{"id":4393,"date":"2023-09-27T22:13:09","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T16:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/?p=4393"},"modified":"2023-09-27T22:15:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T16:45:15","slug":"patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/","title":{"rendered":"Patanjala Bahiranga and Antaranga Yoga"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Patanjala Yoga, attributed to the sage Patanjali, is an ancient system that outlines the principles and practices of yoga. It consists of eight limbs, commonly known as Ashtanga Yoga (not to be confused with the style of yoga with the same name). The eight limbs are divided into Bahiranga (external) Yoga and Antaranga (internal) Yoga. Understanding and practicing these limbs can lead to self-realization and spiritual growth. Let&#8217;s delve into each aspect:<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a20cf04baaa2\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a20cf04baaa2\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#1_Bahiranga_Yoga_External_Yoga\" >1. Bahiranga Yoga (External Yoga):<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#a_Yama_Restraints\" >a. Yama (Restraints):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#b_Niyama_Observances\" >b. Niyama (Observances):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#c_Asana_Posture\" >c. Asana (Posture):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#d_Pranayama_Breath_Control\" >d. Pranayama (Breath Control):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#e_Pratyahara_Withdrawal_of_the_Senses\" >e. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses):<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#2_Antaranga_Yoga_Internal_Yoga\" >2. Antaranga Yoga (Internal Yoga):<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#a_Dharana_Concentration\" >a. Dharana (Concentration):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#b_Dhyana_Meditation\" >b. Dhyana (Meditation):<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/patanjala-bahiranga-and-antaranga-yoga\/#c_Samadhi_Absorption_or_Enlightenment\" >c. Samadhi (Absorption or Enlightenment):<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Bahiranga_Yoga_External_Yoga\"><\/span>1. <strong>Bahiranga Yoga (External Yoga)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Bahiranga Yoga comprises the first five limbs of Patanjala Yoga. These limbs deal with the external practices and observances necessary for preparing the mind and body for spiritual progress.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_Yama_Restraints\"><\/span>a. <strong>Yama (Restraints)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ahimsa (Non-violence)<\/strong>: Abstaining from harming or causing harm to others.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Satya (Truthfulness)<\/strong>: Being honest and truthful in thoughts, words, and actions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Asteya (Non-stealing)<\/strong>: Not stealing, physically or emotionally, from others.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Brahmacharya (Moderation)<\/strong>: Practicing moderation and self-control, particularly in relation to sensory pleasures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)<\/strong>: Avoiding greed and the hoarding of unnecessary material possessions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"b_Niyama_Observances\"><\/span>b. <strong>Niyama (Observances)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Saucha (Cleanliness)<\/strong>: Maintaining physical and mental cleanliness for spiritual well-being.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Santosha (Contentment)<\/strong>: Cultivating contentment and satisfaction with what one has.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tapas (Discipline)<\/strong>: Practicing discipline, austerity, and perseverance to attain spiritual growth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Svadhyaya (Self-study)<\/strong>: Engaging in self-reflection, self-study, and studying spiritual texts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a higher power)<\/strong>: Surrendering to a higher universal consciousness and recognizing a higher purpose.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"c_Asana_Posture\"><\/span>c. <strong>Asana (Posture)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Physical postures<\/strong>: Adopting steady and comfortable poses to prepare the body for meditation and stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"d_Pranayama_Breath_Control\"><\/span>d. <strong>Pranayama (Breath Control)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Breath regulation<\/strong>: Control and expansion of breath to enhance prana (vital energy) and mental clarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"e_Pratyahara_Withdrawal_of_the_Senses\"><\/span>e. <strong>Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Control of senses<\/strong>: Withdrawing the mind from external distractions and sensory inputs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Antaranga_Yoga_Internal_Yoga\"><\/span>2. <strong>Antaranga Yoga (Internal Yoga)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Antaranga Yoga consists of the last three limbs of Patanjala Yoga. These limbs are focused on the internal practices of concentration, meditation, and absorption.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_Dharana_Concentration\"><\/span>a. <strong>Dharana (Concentration)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Focusing the mind<\/strong>: Concentrating the mind on a single point or object, developing mental steadiness and focus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"b_Dhyana_Meditation\"><\/span>b. <strong>Dhyana (Meditation)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mental absorption<\/strong>: Continuously focusing the mind on a chosen object, thought, or mantra, leading to a state of deep meditation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"c_Samadhi_Absorption_or_Enlightenment\"><\/span>c. <strong>Samadhi (Absorption or Enlightenment)<\/strong>:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Union with the divine<\/strong>: Attaining a state of oneness and complete absorption, where the individual self merges with the universal consciousness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By practicing both Bahiranga and Antaranga Yoga, individuals can progress on their yogic path toward self-realization, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment. Each limb serves a purpose in purifying the mind, body, and spirit, ultimately leading to a state of profound unity and harmony.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Patanjala Yoga, attributed to the sage Patanjali, is an ancient system that outlines the principles and practices of yoga. It [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[95,185],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4393","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-yoga-certifications","category-yoga-protocol-instructor"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4393","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4393"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4393\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4395,"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4393\/revisions\/4395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.askyogaexpert.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}