The aim of these practices is to help one rise from a narrow personal perspective of life to a broader transcendent viewpoint (sattvic state of being in which one has the consciousness of all-encompassing Puruṣa).
In this eightfold path, one initially cultivates sattvic virtues (self-restraint, observance).
Self-restraint means not hurting others, telling the truth, not stealing, celibacy, and giving up possessions (hence leading an ascetic life).