The Yoga Sutras As It Is: A Journey into Patanjali's Wisdom
Yoga is not just about asanas and pranayama. It is about a timeless path laid down with clarity and precision in Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It is a path that offers guidance, inspiration, and stillness. Over centuries, the Yoga Sutras have continued to illuminate the lives of dedicated seekers.
Who was Maharshi Patanjali?
In Sanskrit, the word ‘Patanjali’ means ‘one who descended into folded hands’ – thus symbolising divine grace. Although Maharshi Patanjali’s name is popular around the world, few know who he really was. According to historical references, Maharshi Patanjali was a yogi and revered scholar whose time period is placed by most scholars between 200 BCE and 200 CE. A mythological belief is that Maharshi Patanjali was an incarnation of Adishesha, the thousand-headed serpent of Lord Vishnu.
Maharshi Patanjali was a polymath because besides writing the Yoga Sutras, he had made great contributions to Sanskrit grammar and the science of Ayurveda. The Yoga Sutras are his best-known works.
Dr, Jayadeva Yogendra had the following words to say about Maharshi Patanjali:
“A great Indian sage who was a grammarian, physician, and a philosopher rolled into one studied the variety of techniques of self-discipline that were available at that time. This man, Patanjali, set out the purpose, scope, methods of a science of self-development in his famous work Yoga Sutra. Yoga, in his view, was a process of complete control of one’s personality in order to discover one’s own true self. To transcend our normal vegetative existence and to experience the absolute in consciousness was the ultimate goal. Through the Eightfold Path culminating in samadhi, the Yogi established himself in a heightened state of awareness.”
What is a Yoga Sutra?
A sutra means ‘thread’ in Sanskrit. The Yoga Sutras are threads of wisdom that guide a seeker on the spiritual path. Extensive meaning is condensed in these brief verses, and therefore, they need to be contemplated deeply in order to grasp the totality of the meaning. In essence, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are not a philosophical treatise. They serve as a manual for self-transformation by providing a step-by-step guide on mastering the mind.
Definition of Yoga According to Maharshi Patanjali
The second sutra states:
Yogah chitta vritti nirodhah
This is one of the most-quoted sutras because it gives the definition of yoga. This terse statement clarifies that yoga is not about stretching or flexibility; but it is about mastering the mind and settling down the ripples so that our true Self is reflected clearly in the calmness, like in a stillness of a lake.
More about Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
This is a brief book which deals with the fundamental characteristics and principles of a classical system of Yoga. The text contains just 195 sentences or sutras. These sutras are grouped into four chapters or padas.
1. Samadhi pada – This chapter deals with defining what is yoga, preliminaries of what happens when the ultimate of yoga is experienced and lists various means and techniques.
Samadhi refers to a blissful state where the yogi is absorbed into the One. The author describes yoga, and then the means to attaining samadhi.
2. Sadhana pada – This 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.
Sadhana is the Sanskrit word for ‘practice’. The author outlines the two forms of yoga: kriya yoga and ashtanga yoga.
3. Vibhuti pada – This chapter explains the last three steps of the eightfold path and names the powers that are achievable.
Vibhuti is the Sanskrit word for ‘power’ or ‘manifestation’. This chapter describes the higher states of awareness and the techniques of yoga by which they can be attained.
4. Kaivalya pada - This chapter deals with the ultimate stage of Samadhi which cannot really be explained but only experienced.
Kaivalya literally means ‘isolation’, but, like most Sanskrit words, used literally, this translation is misleading. In this sense, it means emancipation, liberation, used interchangeably with moksha, which is the goal of yoga.
In just 195 sutras, Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras give distilled insights that are still relevant in the modern times. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali laid down the foundation of classical yoga philosophy. These Yoga Sutras, compiled by Maharshi Patanjali are probably based on oral traditions that had been passed down through the ages. Hence, Maharshi Patanjali is often known as the founder of yoga as he brought a certain uniformity and structure to what must have been a variety of practices.
Many commentaries and translations of the Sanskrit original text of the Yoga Sutras are available in English. However, to understand Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras in English, one needs to understand and reflect on each sutra.
The sutras are built on a foundation of Samkhya philosophy. The Yoga Sutras not only provide yoga with a thorough and consistent philosophical basis, but, in the process, also clarify many important esoteric concepts like karma which are common to all traditions of Indian thought.
Maharshi Patanjali compiled in a systematic way, the art and science of Yoga for Self-realisation in the Yoga Sutras. Nothing new was created with the Yoga Sutras because they merely summarised the ancient practices in an extremely organised and terse way. While the Yoga Sutra itself is ancient, archaeological evidence and other texts suggest that the methods described in the Yoga Sutras were being practiced as early as 3000 BCE. Oral tradition suggests that the date may even be older.
