The Yoga Sutra

The Yoga Sutra, an ancient yogic text written by Patanjali many centuries ago lists the eight steps for the Path To God.

1. Yamas (the moral values

2. Niyamas (the ethical values),

3. Asanas (the postures),

4. Pranayama (breathing exercises),

5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses),

6. Dharana (concentration),

7. Dhyana (meditation),

8. Samadhi (spiritual absorption).

It says the Asanas should be steady, not painful, and one should not try advanced ones too soon.