The Secret Teachings Of Patanjali Yoga Sutras

In this practice

Key teachings

• Understanding the philosophical foundations of yoga as codified by Patanjali
• The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) as a practical and theoretical framework for self-realization
• The interconnectedness of Samkhya (theory) and Yoga (practice) in ancient Indian philosophy

Ideal for

• Yoga practitioners seeking a deeper philosophical understanding beyond asanas
• Students of Indian philosophy and spirituality
• Anyone interested in the origins and core principles of yoga
• Those looking for intellectual and spiritual enrichment

Lesson

Instructions

Patanjali is not the inventor of yoga but rather yoga's most popularly known scribe. What has become known simply as the "Yoga Sutras" (sutra means thread) or the "Yoga Darshana" (the vision of Yoga), is actually a compendium of an ancient pre-existing oral yoga tradition consisting of both practical advice and theoretical context. The most accepted format of the Yoga Sutras consists of four chapters (called padas) written in the Sanskrit language approximately 2000 years ago in Northern India while utilizing the terminology of the time, i.e., Samkhya philosophical system. The dates ascribed to the Yoga Sutras vary widely from 250 BC to 300 AD.

Patanjali’s ‘Yoga-sutras’ are the first systematic and authoritative presentations of yoga in both its theoretical and practical aspects. Followed by Patanjali, Vasys’s “Yoga–bhasya” and Vacavpati Mishra’s ‘Tattva-vaisaradi” are the good additions to Yoga philosophy. These two works are treated as commentaries on Yoga-sutras. The Yoga Philosophy is closely associated with Samkhya philosophy. The Yoga presents a practical path for the realization of the self, whereas the Samkhya emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of self by means of concentration and meditation. Thus, yoga is the practice and Samkhya is its theory.

Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras consist of four parts. These are; Samadhi pada (Concentration) Sadhana pada (Practice) Vibhuti Pada (Progressing) Kaivalya pada (Liberation)

Voiceover: Surjit Singh

Script: Shaiju Koottucheradil Chacko

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Bailey, Alice. The Yogasutras of Patanjali. Lucis, 1927. Bharati, J. Yoga-sutras of Patanjali: Interpretive Translation. Date of access:01 August 2022. Johnston, Charles. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Book of the Spiritual Man. Johnston, 1912. Woods, James H. The Yoga -System of Patanjali. The Harvard UP, 1914. Prabhavananda, Swami and Christopher Isherwood. Yoga- Aphorisms of Patanjali. Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1953.

Steps

• Conceptual framework for concentration and meditation (Dharana and Dhyana)
• Principles for ethical living and moral conduct (Yamas and Niyamas)
• Methods for intellectual inquiry and self-study to understand spiritual truths

Benefits

• Deeper understanding of yoga's spiritual and philosophical purpose
• Enhanced intellectual clarity regarding ancient wisdom traditions
• Guidance for ethical decision-making and personal conduct
• Increased self-awareness on the path to liberation