Which Part of Ashtanga Yoga Is Asana? Understanding the Eight Limbs of Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a holistic system that goes beyond physical postures. It is based on the Eight Limbs of Yoga, a philosophy outlined in the ancient text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These limbs serve as a guide for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and inner transformation.
One of these eight limbs is Asana, which refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga. But where does Asana fit into the larger system of Ashtanga Yoga? In this article, we’ll explore Asana’s role within the Eight Limbs, how it connects to other aspects of yoga, and why it is only one part of a much deeper practice.
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
The word Ashtanga means “Eight Limbs” (Ashta = eight, Anga = limb). These limbs represent different aspects of yoga practice, leading to physical, mental, and spiritual transformation.
The Eight Limbs are:
Yama (Ethical Guidelines) – Principles for how we interact with others
Niyama (Personal Discipline) – Self-discipline and inner purification
Asana (Physical Postures) – The physical practice of yoga
Pranayama (Breath Control) – Regulation of breath and energy
Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses) – Turning inward to focus the mind
Dharana (Concentration) – One-pointed focus and mental discipline
Dhyana (Meditation) – Deep meditation and mindfulness
Samadhi (Bliss or Enlightenment) – A state of ultimate peace and self-realization
Asana, the third limb, is an important part of yoga, but it is not the goal—it is a stepping stone to deeper states of awareness and self-discipline.
What Is Asana in Ashtanga Yoga?
Asana as Physical Practice
In the context of Ashtanga Yoga, Asana refers to the structured practice of postures, which is divided into six series:
Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa – Yoga Therapy) – Cleanses the body and builds a foundation.
Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana – Nerve Cleansing) – Purifies the nervous system.
Advanced Series (Sthira Bhaga – Strength & Grace) – Requires exceptional strength and balance.
Each series follows a set sequence of postures, synchronized with breath (Pranayama), gaze (Drishti), and energy locks (Bandhas) to deepen the practice.
Why Is Asana Important?
Strengthens and detoxifies the body
Prepares the body for meditation (by building endurance for seated postures)
Develops focus, discipline, and patience
Links breath and movement for a meditative flow
However, Asana is not just about physical fitness. In Ashtanga, the practice of postures is meant to train the body and mind for deeper spiritual awareness.
How Asana Connects to the Other Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
Asana is only one part of Ashtanga Yoga. To truly experience yoga’s transformative power, it must be practiced alongside the other limbs:
Yama & Niyama (Ethics & Discipline): Following moral principles creates a balanced, non-harmful approach to practice.
Pranayama (Breath Control): Deep breathing during postures helps calm the nervous system.
Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal): Asana practice helps turn attention inward, away from distractions.
Dharana & Dhyana (Concentration & Meditation): Asana leads to mental focus, preparing the mind for deep meditation.
Samadhi (Enlightenment): The ultimate goal of yoga is not just a strong body, but a peaceful, enlightened mind.
In traditional yoga philosophy, Asana is viewed as a tool, not the destination. It serves as a bridge to higher states of awareness.
Who Was Patanjali and How Does He Relate to Ashtanga Yoga?
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga were first outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an ancient yogic text that remains one of the most important sources of yoga philosophy.
Who Was Patanjali?
Patanjali was an Indian sage and scholar, believed to have lived sometime between 200 BCE and 400 CE. He is credited with compiling the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 short verses that describe the path to self-discipline, meditation, and enlightenment.
Although little is known about Patanjali’s life, his work remains one of the most influential yogic texts, serving as a guide for both ancient and modern practitioners.
How Patanjali’s Teachings Relate to Ashtanga Yoga
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras introduce the concept of Ashtanga Yoga, meaning the "Eight-Limbed Path." Pattabhi Jois, the founder of modern Ashtanga Yoga, adapted these principles into the structured physical practice that we see today.
While Ashtanga Yoga today focuses heavily on physical postures (Asana), Patanjali emphasized yoga as a holistic practice that includes ethics, meditation, and spiritual awareness.
Book Recommendation: The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar
For those interested in learning more about Patanjali’s teachings and how they relate to modern yoga practice, a highly recommended book is The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar.
Why Read This Book?
Provides a clear and accessible translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Explains how to apply the Eight Limbs of Yoga in daily life.
Written by T.K.V. Desikachar, the son of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, one of the most influential yoga teachers in modern history.
Offers insights on breath control, meditation, and the philosophy behind asana practice.
This book is an excellent resource for Ashtanga Yoga practitioners who want to understand the deeper meaning of yoga beyond the physical postures.
Final Thoughts: Asana as One Step on the Yoga Path
In Ashtanga Yoga, Asana is the third limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. It is a powerful practice that builds strength, discipline, and focus, but it is not the final goal of yoga. The purpose of Asana is to prepare the body and mind for deeper spiritual practice, leading toward meditation and self-awareness.
For those practicing Ashtanga, understanding that yoga extends beyond the mat can create a more meaningful, transformative journey—one that balances physical movement with mindfulness, breath, and inner peace.
