Ashtang Yog with a Touch of Bhakti

Ashtang Yog is a classical path of yog outlined by the Patanjali Rishi in the Yog Sutras. The word Ashtang means “eight limbs,” referring to eight interconnected disciplines that guide a person toward spiritual growth and self-realisation.

By walking the path of Ashtang Yog with sincerity, physical, mental, emotional, and even karmic barriers begin to dissolve. This is traditionally the path of the gyani (seeker of knowledge) and the yogi (meditator). In this guide, a gentle touch of bhakti is woven in, making the path more accessible and easier to follow for all spiritual seekers, especially devotees.

Every step in Ashtang Yog prepares the seeker for the next. Just as Yam lays the foundation for Niyam, each limb builds upon the previous one, ultimately leading toward Samadhi—the state of complete union. What follows is a deeper look into the eight limbs of Yog.

1. Yam (Social Discipline)

The five branches of Yam guide how an individual, especially a spiritual seeker should behave.

• Ahinsa (Non-violence): Ahinsa means not causing harm to others—through actions, words, or even thoughts. True non-violence begins in the mind, as harmful thoughts often lead to harmful speech and behaviour. For deeper insight into the power of thought, I highly recommend Thought Power by Swami Sivananda.

• Satya (Truthfulness): Satya is living in truth by keeping thoughts, words, and actions in harmony. When this alignment is missing, it becomes Asatya. Speak only what is helpful, kind, necessary, and uplifting.

• Asteya (Non-stealing): Asteya means not taking what does not belong to us. This includes not only physical theft but also taking credit, time, or resources unfairly. In the Vedic tradition, stealing is seen as a serious obstacle to spiritual growth.

  • The Five Mahapatakas (Great Sins):

    • Killing a Brahmin (A person on spiritual path)

    • Consuming intoxicating substances

    • Stealing

    • Engaging in sexual relations with someone else’s spouse

    • Associating closely with those who commit these sins

• Brahmacharya (Celibacy and Energy Conservation): Brahmacharya is regarded as one of the highest disciplines in yog. It teaches the conservation of vital energy and restraint from indulgence. Traditionally, this principle emphasises purity and mindful use of energy, which strengthens clarity, discipline, and inner focus. Brahmacharya forms a strong foundation across all spiritual paths—Bhakti, Karma, Gyan, and Dhyan.

• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Aparigraha means letting go of hoarding—not only material possessions, but also unnecessary thoughts, attachments, and emotional burdens. Holding onto grudges and grievances weighs the mind down. Practising non-possessiveness creates inner space, allowing clarity and contentment to arise.

2. Niyam (Personal Discipline)

While Yam mainly focuses on external behaviour, Niyam cultivates inner discipline:

• Shauch (Purity): Purity involves cleanliness of the body, thoughts, emotions, and speech. While scriptures mention practices like cleansing the body twice to remove stagnant energy, true purity is internal. The spiritual seeker can focus the mind on the Divine, replacing worldly thoughts with divine ones. Spending time in uplifting company or engaging with spiritual teachings—such as satsang—also helps cleanse thoughts and emotions.

• Santosh (Contentment): Santosh is the practice of gratitude for all that is present. Trusting in the Divine will brings inner peace and acceptance, reducing restlessness of the mind.

• Tapasya (Austerity): Tapasya cultivates self-discipline through challenges, whether fasting, silence, meditation, mantra or naam jaap, or prayer. This practice strengthens resolve and helps burn past karmas, preparing the seeker for deeper spiritual progress.

• Swadhyay (Self-Study): 'Swa' means self, and ‘dhyay’ means goal or purpose. Swadhyay is the practice of learning about oneself through self-awareness, reading spiritual content, meditation, and bhakti. Just as algae must be removed to see clear water, or coal must be refined to reveal a diamond, Swadhyay helps cleanse karmas and uncover the true nature within.

