Eight principles of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is an eight-limbed path towards achieving the state of Yoga, also
known as Samadhi. The definition of Ashtanga Yoga is found in the Yoga Sutras
of Patañjali, an ancient text on the theory and practice of Yoga thought to have
been compiled in about 200 CE by Sage Patañjali.

The definition of the eight-limbed path that leads to Yoga is found in book two of
the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, Sadhana Pada, the chapter on yoga practice. Sutra
2.29 states: “the eight limbs of yoga are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama,
pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.”

These eight limbs can be described in this way:

1. Yama (Principles or moral code)

 Ahimsa - A principle of non-violence

 Satya - A principle of Truthfulness
 Asteya - A principle of non stealing
 Brahmacharya - Continence / Celibacy
 Aparigah - A principle of non-hoarding or non possessiveness

2. Niyama (Personal Disciplines)

 Shoucha - Purity
 Santosh - Contentment
 Tapa - Endurance
 Swadhyaya - Self study
 Eshwar Pranidhan - Dedication

3. Asanaa (Yoga Positions or Yogic Postures)

A stable and comfortable posture which helps attain mental equilibrium.

4. Pranayama (Yogic Breathing)

Extension and control of breath.

 5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

A mental preparation to increase the power of mind.

6. Dharana (Concentration on Object)

Concentration of mind on one object and its field.

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

With drawing mind from all external objects and focusing it on one point
and meditating on it.

8. Samadhi (Salvation)
State of Super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to
universal consciousness. Union between Jivatman and Paramatman.
Union of Shiva and Shakti in Sahasrar Chakra (the top of the head).
Realizing the Bramhan (pure consciousness) or Realization of God is the
ultimate achievement of Human Birth

Yamas  - Social duties

Yamas teach us attitudes that we must follow with respect to the environment we
live in. They are codes of conduct that teach us to practice restraint. 

a. Ahimsa - Non-violence .

“Ahimsa pratishtayam tat sannidhau vairatyagaha’’ (II Sutra 35)

“When a person is established in non-violence, then violence is dropped in his or
her presence.”
Consciously choosing to walk the path of non-violence, dropping all intentions
that lean towards destruction because the very intent can destroy your basis and
root. 

When you are rooted in ahimsa, your aura influences those around you. When
you practice ahimsa, you become peaceful within, and when you become
peaceful within, you tend towards ahimsa. It is a two-way street. 
b. Satya – Truth

“Satya pratishtayam kriya phala shrayatvam’’ (II Sutra 36)

“When a person is established in truth then the fruits of action will follow.” 
Deep within us, there is an unchanging quality and this yama refers to that. It is
not merely in words that we must be truthful. It is through our actions, in our heart
and mind, and the intention that really counts. It is the depth of our very core that
should tend towards the unchanging. That is satya.

c. Asteya - Not stealing 

"Asteya pratishtayam sarvara ratna upasthanam'' (II Sutra 37)

"When non-stealing is established, all the jewels (wealth) approach the person."
We must not by action, deed, or thought seek to gain anything that is not rightfully
ours. Stealing does not only refer to property - physical, intellectual or material
things; it also refers to thoughts. 

When we are established with an intention to not steal and are sincere, wealth
will come effortlessly. 

d. Brahmacharya – Celibacy

"Brahmacharya pratishtayam viryalabhaha'' (II Sutra 38)

"On being established in celibacy, vigor is gained."
The meaning of brahmacharya is not simply celibacy. It means to move in infinity.
When we meditate, we forget the body, mind, and all senses, and move in infinite
consciousness. This connects us with our vast nature. This bestows strength and
vigor. Not indulging in the whims and fancies of the senses, and uniting with the
infinite consciousness within can make us powerful. That is the meaning of
brahmacharya.

e. Aparigraha - Not coveting

"Aparigraha sthairye janmakathanta sambodhaha'' (II Sutra 39)

"Being established in non-accumulation gives knowledge of all past and future
births."
Aparigraha refers to not accumulating things or taking anything from anyone -
being happy and content in our own existence. And realizing that giving is the
greatest joy. When we give something to someone, the positive vibrations come
back to us.

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Reference : Yogapoint.com

en.wikipedia.com

newvibeyoga.com/

artofliving.org.

streecoach.app

fitsri.com