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Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali
Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali consists of 196 sūtras (verses aka aphorisms) written by Sage Patañjali prior to 400 CE. The scripture has translated into many languages and regarded as the most precise and scientific text ever written on Yoga. Raja Yoga, a book written by Swami Vivekananda also has in-depth explanation of Yoga Sutras.
This Yoga is also known as Patañjali Yoga, and widely known as Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga.
It is divided into four chapters.
- Samādhi Pāda - 51
- Sādhana Pāda - 55
- Vibhūti Pāda - 56
- Kaivalya Pāda - 34
Contents
Samādhi Pāda
This chapter has 51 sutras, and it sheds light on Definition and Purpose of Yoga, Vritti (mental modification), Practice and Detachment, types of Samadhi, methods of harmonizing the mind, etc.
The chapter analyses the components of consciousness, and its behavioural patterns, how one can make these patterns stable from fluctuation to achieve inner integration.
Sādhana Pāda
This chapter on practice has 55 sutras, and it enlightens about klesha (basic tensions of life), Removal of klesha and its purpose, The Knower and the Known, Awareness and lack of awareness, The path to prajna (intuitive knowledge), Five limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga (The eight limbs of Patanjali Yoga), etc.
This chapter deals with the linking mechanism of yoga, what to do, what not to do and how to do, the ethical conduct, how to take the mind and body towards freedom and so on.
Vibhūti Pāda
This chapter on psychic powers has 56 sutras, and it discusses on rest Three limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga, and samyama (concentration, meditation and samadhi), parinama (transformations of consciousness) and psychic powers.
This chapter helps the mind connect with the soul.
Kaivalya Pāda
This chapter talks about oneness which has 34 sutras. Further it describes the cause of individuality, the individual and the cosmic mind, Karma (predestined actions and thoughts), Theory of perception, and the path to Kaivalya aka Nirvana, Moksha.
This chapter shows, how the mind dissolves into the consciousness, and consciousness into the soul and finally gets enlightenment.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga, the Eight limbs of Patanjali Yoga are different stages to achieve higher level of consciousness by withdrawing obstacles and to ultimately reach the goal, Samadhi. With these steps one can control mind, five koshas (sheaths), five sensory organs, body and the awareness.
- Yama (social code)
- Niyama (personal code)
- Asana (sitting pose)
- Pranayama (control of prana)
- Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (superconsciousness)
Note
Although there are 196 sutras in total, they are mostly connected to each other especially with the previous and next ones. So you have to keep in mind that you may have to refer subsequent sutras in order to understad them.
References
- Four Chapters on Freedom by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, published in 1976.
- Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by B.K.S. Iyengar, published in 1966.