A Summary of the Yoga Sutras
A thorough reading and understanding of the Yoga Sutras can take a lifetime. Here is a brief overview:
A Beginners’ Guide to 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.
Important Concepts from the Yoga Sutras
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. This 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. Following are the yoga sutras about asana:
2.46
sthira sukham asanam
The posture for yoga meditation should be steady, stable, and comfortable.
2.47
prayatna shaithilya ananta samapattibhyam
The means of perfecting the posture is that of relaxing or loosening of effort, and total absorption of oneself.
2.48
tatah dvandva anabhighata
From the attainment of that perfected posture, there is a cessasion of disturbances from the pairs of opposites.
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.
The following yoga sutras deal with the practice of pranayama:
2.49
tasmin sati shvasa prashvsayoh gati vichchhedah pranayamah
Once that perfected posture has been achieved, there follows control of bio-energy in the movement of inhalation and exhalation which is called pranayama.
2.50
bahya abhyantara stambha vrittih desha kala sankhyabhih paridrishtah dirgha sukshmah
That pranayama has three aspects external, internal and total restraint. These are regulated by place, time, and number, with breath becoming long and subtle.
2.51
bahya abhyantara vishaya akshepi chaturthah
The fourth pranayama is that which surpasses the external and internal.
2.52
tatah kshiyate prakasha avaranam
Through that pranayama the veil that covers the light of knowledge is destroyed.
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.
Yoga Sutra 2.53 states:
dharanasu cha yogyata manasah
Through these practices and processes of pranayama, the mind acquires or develops the fitness, qualification, or capability for true concentration.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
Simplicity:
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.
Relevance of the Yoga Sutras in Modern Times
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.
Although the world changes over the years and centuries, the human mind remains the same. The distractions, desires and anxieties continue from one generation to another. Maharshi Patanjali offers us not just a map but a torch to light up our paths. Amongst the commotion of wellness trends that rise and fall, we must return to the source and gain knowledge. The Yoga Sutras are a living text which speak to our innermost self, urge us to be quiet, encourage us to watch our breath and to observe the workings of our mind, and lead us to our true nature.
Overview
The Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali are useful not only to a seasoned sadhak of yoga but to also the beginner who is just starting out on this enriching path. The best approach is to read one sutra every day, then reflect, practice, and discuss it with fellow sadhaks.
It is important not to reduce yoga to just a workout. Let’s return to its roots with reverence, discipline and the desire to find out the truth. Maharshi Patanjali has given us a path which leads us back to ourselves.
The Yoga Sutras As It Is: A Journey into Patanjali's Wisdom
Yoga is not just about asanas and pranayama. It is about a timeless path laid down with clarity and precision in Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It is a path that offers guidance, inspiration, and stillness. Over centuries, the Yoga Sutras have continued to illuminate the lives of dedicated seekers.
Who was Maharshi Patanjali?
In Sanskrit, the word ‘Patanjali’ means ‘one who descended into folded hands’ – thus symbolising divine grace. Although Maharshi Patanjali’s name is popular around the world, few know who he really was. According to historical references, Maharshi Patanjali was a yogi and revered scholar whose time period is placed by most scholars between 200 BCE and 200 CE. A mythological belief is that Maharshi Patanjali was an incarnation of Adishesha, the thousand-headed serpent of Lord Vishnu.
Maharshi Patanjali was a polymath because besides writing the Yoga Sutras, he had made great contributions to Sanskrit grammar and the science of Ayurveda. The Yoga Sutras are his best-known works.
Dr, Jayadeva Yogendra had the following words to say about Maharshi Patanjali:
“A great Indian sage who was a grammarian, physician, and a philosopher rolled into one studied the variety of techniques of self-discipline that were available at that time. This man, Patanjali, set out the purpose, scope, methods of a science of self-development in his famous work Yoga Sutra. Yoga, in his view, was a process of complete control of one’s personality in order to discover one’s own true self. To transcend our normal vegetative existence and to experience the absolute in consciousness was the ultimate goal. Through the Eightfold Path culminating in samadhi, the Yogi established himself in a heightened state of awareness.”
What is a Yoga Sutra?
A sutra means ‘thread’ in Sanskrit. The Yoga Sutras are threads of wisdom that guide a seeker on the spiritual path. Extensive meaning is condensed in these brief verses, and therefore, they need to be contemplated deeply in order to grasp the totality of the meaning. In essence, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are not a philosophical treatise. They serve as a manual for self-transformation by providing a step-by-step guide on mastering the mind.
Definition of Yoga According to Maharshi Patanjali
The second sutra states:
Yogah chitta vritti nirodhah
This is one of the most-quoted sutras because it gives the definition of yoga. This terse statement clarifies that yoga is not about stretching or flexibility; but it is about mastering the mind and settling down the ripples so that our true Self is reflected clearly in the calmness, like in a stillness of a lake.
