Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali

Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali consists of 196 sūtras (verses aka aphorisms) written by Sage Patanjali 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 Patanjali Yoga, and widely known as Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga.

It is divided into four chapters.

1. Samādhi Pāda - 51
2. Sādhana Pāda - 55
3. Vibhūti Pāda - 56
4. Kaivalya Pāda - 34

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. Yama (social code)
2. Niyama (personal code)
3. Asana (sitting pose)
4. Pranayama (control of prana)
5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (superconsciousness)

References

• Four Chapters on Freedom by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, published in 1976.