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''For the system of yoga taught by [[Sri K. Pattabhi Jois]], see [[Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]].''

'''Ashtanga Yoga''' (''eight limbs of yoga'', ''Raja Yoga'') is the classical Indian system of philosophy and practice (composed by Patanjali perhaps ca. 200 BCE) consisting of these eight behavior precepts:

* [[Yama]] (see below)
* [[niyama]] - Commitments to practice, such as study and devotion
* [[asana]] - integration of mind and body through physical activity
* [[pranayama]] - integration of mind and body through breathing
* [[pratyahara]] - withdrawal of the senses of perception from their objects
* [[dharana]] - one-pointedness of mind
* [[dhyana]] - meditation (quiet activity that leads to samadhi)
* [[samadhi]] - the quiet state of blissful awareness

Practice of these precepts is said to result in a state in which one's behavior spontaneously follows the five ethical precepts (''Yamas''):

* [[Ahimsa]] - refraining from injury (non-life supporting action)
* [[satya]] - truthfulness
* [[asteya]] - freedom from stealing
* [[bramacharya]] - living within the Self (moderation; abstinence)
* [[aparigraha]] - freedom from attachment to possessions

'''See Also'''

* http://www.dharmayoga.org/onlinestudy/pantanjali.htm
* http://members.tripod.com/~kira_lis/yamas.html
* http://www.expressionsofspirit.com/yoga/eight-limbs.htm
* [http://www.atmajyoti.org/med_foundations_of_yoga.asp An exposition of the components of Yama and Niyama]

[[Category:Yoga]]