Ashtanga Yoga / Ashtanga
(अष्टांग योग)Literal Meaning
The eight-limbed path
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From 'ashta' (eight) + 'anga' (limb) — Patanjali's systematic eight-stage path culminating in Samadhi: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Modern postural yoga popularized in the West typically covers only the third limb (Asana), while classical Ashtanga Yoga treats physical posture as merely one stepping stone toward the ultimate goal of Samadhi.