What does ashtanga mean?

Ashtanga comes from the Sanskrit words astau (eight) and anga (limb). The eight limbs refer to the eight foundational principles of yoga as laid out in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. Together, they form a holistic path of spiritual development leading to liberation. The eight-fold path consists of yama (integrity), niyama (self-discipline), asana (the physical practice), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense-withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation or contemplation) and samadhi (peace, enlightenment or the ultimate experience of interconnectedness). According to the ashtanga yoga tradition, the journey starts with the third limb, the physical practice, followed by the fourth, pranayama. Once firmly established in these two limbs, a natural understanding of the first two will arise. Once these four external practices are integrated, resulting in a healthy body, a quiet mind and a heightened awareness, the more subtle layers will be addressed through the final four limbs.