Eightfold path of yoga (Yoga)

According to Patanjali, yoga should not be embarked upon without a preliminary practice of ethical discipline. This involves abstention from evil doing (yama), observing the noble principles (niyama), truthfulness (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), refraining from stealing (asteya), lack of self-indulgence (brahmacarya), and absence of greed (aparigraha). One is then in a state of sufficiently strong ethical consciousness to embark on the psycho-physical exercises and spiritual training that lead to self-realization or integration with the ultimate ground of existence.

Another interpretation of Patanjali's eightfold path implies the eight levels of yama (restraint), niyama (discipline), asana (bodily posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (identification). These are the components of classical yoga and are not so much approached in order as complementary to each other, so that yama and niyama are clearly practised together, and also if the components are considered on a circular plan, opposite pairs are functionally related - yama with pratyahara etc.