that we are so obsessed with in the West: the postures (asanas) are one component of a system that comprises eight branches (or limbs). Those eight limbs, rather than being a hierarchical sequence, work like the spokes of a wheel all supporting and interacting with each other. The full set of eight methods are designed to lead us towards self awakening and liberation. The eight limbs are yamas (behaviours and ways of being in the world, socially, with others), niyamas (personal codes of conduct), asana, pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from the distractions of the external to the inner), pranayama (breathing practices), dharana (concentration), dihyana (meditation), and samadhi (awakening, liberation).
It has parallels with the Buddhist 'Noble Eight Fold Path', and of course Buddhism and Yoga have the same origins; as a complete system the whole thing is designed to reduce the kleshas (things that poison our minds) so that we can achieve self-realisation (or enlightenment). It moves us from Avidya (not seeing) to Vidya (seeing).
An important aspect of this is Ahimsa: sometimes referred to as non-harm, but having deeper connotations of compassion, kindliness and thoughtful consideration towards ourselves and others. Ahimsa (compassion) is a central concept in both buddhism and yoga. Ahimsa comes from a well-developed anahata chakra (heart chakra) and whilst some people are born with a deep sense of compassion and the concept of Ahimsa seems to find itself naturally with them, others have to work hard at this. On the path of yoga all eight aspects develop concurrently and in an interrelated way: the asana work or meditation, for example, can both help develop anahata chakra and our sense of Ahimsa.
"When an individual has achieved complete understanding of his true self, he will no longer be disturbed by the distracting influences within and around him." (Yoga Sutra 1.16)
