The traditional system of Yoga includes eight stages, known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga. These stages are designed to help individuals achieve physical, mental, and spiritual balance. The eight stages of Yoga are:
- Yama: The first stage of Yoga is Yama, which is the ethical code of conduct. It includes five principles: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy or self-control), and Aparigraha (non-greed or non-possessiveness).
- Niyama: The second stage of Yoga is Niyama, which includes self-discipline and spiritual observances. The five principles of Niyama are Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity or self-discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power).
- Asana: The third stage of Yoga is Asana, which refers to the physical postures practiced in Yoga. Asanas are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance in the body, and to prepare the body for deeper stages of Yoga.
- Pranayama: The fourth stage of Yoga is Pranayama, which involves breath control. Pranayama techniques help to regulate the breath, improve lung capacity, and calm the mind.
- Pratyahara: The fifth stage of Yoga is Pratyahara, which refers to sensory withdrawal. Through this stage, individuals learn to detach from external stimuli and focus their attention inward.
- Dharana: The sixth stage of Yoga is Dharana, which involves concentration. In this stage, individuals learn to focus their attention on a single object or idea.
- Dhyana: The seventh stage of Yoga is Dhyana, which refers to meditation. Through this stage, individuals learn to calm the mind and cultivate inner peace.
- Samadhi: The eighth and final stage of Yoga is Samadhi, which refers to a state of oneness with the universe. In this stage, individuals experience a deep sense of spiritual union and transcendence.