The following is the Raja Yoga (Hatha and Kundalini Yoga) path, which has an eight limb systematic approach. The yamas and niyamas help us form high moral character. Together they uplift and purify the mind and prepare us for meditation through asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

• Yamas - these are restraints or things we strive to not do
  • Ahimsa - non violence
  • Satya - truthfulness
  • Brahmacharya - to remain connected to the source by not squandering your energy
  • Asteya - non-stealing, non-covetedness
  • Aparigraha - non-accepting of gifts or bribes
• Niyama - these are observances or things we strive to do
  • Saucha - purity
  • Santosha - contentment
  • Tapas - austerity
  • Swadhyaya - study of any religious scripture
  • Ishwara-pranidhana - surrender of the ego

You can see the asanas (postures) and pranayama are only two of the techniques of hatha yoga. Hatha yoga begins with the physical body, and then tries to control the prana (life force) and then comes the control of the mind. The practice of asanas and pranayama is the first step towards inner freedom for many individuals.