Sutras
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
500-200 BCE
The Yoga Sutras are comprised of 196 very concise aphorisms, or short statements, that are written in Sanskrit. The word sutra means “thread.” One can think of the Yoga Sutras as a thread of precise thoughts, like beads strung on a mala, the entire strand a linking of pearls of wisdom. Each sutra can only be understood in relation to each other, so that the yoga sutras as a whole are more important than the significance of each individual aphorism.
For many years, the sutras were passed down from teacher to student as an oral tradition. Their compactness and brevity requires the explanation by an insightful, competent teacher to help discern their meaning. An additional challenge for Westerners is that the Sutras were written in Sanskrit and it is very difficult to translate the Sutras literally- some Sanskrit words just do not have a good English equivalent. A student of yoga is encouraged to keep revisiting and studying Patanjali’s compilation. As your yoga practice deepens, so will your understanding of the yoga sutras. You cannot speed up the depth of their understanding. It is a natural process of revelation.
The Sutras are instructions. They describe ways to overcome the afflictions of the body and the fluctuations of the mind, thus, removing the obstacles on the path to Self-realization. Patanjali’s instructions are broadminded in approach, using specifics only as examples. He did not limit practitioners to one particular technique or method, nor limit the practice of yoga to any particular spiritual tradition or philosophy. Instead, the sutras are universal general principles that can expand anyone’s daily life.
The Yoga Sutras are divided into 4 chapters, called padas. These chapters cover all aspects of life, from a prescribed code of conduct to the utlimate state of Self-realization and freedom known as samadhi.
Samadhi Pada - The Chapter on Contemplation
This chapter defines yoga and describes the obstacles on the path to reaching a state of yoga. It also provides ways to overcome these obstructions so that one may experience samadhi.
The first three sutras lay the foundation for all the following sutras. In three short statements Patanjali introduces the content of the Yoga Sutras, defines yoga and proclaims its purpose- Self-realization.
Sutra 1.1: “Now begins the explanation of Yoga.” (Introduction to Yoga)
Sutra 1.2: “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” (Definition of Yoga)
Sutra 1.3: “Then the seer exists in his own Reality.” (Aim of Yoga)
Sadhana Pada – The Chapter on Practice
The specific tools and techniques of yoga are outlined here and are referred to as ashtanga yoga. While the first chapter provides definitions, goals and descriptions of yoga, this second chapter emphasizes the “doing” or external aspect of yoga practice.
Vibhuti Pada – The Chapter on Exceptional Faculties and Powers
This chapter focuses on the last 3 limbs of yoga as described by Patanjali. It describes the innermost art of integration (samyama) through concentration, meditation and complete absorption, and explains the need for discipline as one accrues the exceptional faculties and powers (siddhis) that come with living in a natural state of yoga.
Kaivalya Pada – The Chapter on Ultimate Freedom and Liberation
This chapter describes the path of renunciation once the yogin has reached enlightenment.