Misunderstanding About Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga Meaning

When we think and want to know about yoga then the word "Ashtanga Yoga"  is one of the most common and important word, we hear. So the question is what this word mean and from where this word came ? I think this is one of the most misunderstood or misinterpreted word in the field of yoga knowingly or unknowingly.
Sage Patanjali synthesized and organized the knowledge of yoga in his collection of 196 Sanskrit Sutras in four chapters.  This is in the form of Sutras (mathematical formula) of theory and practical, written 2500 years ago almost.  His Yoga Sutras are most accepted, respected and translated in the field of yoga. His yoga is also known as Raja (Royal) Yoga. Patanjali's classification of classical yoga is known as eight fold path or Ashtanga, the eight limbs of yoga.  He defined the eight limbs as Yama (Social code of conduct), Niyama (Personal code of conduct), Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahar (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (Concentration), Dhyana (Meditation) and Samadhi (Enlightenment). Set of these limbs in sequence is a process or practice starts from outer (Society) to inner (Soul). These are said to be limbs because it is related and depends upon each other and all has same importance. One can not claim that He or She is doing yoga by just practicing one limb, like asana or pranayama or dhyana.

                                                                                                      (Picture source: Wikipedia)

However, when we see in present yoga field then we can clearly know that Ashtanga yoga becomes 6 set of practices developed by Sri Paatabhi Jois ji from South India. He designed 6 sequence with the combination of asanas as level 1 to 6. Certainly it is not eight limb or Ashtanga but only one limb.This word Ashtanga is being used but it has nothing to do with Ashtanga yoga of Patanjali or yoga. There is nothing wrong to practice only asanas but calling it yoga is not right. Sometimes teachers teach by focusing on breathing and some specific parts called it drishti but doing asanas with breathing and focus on specific part is not pranayama or dhyana respectively. Pranayama and Dhyana are separate limbs to practice regularly like asanas.

Yoga practitioners should be aware of this fact and try to develop their own understanding about various traditions and teaching methods. An ideal yoga tradition should be integrated with all limbs explained by our ancient Yogis. One should always find a right Guru/teacher and know about tradition behind it to move towards right path and approach according to our need and requirements. Yoga is to seek, not to believe.