The Philosophy of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Patanjali Yoga Sutra Chapter 2, Sutra 16 states:

Heyam-Dukham-Anagatam

Heyam: to be avoided

Dukham: pain, suffering

Anagatam: which has not yet come

The Pain Which Is Yet to Come Is to Be Avoided

Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra commented on the meaning of this yoga sutra thus: “See the pain that is yet to come, that is the problem. Pain that has happened, is not a problem.”

This sutra has the power to empower our lives if we are willing to allow the wisdom of these words to seep into our life. The present, which is in our hands, can be lived with wisdom and understanding, so that we do not increase the pain. We must resist re-living the past and worrying about the future. Maintain a balanced state in the present and the suffering that may come could be avoided. This is an important precept of Patanjali Yoga .

Thousands of years ago there was a Greek philosopher named Epicurus who said that our moral obligation is to try to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. This is interesting because even today humans are engrossed in the same pursuit of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. Sometimes they are successful and sometimes they are not. In The Yoga Sutras, Maharshi Patanjali has mentioned this subject of pain and suffering. In fact, the second chapter, dealing with the philosophy of the yoga sutras and its applications, is mostly devoted to this topic.

Students interested in studying yoga philosophy may find that a yogi is not attracted to the pleasures of the world because through his spiritual practices, he has realized that even the road which leads to the end of pleasure itself is riddled with a lot of suffering. The state which the yogi aspires to is of liberation and Maharshi Patanjali has provided clear sign posts to achieve this for sincere students who wish to walk on this path. 

About the Yoga Sutras:

This is a brief book which deals with the fundamental characteristics and principles of a classical system of Yoga. There is no record of when the book was written, but historical data indicates that it must have been before 200 BC. The text contains just 195 sentences or sutras. These sutras are grouped into four chapters. The first chapter deals with defining what is yoga, preliminaries of what happens when the ultimate of yoga is experienced and lists various means and techniques. The second chapter explains the afflictions and the way to reduce them. It also lists the eight limbs of the path of yoga and gives details of the first five limbs. The third chapter explains the last three steps of the eightfold path and names the powers that are achievable. The fourth chapter deals with the ultimate stage of Samadhi which cannot really be explained but only experienced. 

The Yoga Sutras are timeless because they still have relevance in the modern world. They provide guidelines for controlling the mind and living with awareness. In the present times of multiple distractions, and hankering after material success, a study of Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras for beginners serves as a philosophical guide to maintain mental and emotional balance. 

How Can Beginners Study the Yoga Sutras?

The student has to apply a lot of effort for a long time without interruption and with devotion. For a student, the study of yoga sutras may seem difficult at first but there is no shortcut to overcoming these difficulties. The student must first read a sutra, then discuss it with other students, then try to apply what is understood to daily observations, experience what has been understood, and then once again read and meditate on what has been understood till then. A student may also take help of one of the scholarly commentaries and may seek guidance from a Guru. 

Eight-fold Path of Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga

The common modern understanding of yoga is merely about knowledge of yoga asanas. However, the meaning of yoga provided by Maharshi Patanjali is cessation of the modifications of the mind. Here yoga is a holistic system. In the Yoga Sutras, Maharshi Patanjali presents the Eightfold Path of Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga .

Ashtanga Yoga serves as a guide for beginners on the path of self-realization. Divided into Bahiranga (external) and Antaranga (internal) aspects, these eight limbs elucidate the yogic philosophy of living life authentically and attaining spiritual enlightenment.

Bahiranga

In the Bahiranga aspect, the first four limbs—Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama—emphasize ethical principles, personal observances, physical postures, and breath control. Yama encompasses principles such as Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha, to guide social conduct and encourage compassion, integrity, and balance in life. A sadhak may follow Ahimsa by avoiding harm to all beings, Satya by speaking truthfully, Asteya by refraining from stealing, Brahmacharya by moderating energy, and Aparigraha by letting go of possessiveness and attachment to material possessions. Niyama focuses on Shaucha, Santosha, Tapa, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana, cultivating inner peace, gratitude, self-awareness, and spiritual connection. To practice, one may follow Saucha by maintaining cleanliness in surroundings, Santosha by finding joy in the present moment, Tapa by exerting right effort, Svadhyaya by studying oneself and scriptures, and Ishvara Pranidhana by surrendering to the guiding force of the universe.

Asana, the third limb, involves practicing various postures to enhance physical strength and flexibility. One may include Asanas into one’s daily routine to strengthen the body and cultivate awareness of breath and movement. Pranayama, the fourth limb, emphasizes controlled breathing techniques to regulate life force energy or prana. Practice Pranayama exercises such as deep breathing and alternate nostril breathing to calm the mind and feel the prana move freely in your body.

Pratyahara acts as a bridge between the external and internal aspects, facilitating the withdrawal of senses from distractions, preparing the mind for meditation. Cultivate Pratyahara by minimizing external stimuli and turning your focus inward through yogic techniques such as Yoni Mudra that take your focus inwards. 

