Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

The 'Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali' are the foundational text of Ashtanga Yoga, also called Raja Yoga, consisting of 196 Indian sūtras (aphorisms). In medieval times, Ashtanga Yoga was cast as one of the six orthodox āstika schools of Hindu philosophy.

The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali provide a comprehensive philosophical framework for the practice and attainment of Yoga. The text outlines the philosophical principles and practical techniques of Yoga, covering topics such as the nature of the mind, the obstacles to spiritual progress, and the means of achieving liberation from suffering.

The Yoga Sūtras are divided into four books or pādas, each of which addresses a different aspect of the Yogic path. The first book, Samādhi Pāda, describes the ultimate goal of Yoga, which is the attainment of samādhi, or a state of deep meditation and oneness with the divine. The second book, Sādhana Pāda, outlines the practical steps and techniques necessary to achieve this goal, including the practice of the eight limbs of Yoga (yama, niyama, āsana, prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna, and samādhi).

The third book, Vibhūti Pāda, explores the extraordinary powers or siddhis that can be attained through the practice of Yoga, while the fourth book, Kaivalya Pāda, describes the ultimate state of liberation or kaivalya, in which the practitioner achieves complete freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

The Yoga Sūtras have had a profound influence on the development of Indian philosophy and the practice of Yoga, and they continue to be studied and revered by Yoga practitioners around the world. The text's emphasis on the cultivation of inner peace, self-awareness, and spiritual transcendence has made it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and guide those on the Yogic path.

In conclusion, the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali are a seminal work of Indian philosophy and a foundational text for the practice of Yoga. Through its systematic and comprehensive approach to the attainment of spiritual enlightenment, the Yoga Sūtras have had a lasting impact on the development of Yoga and continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for practitioners worldwide.

product information: