Limit criteria corresponding to the critical values of the specific strain energy and various eigenmoduli of anisotropic media were proposed based on a representation of the elastic tensor in terms of eigenmoduli and eigenstates. Examples of limit (plasticity) criteria independent of the safe stress state are given. Governing equations for the limiting strain of anisotropic materials were obtained using the concept of eigenstates. The corresponding equations for isotropic materials of classes {1, 5} and {5, 1} and materials of the cubic system of various classes are considered. Limit criteria can vary considerably depending on the class of anisotropic material.