Eight Limbs of Yoga

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, the eightfold path is called ashtanga, which literally means "eight limbs" (ashta=eight, anga=limb). These eight steps basically act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. They serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline; they direct attention toward one's health; and they help us to acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our nature.

Yamas - Restraints
          Ahimsa -non-harming
          Satya - non-falsehood
          Asteya - non-stealing
          Brahmacharya - non-indulgence
          Aparigraha - non-possessiveness

Niyama - Observances
          Saucha - purity/cleaniness
          Santosa - contentment
          Tapas - discipline/heat
          Svadhyaya - study/reflection
           Isvara pranidhana -  devotion to the lord(aspirations)

Asana - Posture
Pranayama - Breath Control
Pratyahara -  Sense Control
Dharana - Awareness
Dhyana -  Attention
Samadhi -  Communion/Absorption/  Stillness