The 8 Elements of Yoga: A Beginner’s Guide for Online Practice
Many people believe that yoga is just about poses. They roll out the mat, bend and stretch and that's all. But yoga is not just that. The old yoga teachers have said just like a tree, yoga has parts – its root, the trunk, branches and leaves.
The parts are known as the elements of yoga. In this guide we show you what these 8 elements of yoga are, clearly and concisely. These can be learned at home, and even utilised in an online yoga class.
What Are the Elements of Yoga?
So if you wonder, "What are the elements of yoga?" here's the simple answer. These are the big components of a complete yoga lifestyle. They each focus on a different aspect of you – your actions, your belly, your breath and your mind.
A Quick Way to Understand Them
Think of a tree. Roots, a strong trunk, branches and leaves help a tree survive. When one of its parts is missing, the tree suffers. Yoga is the same. Practicing all the parts together makes you feel balanced and calm.
These are called "angas", which means "limbs" in Sanskrit. That is why it's sometimes referred to as the ‘eight limbs of yoga. In this context, limbs and elements are identical.
How Many Elements of Yoga Are There?
This is one of the top queries asked. There are how many elements of yoga? The solution is 8.
Eight Elements of Yoga
The eight elements of yoga were shared by a wise teacher named Patanjali in a book called the Yoga Sutras. He wrote them so they could have a clear path people can follow. Still today, millions of people the world over rely on the use of this guide.
Which Veda Mentions the Elements of Yoga?
This is indeed a common question that might frequently come up in school and exams. In which Veda can you find mention of elements of yoga? The response given in most books is the Rig Veda is the answer.
Why the Rig Veda?
The Vedas are four collections of sacred verses and the Rig Veda is the oldest. It is the first place whose name the word 'yoga' and thoughts appear. Later on, in other old books also spoke about yoga such as the Upanishads.
Where Does Patanjali Fit In?
The first ideas were provided by the Vedas. Many years later, Patanjali consolidated and presented them in an easy-to-follow order as the eight parts that we follow today. So, it's an early source, the Rig Veda, and the eight part guide, the Yoga-Sutras.
The 8 Elements of Yoga in Easy Words
Let's take a look at the eight of them. We will group them in pairs so they are easy to remember.
Elements 1 and 2: Yama and Niyama (How to Live)
These two are related to habits and behaviour.
- Yama translates to rules of treatment of others. Be loving, honest, refrain from taking what is not given to you, make wise use of your energy and don't be greedy.
- Niyama means rules for how we treat ourselves. Stay clean, love where you are, do the work, learn well and put faith in something greater than you.
Elements 3 and 4: Asana and Pranayama (Body and Breath)
The most popular aspects of yoga class are these two.
- In Asana, yoga poses are called 'asanas'. In fact, they will make your body strong, soft and ready to sit still.
- Pranayama means breathing exercises. Calms your heart and mind at the same time by slow breathing. If you want to learn easy breathing steps, read our blog on pranayama breathing.
Element 5 and 6: Pratyahara and Dharana (Training the Mind)
Both of these help you to suppress a busy mind.
- Pratyahara translates as turning towards the inside. stop chasing noises, ringing phones, and thoughts!
- Dharana means focus. You focus your attention on something - such as your breath or a candle flame.
Elements 7 and 8: Dhyana and Samadhi (Deep Calm)
The two top pieces are the greatest.
- Dhyana means meditation. The eyes get in tune, similar to the oil flowing in a jar.
- Samadhi is consciousness of peace. You feel relaxed, joyful, closer to others and things around you.
If you wish to see meditation, try our beginner's guide on meditation, which will introduce you to simple steps that you can start in the comfort of your home.
Are the 8 Elements Steps or Parts?
People believe that you should complete one part before proceeding to the next one as you would do when climbing steps. It's not entirely correct.
Think Parts, Not Stairs
They are the 8 elements - fingers of one hand. Practiced poses, breathing and habits can all occur on the same day. They support each other.
The Elements of Yoga in Your Online Practice
The elements of Yoga do not need to be practiced in a large studio! Read this simple 10-minute plan for how you can do this at home or with an online class.
- Consider one type of mindfulness (Yama and Niyama). Keep in mind that you'll be kind to yourself and others today.
- Do 3 easy poses (Asana). Seek to practise cat/cow, childs and mountain poses.
- With slow breathing, take 2 minutes (Pranayama). Out for four and in for four.
- Close your eyes (Pratyahara) Don't hear others.
- Focus on your breath (Dharana). If your mind runs away, bring it back gently.
- Sit quietly for a minute (Dhyana and Samadhi). Just rest in quietness.
Short exercise to involve all 8 elements. It's more advantageous to do it every day rather than a long class once a week.
Common mistakes made by beginners
- Only doing poses. Poses are just one element. Include time for rest and relaxation as well.
- Rushing. Yoga is not a race. Go slowly.
- Comparing with others. Body and mind aren't the same. Go at your own speed.
- Skipping the kind habits. Yama and niyama form the foundation. Without them, the rest feels empty.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the answer to what are the elements of yoga, how many there are, and which Veda mentions them. The 8 elements of yoga are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.
No need for you to learn all eight at once. Start with 1 or 2, such as poses and slow breathing, and gradually build up over time. As time goes on, everything will be easier and less stressful in your life.