• Ishwar Pranidhan (Surrender to Krishna): This limb involves surrendering the mind, intellect, and actions to Lord Krishna. Entrusting the reins of life to Him allows peace, guidance, and inner bliss to unfold naturally.

3. Asan (Body Discipline)

Asan is not only about physical posture or exercise; it is about developing awareness of the body. Conscious movement helps release toxins and emotional blockages, allowing the body’s energy channels to open. When the body becomes steady, the mind naturally grows calm and focused.

4. Pranayam (Breath Discipline)

Pranayam is the practice of consciously regulating the breath through inhalation, retention, and exhalation. In the yogic tradition, it is more than a breathing exercise—it is a method to regulate and expand prana (the vital life force). By slowing and deepening the breath, the mind becomes calmer and the body feels energised. With regular practice, Pranayam strengthens mental clarity, stability, and concentration.

For beginners, guided instruction can be very helpful. Baba Ramdev’s teachings on Pranayam are widely followed, and his video series “Complete Package of Pranayam for Beginners” offers a structured routine for those starting their practice.

5. Pratyahar (Sense Withdrawal)

Without control of the senses, spiritual progress becomes difficult. When the senses are constantly directed outward, physical, mental, and spiritual strength gradually weakens. Reducing unnecessary consumption is essential, along with being mindful of what is seen, spoken, heard, and thought.

For this reason, yogis and rishis in ancient times often lived away from crowds, allowing the mind to turn inward and deepen spiritual practice. In quiet moments, keeping the mind focused on the Divine helps maintain inner balance. Brahmacharya is also difficult to practise without Pratyahar The mind is extremely powerful, and with consistent practice, it naturally holds onto whatever it is repeatedly directed toward.

6. Dharana (Concentration)

Dharana is the practice of focused attention—whether on a mantra, a form, a flame, a point of light, or the Divine name, such as Krishna. Overtime Dharana helps quiet mental chatter and gently anchor wandering thoughts. When concentration is weak, meditation becomes difficult, which is why Dharana is an essential step before Dhyan.

7. Dhyan (Meditation)

In this stage, the yogi becomes still, with no thoughts. A Bhakt may visualise Krishna's form or chant His name internally with full love, completely absorbed and unaware of the outside world. In Dhyan, this focus becomes effortless and continuous, as the mind rests in divinity.

8. Samadhi (Bliss State)

Samadhi is the final and most profound stage of Ashtanga Yog—the state of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Truth, Consciousness, Bliss). In this state, the yogi/gyani experiences complete unity, peace, and bliss. It’s not forced—it arises naturally after years of consistent practice of Ashtang Yog. Samadhi is where the ego dissolves completely, and only pure awareness remains. Many who reach this state leave the body quietly; some return to guide others. Words cannot describe the joy of Samadhi.

A Bhakt, on the other hand, does not merge with the Divine in the same way as a yogi/gyani does in Samadhi. Instead, they go to Vaikunth—a realm free from sorrow (kuntha) where Krishna eternally resides. Once there, there is no return to the cycle of birth and death. Bhaktas attain a blissful state as their devotion to Krishna deepens, and when the love becomes pure, selfless, and unwavering, Krishna himself comes to take them. Saints like Meerabai, Tukaram and Narshi Mehta are shining examples of this divine grace.

Conclusion and Turiya State

As this path is followed with dedication, the chakras gradually begin to open. Each step helps purify the energy centres and leads toward Turiya—the fourth state of consciousness beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. This state is described as pure bliss, but it unfolds only through long-term, sincere practice, often over many years.

In the Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna also acknowledges that the path of meditation is difficult. For this reason, He emphasises Bhakti Yog—the path of love, devotion, and surrender—as a more accessible way for many seekers. Perfection in every discipline may not be possible, but even sincere effort in a few—such as Yam, Niyam, Pranayam, Pratyahar, and surrender to Krishna—can bring profound and meaningful transformation to life.

Start slowly. And walk this path with faith, love and devotion. Jai Shri Krishna!