Literally means "eight limbs". It refers to the eight stages or limbs of yoga as described in Pantanjali's The Yoga Sutras." These eight steps basically act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

Eight limbs. See page on the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

Ashtanga: the Power of yoga For those who want a serious workout, ashtanga yoga offers a fast-paced series of sequential poses beginning with sun salutations. Students move from one posture to another in a continual flow and link movements to breath. This physically demanding yoga was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois to build strength, flexibility, and stamina. Power yoga, made popular by Beryl Bender Birch, is based on ashtanga.

Literally means "eight limbs". Traditionally ashtanga yoga refers to raja yoga as the 8 limbs of yoga are found in the yoga sutras of Patanjali Maharishi. Not to be confused with the modern practice of ashtanga yoga by Pattabhi Jois. See raja yoga and ashtanga pages.