More about Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
This is a brief book which deals with the fundamental characteristics and principles of a classical system of Yoga. The text contains just 195 sentences or sutras. These sutras are grouped into four chapters or padas.
1. Samadhi pada – This chapter deals with defining what is yoga, preliminaries of what happens when the ultimate of yoga is experienced and lists various means and techniques.
Samadhi refers to a blissful state where the yogi is absorbed into the One. The author describes yoga, and then the means to attaining samadhi.
2. Sadhana pada – This 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.
Sadhana is the Sanskrit word for ‘practice’. The author outlines the two forms of yoga: kriya yoga and ashtanga yoga.
3. Vibhuti pada – This chapter explains the last three steps of the eightfold path and names the powers that are achievable.
Vibhuti is the Sanskrit word for ‘power’ or ‘manifestation’. This chapter describes the higher states of awareness and the techniques of yoga by which they can be attained.
4. Kaivalya pada - This chapter deals with the ultimate stage of Samadhi which cannot really be explained but only experienced.
Kaivalya literally means ‘isolation’, but, like most Sanskrit words, used literally, this translation is misleading. In this sense, it means emancipation, liberation, used interchangeably with moksha, which is the goal of yoga.
In just 195 sutras, Maharshi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras give distilled insights that are still relevant in the modern times. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali laid down the foundation of classical yoga philosophy. These Yoga Sutras, compiled by Maharshi Patanjali are probably based on oral traditions that had been passed down through the ages. Hence, Maharshi Patanjali is often known as the founder of yoga as he brought a certain uniformity and structure to what must have been a variety of practices.
Many commentaries and translations of the Sanskrit original text of the Yoga Sutras are available in English. However, to understand Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras in English, one needs to understand and reflect on each sutra.
The sutras are built on a foundation of Samkhya philosophy. The Yoga Sutras not only provide yoga with a thorough and consistent philosophical basis, but, in the process, also clarify many important esoteric concepts like karma which are common to all traditions of Indian thought.
Maharshi Patanjali compiled in a systematic way, the art and science of Yoga for Self-realisation in the Yoga Sutras. Nothing new was created with the Yoga Sutras because they merely summarised the ancient practices in an extremely organised and terse way. While the Yoga Sutra itself is ancient, archaeological evidence and other texts suggest that the methods described in the Yoga Sutras were being practiced as early as 3000 BCE. Oral tradition suggests that the date may even be older.
A Summary of the Yoga Sutras
A thorough reading and understanding of the Yoga Sutras can take a lifetime. Here is a brief overview:
A Beginners’ Guide to 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.
Important Concepts from the Yoga Sutras
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. This 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. Following are the yoga sutras about asana:
2.46
sthira sukham asanam
The posture for yoga meditation should be steady, stable, and comfortable.
2.47
prayatna shaithilya ananta samapattibhyam
The means of perfecting the posture is that of relaxing or loosening of effort, and total absorption of oneself.
2.48
tatah dvandva anabhighata
From the attainment of that perfected posture, there is a cessasion of disturbances from the pairs of opposites.
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.
The following yoga sutras deal with the practice of pranayama:
2.49
tasmin sati shvasa prashvsayoh gati vichchhedah pranayamah
Once that perfected posture has been achieved, there follows control of bio-energy in the movement of inhalation and exhalation which is called pranayama.
2.50
bahya abhyantara stambha vrittih desha kala sankhyabhih paridrishtah dirgha sukshmah
That pranayama has three aspects external, internal and total restraint. These are regulated by place, time, and number, with breath becoming long and subtle.
2.51
bahya abhyantara vishaya akshepi chaturthah
The fourth pranayama is that which surpasses the external and internal.
2.52
tatah kshiyate prakasha avaranam
Through that pranayama the veil that covers the light of knowledge is destroyed.
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.
Yoga Sutra 2.53 states:
dharanasu cha yogyata manasah
Through these practices and processes of pranayama, the mind acquires or develops the fitness, qualification, or capability for true concentration.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
Simplicity:
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.
Relevance of the Yoga Sutras in Modern Times
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.
Although the world changes over the years and centuries, the human mind remains the same. The distractions, desires and anxieties continue from one generation to another. Maharshi Patanjali offers us not just a map but a torch to light up our paths. Amongst the commotion of wellness trends that rise and fall, we must return to the source and gain knowledge. The Yoga Sutras are a living text which speak to our innermost self, urge us to be quiet, encourage us to watch our breath and to observe the workings of our mind, and lead us to our true nature.
Overview
The Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali are useful not only to a seasoned sadhak of yoga but to also the beginner who is just starting out on this enriching path. The best approach is to read one sutra every day, then reflect, practice, and discuss it with fellow sadhaks.
It is important not to reduce yoga to just a workout. Let’s return to its roots with reverence, discipline and the desire to find out the truth. Maharshi Patanjali has given us a path which leads us back to ourselves.