THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA

1.   Yama : It is the control of the body, speech and mind. The yamas are five in number.

• Ahimsa - Non violence
• Satya - Truthfulness
• Asteya - Non stealing
• Brahmacharya - Continence
• Aparigraha - Non - covetousness

2.   Niyama : The obedience of  proper conduct. Niyamas are five in number.

• Saucha - Purity
• Santosha - Contentment
• Tapas - Endurance
• Svadhyaya - Self study
• Ishwara Pranidhana Surrender to God

3.   Asana           :   Postures
4.   Pranayama   :   Control of breath
5.   Pratyahara    :   Restraint of senses from their objects of enjoyment.
6.   Dharana       :   Focusing of mind
7.   Dhyana        :   De-focusing of mind
8.   Samadhi      :   Super consciousness

As  per the yogic tradition and Taittriya Upanishad principles, there are  five sheaths of existence of man. The sheaths are called " Kosa ", which  are five layers of existence.

1.  Annamaya Kosa        :    Physical Body
2.  Pranamaya Kosa       :    Pranic Body
3.  Manomaya Kosa       :    Mind Body
4.  Vijnanamaya Kosa    :    Intellect Body
5.  Aanadamaya Kosa    :    Bliss Body

ANNAMAYA KOSA  :

The  grossest sheath is physical frame is called Annamaya Kosa. It is the  physical body with its function and predominantly material needs and  wants. This physical body is made up of solid matte consisting of Pancha  Bhutas, the five elements ( earth, water, fire, air and space ).

PRANAMAYA KOSA  :

The  second subtle sheath is the Pranamaya Kosa featured by predominance of  Prana, the life force. The prana flows through the invisible channels  called Nadis. The vital energy flows continuously in each and every  cell. The balanced flow of prana in right proportion keeps the cells  healthy.

MANOMAYA KOSA  : 

Subtler  to the prana is the mind, the thinking aspect called Manomaya Kosa.  This sheath is the abode of thoughts emotions, desires, likes and  dislikes. Conflicts arising in the Manomaya Kosa are called Aadhi (  stress ). A chronic worry, tension or anxiety leads to habitual  imbalances at Manomaya Kosa.This over a period of time percolates into  the Pranamaya Kosa and settles in one organ of the Annamaya Kosa  manifesting as psychosomatic disorders.

VIJNANAMAYA KOSA  :

Vijnanamaya  Kosa is the sheath of knowledge and wisdom. Itis the dicriminating  faculty of the mind. This is the concept library that guides the  Manomaya Kosa. This conscience which is highly evolved in human beings  differentiates man from animals. There are no conflicts at this level.  This sheath is firm and there is no waver.

ANANDAMAYA KOSA   :

In  Aanandmaya Kosa, the subtlest sheath of the human existences, the  person is established in internal bliss. This forms the basic stuff and  core of every individual. This is alert inner silence. Karma yoga is the  trick to remain in Anandamaya Kosa. The art of working in relaxation.  work with an attitude of Yajna, working without worrying about the  results of action, every one touches this state whenever he is happy.  Here the mind is said to rest in its intrinsic natural state of bliss and  ease.