Patanjali
(wrote the Yoga Sutras) describes yoga as having eight limbs (ashto
= eight, anga = limbs); they are: Yama (abstinences), Niyama
(observances), Asana (posture or seat), Pranayama (breath control),
Pratyahara (detachment), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation),
and Samadhi (contemplation). These limbs support and build upon each
other; this foundation often begins with Asana (physical yoga) practice.
guru ji in capitola --santa cruz circa 1986
With the breath of Ashtanga we can balance fear, loss, pleasure and pain. If we let the things that we resist; potential pain and or pleasure, resistance, dis-ease, into our awareness, if we breathe the breath into them, we become one with them. That is a form of enlightenment. We can do that with any state of being. Through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga we can experience union with our true self.