1)  Yamas - Restraints:

- Ahimsa - Non-Violence :

Wishing no harm in thought, word, or deed.   Having unconditional love for all things.

- Satya - Truthfulness / Not Lying:

Living according to Truth.   Truthfulness in thought, word, and deed.

- Asteya - Non-Stealing:

Not taking anything that is not rightfully yours, or which extends beyond your current needs.

- Brahmacharya - Chastity / Non-Lust :

Abiding in behavior which respects the Divine as omnipresent.   Sublimation of seminal energy into spiritual energy.

- Aparigraha - Non-Greed / Non-Hoarding:

Being free of attachments.   Living a simple life.

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2)  Niyamas - Observances:

- Saucha - Purity :

Purity and cleanliness of body and mind.   Purity of food, and eaten in moderation.   Purity of practice space: clean, airy, dry, pest-free, and quiet.

- Santosa - Contentment :

Being without desire.   There is contentment and tranquility when the flame of the spirit does not waver in the wind of desire.

- Tapas - 'Burning' of Mental and Physical Impurities:

Forbearance of pain and hardship.   A burning up of mental impurities (such as desires and old mental impressions) and physical impurities, through 'right effort'.

- Svadhyaya - Self Study / Study of Spiritual Texts :

The regular study of Divine literature. Study of one's self.

- Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the Divine Will :

Having complete faith in God's will.   When the feeling of 'I' and 'mine' disappears, the individual soul has reached full growth.

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3)  Asana - Steady and Comfortable Posture:

Brings steadiness, health, and lightness of limb.   The yogi frees himself from physical disabilities and mental distractions by practicing asanas.

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4)  Pranayama - Regulation of Breath (Prana):

Strengthens the respiratory system, soothes the nervous system and reduces craving.   By the regulation and control of breath (prana), the mind and its senses are brought under control.

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5)  Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the Senses:

If man's reason succumbs to the pull of his senses he is lost.   On the other hand, if there is rhythmic control of breath, the senses instead of running after external objects of desire, turn inwards, and man is set free from their tyranny.

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6)  Dharana - Concentration:

One-pointedness of mind.   Being fully engrossed on a single point or task.   The mind must be stilled to achieve this complete absorption.

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7)  Dhyana - Meditation:

When the flow of concentration is uninterrupted, the state that arises is dhyana (meditation).

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8)  Samadhi

Peace beyond mental or intellectual understanding.   Perfect wholeness, love, and fulfillment.