The eight limbs helps to increase personal development of a person, achieve peace of mind and body. They also help to gain spirit that leads to enlightenment and Samadhi.

• The first one is Yama which reveals the 5 guidelines with reference to the moral behavior towards others . These five guidelines include truthfulness, nonviolence, abstinence from  stealing, abstinence from  sexual relationships, and abstinence from  intense craving.
• The second one is Niyama which reveals the 5 guidelines with reference to the moral behavior towards oneself. These five guidelines include cleanliness, sustained practice , contentment (satisfation), surrender to God,  and self study.
• The third is Asana which includes the practice of yoga postures.
• The Fourth is Pranayama which includes practice of breathing exercises.
• The fifth is Pratyahara which focuses on withdrawal of senses to such an extent that  the exterior world should not  be a distraction to the world within your body.
• The sixth is  Dharana which focuses on concentration. On e should be able to concentrate or be focuses on something, no matter   how much distraction are caused.
• The seventh is Dhyana which highlights meditation.
• The eighth and the last is Samadhi which means  bliss. One can achieve bliss by transcending of the self via meditation.

These aspects of yoga were written in the yoga sutra of Patanjali in 200 AD approximately. The eight aspects of yoga describe how our inner mind works and helps to control restlessness and enjoy an everlasting peace.

Understanding these aspects of yoga is very important. Reaching the eighth aspect of yoga requires a lot of dedication. Most of us are notable to move above the fourth aspect. The fifth aspect of Pratyahara is a very difficult state to attain, and almost an impossible task to most of us!