-mantraka

Answer 22

Mantra without seed - pranayama without mantra

Question 23

Prana

Answer 23

the breath of life/essential energy

Question 24

The five vayus

Answer 24

The functions of prana

1. Prana-vayu
2. Apana-vayu
3. Samana-vayu
4. Udana-vayu
5. Vyana-vayu

Question 25

Prana-vayu

Answer 25

An inward moving energy located at the heart, chest, and lung areas.

Functions: respiration and sensory perception

Blockages: heart and lung conditions, lethargy

Question 26

Apana-vayu

Answer 26

A descending and outward-moving energy located beneath the navel.

Functions: elminiation, reproduction, immune system support

Blockages: Menstrual problems, sexual dysfunction, constipation

Question 27

Samana-vayu

Answer 27

An equalizing energy that moves toward the center and is located at the navel.

Functions: digestion, metabolism, homeostasis

Blockages: digestive problems

Question 28

Udana-vayu

Answer 28

An ascending energy located at the throat, upper chest, and head.

Functions: Thought, speech, exhalation, growth, consciousness

Blockages: cognition and communication issues

Question 29

Vyana-vayu

Answer 29

An outward-moving and diffusive energy located at the peripheral nervous system. Permeates the entire body

Functions: Circulation, movement

Blockages: Poor peripheral circulation, numbness

Question 30

Nadi shodhana

Answer 30

Breathing alternately between nostrils to clean and energize pranic currents, open your sushumna

Question 31

Pratyahara

Answer 31

Fifth limb. Sense withdrawal. The bridge between external limbs and internal experiences of yoga.

Question 32

Samyama

Answer 32

The last three limbs of the eight-limbed path: dharana, dhyana, and samadhi

Question 33

Dharana

Answer 33

Sixth limb. Concentration. Focus on a singular object and bring yourself back to it again and again.

Question 34

Dhyana

Answer 34

Seventh limb. Meditation. State of being where thoughts come and go without being held. Effortlessly meditate on the object of focus.

Question 35

Samadhi

Answer 35

Eighth limb. Connection and union with the Source.

Question 36

Kriyas

Answer 36

Cleansing practices in Hatha Yoga

Question 37

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 37

The part of the nervous system that exists outside the brain and spinal chord. Includes:

1. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)
2. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

Question 38

PNS

Answer 38

Parasympathetic nervous system
responsible for rest and digestion
helps heal, refresh, and restart

Question 39

SNS

Answer 39

Sympathetic nervous system
designed to keep you alive
fight-flight-freeze mechanism
always ready
hyperarousal