An Introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

One of the first things I fell in love with during my yoga teacher training was the Yoga Sutras. They were profound and beautiful and as relevant to 21st century as they were when they were compiled over 1700 years ago.  It was as if, in this ancient text, I had discovered a complete roadmap to living life today.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are a collection of meditations on the practice and philosophy of yoga. Offering the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to understand the true meaning of yoga and its purpose.

While yoga was being practised long before Patanjali, it was the great sage who assimilated and compiled the vast knowledge of yoga into the yoga sutras.

 ‘Sutra’ literally means a thread. Just as different pearls are strung together on a single thread to create a necklace so also Patanjali skilfully ties together different yogic ideas in a sutra.

The Yoga Sutras outline the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which form the basis of all yoga practice to this day.  Within the Yoga Sutras are 196 aphorisms, short, profound statements, rich with layers of meaning, that guide the reader through four chapters, or (padas).

Samadhi Pada, the first chapter, describes the final goal of yoga practice- Samadhi, the ultimate union, the merging of the individual consciousness with Cosmic consciousness. The state of absolute Oneness.

The 51 sutras of the first chapter, describe the different kinds of Samadhis and the methods to achieve them. But the path to the goal is not easy.

It requires Chitta Vritti Nirodha – Cessation of all mental activity. Yoga Sutra 1.2

To control the mind, one must start from the ground up. Literally.  Preparing the body through asanas and self-discipline is as essential, he stresses, as the need for cultivating compassion and kindness and an unbiased mind.

Sadhana Pada, the second chapter, describes the discipline itself. The 55 sutras in this chapter follow on from the first, further elaborating on the nature and training of the mind. In this chapter Patanjali defines the various afflictions(klesas) which obstruct yoga practice and gives clear guidelines to overcome them. He elaborates on the ethics (Yamas )and personal disciplines(Niyamas) as the pre-requistes for any yoga practice, and then goes on to talk about asanas and pranayama.

Vibhuti Pada, chapter three, describes some of the super-normal effects the practice can have. It talks about the practice of Dharana(concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) and a special yogic method called Samayana, the combined practice of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi to achieve various siddhis or states of consciousness.

 Kaivalya Pada, the final chapter, with its 34 sutras talks about liberation of the ego.

It describes the end of the journey, the state of Dharmamegha Samadhi. When even in the state of complete knowledge, a yogi remains detached, allowing discernment to be present everywhere and at all times. For the person who has been freed from all obscuring veils, knowledge is infinite.

Having reached Kaivalya, the yogi finds himself in his own eternal nature, in a state of completeness, wholeness, and simplicity.

    Numerous commentaries have been written on the Yoga Sutras, many of which are available in English. Some dense and philosophical, others light and practical.

Atha yoga anushasanam: Now, the teachings of yoga.

Yoga sutra 1.1

The very first sutra sets the tone by simply stating- Now, the teachings of yoga. Inviting us to the practice of yoga, in this present moment, starting as we are.  For the present moment is the only reality.

This is my mantra each time I step on my mat, for each time  is an opportunity to be present, to be in the moment, to begin new.

On that note, I have listed a few of my favourite sutras that guide me on my journey and remind me why I practice yoga on and off the mat. I hope you enjoy some of these explorations.