Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga: An Eightfold Path Guide for Daily Living

Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold Path) – Practical Daily Living Guide

Yama (Ethical Restraints – Social Discipline)

How you relate to the world.
  • Ahimsa (non-violence) → Speak gently, avoid hurting anyone physically/mentally.
  • Satya (truth) → Be honest in speech and action.
  • Asteya (non-stealing) → Respect others’ time, energy, possessions.
  • Brahmacharya (right use of energy) → Moderation in sensuality, mindful lifestyle.
  • Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) → Declutter; don’t cling to things/people.

 Daily: Before sleeping, reflect—Was I truthful, kind, moderate today?
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Niyama (Personal Observances – Inner Discipline)

How you relate to yourself.

  • Shaucha (purity) → Keep body, mind, space clean.

  • Santosha (contentment) → Gratitude journaling, accept situations calmly.

  • Tapas (discipline) → Small acts of self-control—healthy food, regular exercise.

  • Swadhyaya (self-study) → Read spiritual texts, self-introspect daily.

  • Ishvar Pranidhana (surrender to divine) → Short prayer or surrender in meditation.

 Daily: 5 mins gratitude + 5 mins scripture reading.

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Asana (Posture – Body Discipline)

  • Choose 4–5 simple postures (Surya Namaskar, Tadasana, Padmasana).

  • Aim for steadiness, not acrobatics.

  • Sit still comfortably for meditation.

 Daily: 15–30 mins yoga postures.

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Pranayama (Breath Control – Energy Discipline)

  • Begin with deep diaphragmatic breathing.

  • Practice Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing).

  • Keep it gentle; don’t strain.

 Daily: 10 mins conscious breathing.


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Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses – Inner Focus)

  • Reduce overstimulation (screens, noise, gossip).

  • Practice closing eyes, turning attention inward.

  • Example: While eating, focus only on taste, not phone/TV.

 Daily: 5–10 mins “digital fasting” or silent meal.

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Dharana (Concentration)

  • Fix mind on one point—breath, mantra, flame, or deity.

  • Gently bring back wandering thoughts.

 Daily: 10 mins focused meditation (e.g., “So-Ham” breath awareness).

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Dhyana (Meditation)

  • Flowing, uninterrupted focus.

  • Choose technique (mindfulness, mantra, or guided meditation).

  • Let thoughts settle naturally, don’t force.

 Daily: 15–20 mins meditation after Dharana.

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Samadhi (Absorption / Union)

  • Deep stillness, beyond ego and thought.

  • Cannot be forced; it unfolds gradually with practice.

  • Glimpses may come as peace, bliss, or timeless awareness.

 Daily: Allow meditation to deepen—don’t seek “results.”


Notes

Suggested Routine (Simple Daily Flow)

  1. Morning:

    • 10 min gratitude & scripture (Niyama)

    • 20 min yoga postures (Asana)

    • 10 min breathing (Pranayama)

    • 15 min concentration/meditation (Dharana → Dhyana)

  2. Daytime:

    • Practice Yamas & Niyamas in interactions.

    • Take small mindful breaks (Pratyahara).

  3. Night:

    • Journal reflection: Did I live by Yama/Niyama?

    • 5 min prayer/surrender (Ishvar Pranidhana).


References: - 

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