8 Samadhi (Enlightenment, bliss state of oneness)

This is the ultimate yoga, and it is the culmination of the previous seven limbs. 

Samadhi transcends meditation: it is without seed, as it goes beyond beginning and end; it is a state of absolute liberation and bliss in which nothing is needed, desired or required as the self has merged all.

To truly practise Astanga yoga we need to endeavour to incorporate all eight limbs: to practise the physical aspects, which are the asanas and pranayama, and to strive to live the actions of yoga, yama, niyama, pratyahara, dharana and dhyana. 

By reading and discussing, the concepts of yoga may be intellectually understood, but that understanding needs to be put into practice if we wish to experience the richness of its benefits and bring meaning into our lives. 
 

yoga is 99 per cent practice and 1 per cent theory. This requires practice of all the eight limbs of yoga, not just the asanas.
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