The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali  are one of the most enlightening works of all time. These short verses were created to help us have greater understanding of our human existence, and the human dilemma. The universal desires, typical among all humans and cultures, include: seeking happiness and a greater understanding of the mysteries of life, connecting to consciousness, and understanding mortality. The Sutras will help understand Ashtanga or the Eight Limbs of Yoga. In the Yoga Sutras, Patañjali  introduces “Yuj”: or yoga which translates in English as “yoke”. At its core, yoga is a practice that connects one’s being – body, mind, and spirit. 

Patañjali is considered the “father of yoga”. The Yoga Sutras were compiled in the Common Era. Patañjali, sage from India, is credited with codifying or organizing yogic knowledge from the traditions of yoga. The Yoga Sutras are comprised of 4 Chapters or Padas - Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibhuti, and Kaivalya, and are a collection of 193 - 196 short aphorisms or sacred threads; these threads teach the theory, practice, and philosophy of yoga. 

The Yoga Sutras, teach us Asthanga Yoga or the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The main objectives for studying the Sutras are to gain insight and perspective on the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which are: Yama, (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (yoga postures) Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration of the mind), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption), and to discern (kaivalya) the difference between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature). Yoga embraces the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali as the foundational text of Classical Yoga.

 The Yoga Sutras are based on Samkhya Philosophy. Samkhya is dualism, viewing reality as having two independent principles, Purusha (consciousness or spirit) and Prakriti (nature or matter). Samkhya philosophy teaches that the universe comes from the union of Prakriti - Akasha (ether), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jala (Water) and Prithvi (Earth), and Purusha (the spirit of conscious energy that governs life and reality). Purusha exists beyond time and space and when combined with 

Prakriti, it becomes reality; this reality forms all matter that we see. Prakriti is the basic material, at the root of all beings.

The Practice

According to tradition, the earliest form of yoga were contemplation or meditation. For many, this yogi was known as a “contented yogi” and the practice was called “watching yoga”. Over time the practice of yoga was distilled and the search within for mental calm and peace lessened; the practice of yoga became more focused on Asana or movement.

The practice of  yoga rose as human beings wanted to harness the union of body, mind and spirit. A regular yoga practice will allow one to go within (self) and recognize one’s true nature. Understanding our true nature enables us to know why we are alive and why we suffer, etc. Through the practice of Asthanga Yoga, we may also begin to seek enlightenment. Throughout time individuals have experienced flashes of enlightenment when all-enthralling events occur; these events may include birth or death.  Enlightenment teaches us to understand the nature of all things - for some this experience may be as simple as a sunrise. All who practice yoga seek to know.   

Recommending Readings 

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sri Swami Satchidananda

Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar 

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, Chip Hartranft

Kriya Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, Marshall Govindan

Maya Breuer, E-RYT 500, YACEP