Ashtanga Yoga

In Sanskrit "Ashta + anga" is Ashtanga. "Ashta" means Eight and "Anga" is limbs so it means Eight Limb path, ashtanga yoga is based on Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali. The asanas, Pranayamas or the dharana which we have studied earlier or the yam and niyam are based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Hence, we will acquaint ourselves with the fundamentals as stated by Patanjali first.

Yoga Sutras by Patanjali were written to explain the process and systematic analysis of practical methods for awakening and expanding the higher faculties of mind, intellect, quality of consciousness. It explores the true potential of human mind beyond the limits of time and space, a sure way eventually going beyond the mind.<br />
This is an ancient but basic text on Yoga as written by Sage Patanjali 400 years B.C.<br />
As the printing technology was not available at that time, this text has been transferred through generations by oral recitations (Shruti). That is why the whole knowledge of yoga is very concisely packed in total 196 lines or Sanskrit Sutras by Patanjali so that students can easily remember these sutras..<br />
The language used for these sutras is Sanskrit, it is little difficult to understand. But still it is interesting journey in understanding these Sutras and to know the basic principles of science of yoga. Sanskrit is called the language of Gods, grammar is very accurately maintained in Sanskrit. The constructions can be very concise and precise meaning.