Patanjali
enumerates the eight limbs or stages of Yoga for the
quest of the soul. They are:
I. Yama (universal !.llOral commandments); 2. Niyama (self purification by discipline); 3· Asana (posture); 4· Pranayam (rhythmic control
of the breath); 5· Pratyahara (withdrawal and emancipation of the mind
from the domination of the senses and exterior objects); 6. Dharana
(concentration); 7· Dhyana (meditation) and 8. Samadhi (a state of
super-consciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which
the individual aspirant (sādhaka) becomes one with the object of his
meditation-Paramātmā or the Universal Spirit).
Yama and Niyama control the yogi’s passions and emotions and keep
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him in harmony with his fellow man. Asanas keep the body healthy and
strong and in harmony with nature. Finally, the yogi becomes free of
body consciousness. He conquers the body and renders it a fit vehicle
for the soul. The first three stages are the outward quests (bahiranga
sadhana).
The next two stages, Pranayama and Pratyahara teach the aspirant
to regulate the breathing, and thereby control the mind. This helps to
free the senses from the thraldom of the objects of desire. These two
stages of Yoga are known as the inner quests (antaranga sadhana).
Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi take the yogi into the innermost
recesses of his soul. The yogi does not look heavenward to find God.
He knows that HE is within, being known as the Antaratma (the Inner
Self). The last three stages keep him in harmony with himself and his
Maker. These stages are called antaratma sadhana, the quest of the
soul.
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