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, we begin to dissolve physical, mental, emotional, and even karmic barriers. This is the path of the gyani (seeker of knowledge) and the yogi (meditator), but I have given a touch of bhakti in this blog, which makes it easier for us to follow.

Every step in Ashtang Yog prepares us for the next. Just as Yam lays the foundation for Niyam, each limb builds upon the previous, ultimately leading us to Samadhi—the state of complete union. Let’s now dive deep into the 8 Limbs of Yog, the sacred path outlined by Rishi Patanjali in the Yog Sutras.

1. Yam (Social Discipline)

The five branches of Yam guide how we should behave with the world:

• Ahinsa (Non-violence): Ahinsa means not to cause harm to others, not only through actions, but also through our thoughts and words. For deeper insight into the power of thought, I highly recommend Thought Power by Swami Sivananda—it profoundly shifted my thinking.

• Satya (Truthfulness): When our thoughts, words, and actions align, we live in truth. If they don’t, it’s Asatya. Speak only what is helpful, kind, necessary, and uplifting.

• Asteya (Non-stealing): Avoid taking what doesn’t belong to us. Theft is considered one of the gravest sins and is said to open the gates to hell in our scriptures.

  • 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): This is considered one of the highest disciplines. It teaches us to conserve our vital energy and refrain from indulgence until the marriage, scriptures suggest either at the time of conception or once a month. This principle is the foundation of all spiritual paths—Bhakti, Karma, Gyan, and Dhyan.

• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Let go of hoarding, not just of material things, but also thoughts and emotional baggage. These days, we carry so many grudges and grievances. Releasing them makes us feel lighter. Aparigraha helps us create space within, so we attract what truly matters. It’s a reminder that quality always outweighs quantity.

2. Niyam (Personal Discipline)

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

• Shauch (Purity): Cleanliness of body, thoughts, emotions, and speech. Our texts recommend cold showers twice a day to wash off stagnant energy from body. But deeper cleanliness is internal—think of Krishna regularly, surrender your mind and intellect to him, and replace worldly thoughts with divine ones. Spending time in satsang also helps cleanse our thoughts and emotions. Even one hour a day of being in uplifting company or engaging with spiritual teachings can make a big difference.

• Santosh (Contentment): Be grateful for all we have. Trust that whatever is happening is Krishna's will. This faith brings peace.

• Tapasya (Austerity): Self-discipline through challenges—fasting, silence, mantra, naam jaap, dhyan, or prayer. It strengthens our resolve and burns past karmas.

• Swadhyay (Self-Study): 'Swa' means self, and ‘dhyay’ means goal or purpose. Swadhyay is the practice of learning about ourselves through self-awareness, reading spiritual content, meditation, and bhakti. Just as we remove algae to see clear water or extract coal to find a diamond, swadhyay helps us cleanse our karmas and see the true picture of our inner nature.

• Ishwar Pranidhan (Surrender to Krishna): Surrender your mind and intellect to Krishna. Hand over the reins of your life’s chariot to Him, and witness the profound peace and bliss it brings.

3. Asan (Body Discipline)

Asan isn’t just about physical posture or exercise—it’s about becoming more aware of our body. Movement helps release toxins and emotional blockages, and opens up the body’s energy channels. When the body is steady, the mind naturally becomes still and focused.

4. Pranayam (Breath Discipline)

Practice of consciously regulating the breath, consists of inhalation, retention, and exhalation. In yogic tradition, pranayam is more than just breathing exercises—it’s a way to control and expand prana (life force or energy). By slowing down and deepening the breath, we calm the mind, balance emotions, and energise the body. Doing it regularly can improve mind efficiency, stability and concentration power.

I learned about Pranayam through Baba Ramdev’s YouTube videos. 'Complete Package of Pranayam for Beginners' is perfect if you’re just starting out and want a guided routine.

5. Pratyahar (Sense Withdrawal)

Without controlling the senses, we cannot progress spiritually. The more we direct our senses outward, the weaker our physical, mental and spiritual state becomes. Reduce unnecessary consumption. It's important to control what we see, speak, hear, and think. That’s why in ancient times, yogis and rishis lived away from crowd—to focus better and go deeper into their spiritual journey. Keep the mind fixed on the divine in idle moments. Brahmacharya is also not possible without Pratyahar. Our mind is incredibly powerful. With consistent practice, it will hold on to whatever we focus on.

6. Dharana (Concentration)

Dharana is focus—whether it's on a mantra, an idol, or Krishna's name. It helps silence mental chatter and anchor the wandering thoughts. Many skip this and go straight to meditation, which is why they struggle. Begin with Dharana through simple practices like Tratak (steady gazing), sungazing, or focusing on Krishna's form, name, or a sacred sound like OM.

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)—where the yogi realises oneness with the Divine. In this state, the yogi experiences complete unity, peace, and self-realisation. It’s not forced—it arises naturally after years of consistent practice of Dharana (focus) and Dhyan (meditation). 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 in Samadhi. Instead, they often choose to 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. Bhakts attain a blissful state as their devotion to Krishna deepens, and when the love becomes pure and unwavering, Krishna himself comes to take them. Saints like Meerabai and Narshi Mehta are shining examples of this divine grace.

Conclusion and Turiya State

As we walk this path with dedication, the chakras gradually begins to open. Each step purifies the energy centres and moves us towards Turiya—the fourth state of consciousness beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It is absolute bliss. But it takes years, maybe decades, of sincere practice.

Even Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita tells Arjun that the path of meditation is difficult and instead recommends Bhakti Yog—the path of love and surrender.

We may not be able to follow every discipline perfectly, but if we commit to just a few—like Yam, Niyam, Pranayam, Pratyahar and surrendering to Krishna—our life will transform. I’ve experienced this myself.

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