Antaranga

Moving into the Antaranga aspect, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi constitute the final stages of the Eightfold Path. Dharana focuses on concentration, reducing external distractions to improve mental focus. This can be practiced by selecting a point of focus, such as your breath or a mantra, and gently redirecting your attention to it whenever the mind wanders. Dhyana, or meditation, deepens concentration, leading to fewer distracting thoughts. Dedicate regular time to meditation practice, allowing yourself to sink into a state of quiet awareness and stillness. Samadhi, the ultimate goal, represents a blissful state of complete absorption and oneness with the divine. It is about surrendering to the present moment, letting go of attachment to thoughts and sensations, and experiencing peace and unity with the universe. 

While integrating each limb into daily practice, beginners who study the Yoga Sutras, can lay a strong foundation on the path of yoga. Through consistent dedication and practice, one can experience peace and spiritual fulfillment that this path offers. 

Kleshas and Human Suffering

Maharshi Patanjali lists five primary kleshas or afflictions that are the fundamental sources of human suffering and stand as obstacles on the path of spiritual progress. They are:

Avidya is the mother of all kleshas, giving rise to the other afflictions. It refers to ignorance of one’s true nature. Avidya manifests as identification with the ego.

Asmita is the identification of the self with the ego, which leads to a distorted perception of reality. Sometimes, egoism is fueled by societal pressures to compete and outperform others. 

Raga is attachment to pleasurable experiences. The desire for comfort and luxury makes one cling to impermanent things, leading to dissatisfaction when those experiences fade. 

Dvesha is to shun unpleasant experiences. This aversion can lead to fear, anxiety, and a refusal to confront challenges which may lead to future suffering. 

This klesha represents the natural fear of death and the unknown. It is the fear of loss, change, and the impermanence of life. In the modern world, this is observed in the obsession with youth, health, and in the avoidance of discussions about death and aging.

For beginners on the path of yoga, Maharshi Patanjali states in the Yoga Sutras that through yogic practices, one can make an effort to overcome these kleshas. 

How to Apply the Philosophy of Yoga Sutras in Our Lives?

The teachings of the Yoga Sutras are very relevant in today’s world. The guidelines can be effectively adapted to modern-day living. 

Live with Awareness:

Maharishi Patanjali’s call to still the mind can be applied by incorporating mindfulness into everyday activities. Whether it’s during work, while eating, or in conversation, cultivating present-moment awareness helps calm the mind.

Live with Detachment: 

The modern world emphasizes results—whether in careers, relationships, or personal projects. Practicing detachment, as taught by Maharshi Patanjali, frees us from the stress of outcome-based thinking and brings peace in the process of action itself.

Master Kleshas through Self-Reflection:

Recognizing the kleshas in modern life—such as the egoism of social media, the attachment to material possessions, and the fear of loss—can lead to conscious efforts to release these mental afflictions. Yoga practices, combined with self-inquiry, are powerful tools for transcending these obstacles.

Simplify Your Life: 

The modern world is filled with distractions that agitate the mind. Simplifying life, reducing unnecessary consumption, and finding time for introspection and meditation can still the fluctuations of the mind and create space for true awareness to emerge.

FAQs

Why are the Yoga Sutras important today?

The Yoga Sutras offer timeless guidance on managing the mind, emotions, and stress. They help students to live with more awareness and to understand their own minds better.  

How does asana practice fit into Maharishi Patanjali’s philosophy?

Asanas are the third limb of yoga, preparing the body to sit comfortably for meditation by promoting physical health and mental steadiness.

What is the purpose of meditation in the Yoga Sutras?

Meditation helps in focusing the mind, reducing mental distractions, and leading to a state of samadhi, where one attains self-realization.

What is asmita, and why is it problematic?

Asmita, or egoism, is the identification of the self with the ego. It distorts our perception of reality and keeps us attached to the material world, leading to suffering.

How can asmita be overcome?

Asmita can be reduced by practicing self-awareness, humility, and non-attachment, along with regular meditation and introspection.

How does detachment help in the yogic path?

Detachment allows one to act without attachment to the outcome, reducing mental tension and emotional suffering. It is important on the path of self-realisation. 

How can Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras be applied in daily life?

The Yoga Sutras can be applied by practicing moment-to-moment awareness, self-discipline, detachment, and meditation. These practices help reduce mental disturbances and overcome suffering, even in the midst modern challenges.

Overview

Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras give beginners guidelines on how to maintain a balanced state in the modern world which is marked by several distractions, worries, and attachments. A sincere study of the Yoga Sutras sets one free by providing clear instructions about how to achieve better physical and mental health; and to move ahead on the spiritual path towards realizing one’s true Self. There are more concepts in the Yoga Sutras than stated here that a keen student of yoga may want to explore. The yoga sutras provide a vista of the landscape of the human mind and its challenges to present knowledge that is understood by deep contemplation and application to one’s life.