The Eight-Limbed Path Flashcards
dharma
The spiritual path
Yama
First limb. Literally means abstinence. Represents our moral obligations that help us live in society and thus engage with ourselves.
The five yamas
- Ahimsa (non violence)
- Satya (truthfulness)
- Asteya (non-stealing)
- Brahmacharya (moderation)
- Aparigraha (non-hoarding)
Ahimsa
Yama. Non violence. Applies to both ourselves and others. Practice of compassion
Satya
Yama. Truthfulness. Practice living authentically, being truthful to ourselves and others. Directing your behavior to align with your values and intentions.
Asteya
Yama. Non-stealing. Not taking anything that is not freely given. Being respectful of others’ time, giving credit, and honoring others’ energies.
Brahmacharya
Yama. Moderation. Breaking the bonds of attachment to excess and external desires.
Aparigraha
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.
Niyama
Second limb. Observances to help develop positive relationships with ourselves
The five niyamas
- Saucha (purity of being)
- Santosha (contentment)
- Tapas (austerity)
- Svadhyaya (self-study)
- Isvara Pranidhana (devotion to a higher power)
Saucha
Niyama. Purity of being. Ultimately about mindfulness and connecting to Pure Awareness (Isvara)
Isvara
Pure Awareness
Santosha
Niyama. Contentment. Arises from purity. The sense that we have everything we need. A realization of wholeness. Compassionate self-forgiveness
Tapas
Niyama. Austerity. The drive to practice all aspects of yoga day after day. Bringing you back to the Self when you become distracted
Svadhyaya
Niyama. Self-study. Integrates purity, contentment, and austerity. Investigation of yourself in relation to higher Self.
Isvara Pranidhana
Niyama. Devotion to a Higher Power. Practice of devotion to Isvara. Requires consistence.
Asana
Third limb. Posture practice. Physical practice meant to cleanse the body. Moving meditation.
Pranayama
Fourth limb. Breath. Active regulation of the breath to remove mental disruptions and create a calm mind to prepare for meditation.
Two types of interactions with the breath
- Passive observance: bringing awareness without changing. Leads to involuntary changes in breathing patterns.
- Active regulation: Pranayama, produces effects on kosha bodies. Physical control, using breath as a guide to focus on object of meditation.
Four parts of the breathing cycle
- Rechaka - exhalation
- Puraka - inhalation
- Bahya kumbhaka - suspension of the breath after exhalation
- Antara jumbhaka - retention of breath after inhalation
sa-mantraka
Mantra with seed - adding a mantra to pranayama
a-mantraka
Mantra without seed - pranayama without mantra
Prana
the breath of life/essential energy
The five vayus
The functions of prana
- Prana-vayu
- Apana-vayu
- Samana-vayu
- Udana-vayu
- Vyana-vayu
Prana-vayu
An inward moving energy located at the heart, chest, and lung areas.
Functions: respiration and sensory perception
Blockages: heart and lung conditions, lethargy
Apana-vayu
A descending and outward-moving energy located beneath the navel.
Functions: elminiation, reproduction, immune system support
Blockages: Menstrual problems, sexual dysfunction, constipation
Samana-vayu
An equalizing energy that moves toward the center and is located at the navel.
Functions: digestion, metabolism, homeostasis
Blockages: digestive problems
Udana-vayu
An ascending energy located at the throat, upper chest, and head.
Functions: Thought, speech, exhalation, growth, consciousness
Blockages: cognition and communication issues
Vyana-vayu
An outward-moving and diffusive energy located at the peripheral nervous system. Permeates the entire body
Functions: Circulation, movement
Blockages: Poor peripheral circulation, numbness
Nadi shodhana
Breathing alternately between nostrils to clean and energize pranic currents, open your sushumna
Pratyahara
Fifth limb. Sense withdrawal. The bridge between external limbs and internal experiences of yoga.
Samyama
The last three limbs of the eight-limbed path: dharana, dhyana, and samadhi
Dharana
Sixth limb. Concentration. Focus on a singular object and bring yourself back to it again and again.
Dhyana
Seventh limb. Meditation. State of being where thoughts come and go without being held. Effortlessly meditate on the object of focus.
Samadhi
Eighth limb. Connection and union with the Source.
Kriyas
Cleansing practices in Hatha Yoga
Peripheral nervous system
The part of the nervous system that exists outside the brain and spinal chord. Includes:
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
PNS
Parasympathetic nervous system
responsible for rest and digestion
helps heal, refresh, and restart
SNS
Sympathetic nervous system designed to keep you alive fight-flight-freeze mechanism always ready hyperarousal
