Exploring Diverse Yogic Paths and the Many-Fold Systems of Yoga
The Eightfold System, or Ashtanga Yoga, defined by Patanjali, is a foundational concept in modern yoga. However, is Yoga solely about Patanjali’s Ashtanga system or what can we see beyond Patanjali? A recent discussion with a student led me to reflect on this question and write this article.
Ashtanga Yoga: Patanjali’s Path to Moksha
In Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, the eight limbs - Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi - serve as structured stages on the path to Moksha, or self-realization. This path, often considered a Moksha Shastra (science of liberation), provides a comprehensive system aimed at inner awakening and spiritual freedom.
Beyond Patanjali: Diverse Approaches to the Limbs of Yoga
While Patanjali’s system is well-known today, different yogic traditions have presented various frameworks that predate and sometimes differ from it.
For instance, the Mahabharata mentions an Ashtanga system rooted in the Vedic teachings.
These variations illustrate the richness of the yogic tradition:
Four-Fold System in Sharngadhara Paddhati
The 13th-century Sharngadhara Paddhati, composed by Sharngadhara, details a four-limb system i.e. Asana, Pranayama, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
Five-Fold System in Vayu Purana
The Vayu Purana outlines a unique five-limb approach to Yoga, emphasizing distinct aspects of practice. They are called 'Sarga, Sthiti, Samhara, Tirodhana, Anugraha'.
Six-Fold Systems in Multiple Texts
Texts such as Malini Vijayottara Tantram, Vishnu Samhita, Goraksha Shataka, and Viveka Martanda present six-limb systems with different configurations tailored to specific paths.
The Shadanga Yoga of Malini Vijayottara Tantra consists of Pranayama, Dharana, Tarka, Dhyana, Samadhi, and Pratyahara.
Goraksha Shataka explains 'Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi' as parts of Shadanga Yoga.
Viveka Martanda explains 'Asana, Prana-Samrodha, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi' as the parts of Shadanga Yoga. This text is also one of those texts that mentions 84 asanas.
Seven-Fold System in Mrugendra Tantram
The Mrugendra Tantram explores a seven-fold system, where Samadhi is the final stage, and Yoga itself is revered as an honorary eighth limb, encompassing the path and the goal.
This explains the 'Saptanga System' as 'Shuddha Vidya, Maheshwara, Sadhaka, Acharya, Mantra, Anuttara and Kaivalya'
Fifteen-Fold System in Aparokshanubhuti
Aparokshanubhuti, attributed to Adi Shankara, introduces an elaborate fifteen-limb system divided into ten outer (Bahiranga) and five inner (Antaranga) practices, demonstrating a more intricate roadmap to self-realization.
यमो हि नियमस्त्यागो मौनं देशश्च कालतः। आसनं मूलबन्धश्च देहसाम्यं च दृक्स्थितिः।।102।।
प्राणसंयमनं चैव प्रत्याहारश्च धारणा। आत्मध्यानं समाधिश्च प्रोक्तान्यङ्गानि वै क्रमात्।।103।।
The fifteen angas are as follows: control of the senses, mastery over the mind, renunciation, silence, selection of the right place, timing, steady posture, root lock (Mulabandha), balance of the body, steadiness of gaze, regulation of the life force, withdrawal of the mind, focused concentration, self-reflection, and complete absorption.
Ashtanga Yoga of Yoga Yājñavalkya Saṃhitā
Yoga Yajnavalkya, one of the most prominent texts explaining the concepts of Yoga through the conversation between Maharshi Yajnavalkya and Gargi. This 13th-century text explains the same 'Ashtanga Yoga' as 'Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. However, Yamas and Niyamas in this texts are ten each.
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga: A Singular Method, Not the Sole Path
Much like any profound philosophy (or Darshana), Yoga does not rest upon a single hierarchical structure with Patanjali at the summit. Instead, it is an evolving wisdom, influenced by diverse traditions, including Vedanta, Tantra, and Buddhist philosophies. Yoga’s influence has shaped and been shaped by these streams over millennia.
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, while popular today, is one of many methods to attain Samadhi or Moksha. The concept of “Eight-Limbed Yoga” does not represent the totality of yogic practices. Many teachers and sages throughout history have tailored their approaches based on personal experience, creating their distinct paths within the broader aim of Moksha.
Yoga as a Path Beyond Everyday Life
At its core, Yoga is a Moksha Shastra - a path of liberation. While it can bring balance and wellness to daily life, its primary purpose is to guide practitioners beyond the cycle of birth and death, offering a way of life for ultimate freedom.
While each tradition and approach is unique, they share this unifying purpose: yoga as the timeless method of self-realization.
