
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
This eightfold path of yoga describes the Hatha yoga we practice today:
- Yama– non-violence, truth, non-stealing, non-lust, non-possessiveness, honesty
- Niyama– purity, contentment, austerity, study of sacred text, awareness of divine
- Asana– postures, exercise positions
- Pranayama– life force or energy
- Pratyahara– withdrawal of the senses
- Dharana– concentration
- Dhyana– uninterrupted meditation
- Samadhi– absolute bliss, enlightenment