The foundations of yoga philosophy were written down in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra in 200AD. His work provides a kind of blueprint for a purposeful yogic way of life. The eightfold path described in this work is known as ashtanga, which literally means “eight limbs” (ashta=eight, anga=limb)–bringing a holistic focus on the Divine. At a very high level, the eight limbs are: Yama (Universal morality), Niyama (personal observances), Asanas (yoga postures), Pranayama (Breathing), Pratyahara (Control of the Senses), Dharana (concentration and cultivation of inner awareness), Dhyana (Devotion on the Divine), Samadhi (Union with the Divine). The eight limbs act as guidelines for an ethical and purposeful life. The first two limbs are basic ethical precepts known as yamas and niyamas–offering suggestions on how to deal with ourselves and others.