The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of the most important, renown and revered texts in the world of yoga. Most students have been in a class where the yoga teacher mentions or quotes from it. It’s not hard to see why. This ancient text presents a systematic approach to life and living that has inspired people for thousands of years. They contain the essence of all yoga philosophy and these teachings are studied and practiced worldwide.
This Sanskrit text is a collection or short verses or aphorisms known as “sutras” in Sanskrit. They serve as a map and step-by-step guide to cultivate wisdom, understand our true nature, and attain Self Realization through the practice of meditation. The Yoga Sutras are estimated to have been written between 500 B.C.E. and the third century. They are regarded by many as the basis of yoga philosophy and the foundation of the practice of yoga. Yoga Sutras are considered to be the foundational text of Raja Yoga.
There are 196 sutras which are divided into four chapters. Each chapter contains various topics such as meditation, breathing exercises, pranayama (breathing techniques), and other practices. The four chapters are:
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are dense, abstruse, and hard to understand. The text is open to interpretation by practitioners, but at its core the Yoga Sutras are meant to provide depth and practical advice to help yogis and Yoginis explore the central meaning behind yoga and Indian philosophy. They’ve become one of the most influential texts for modern yogis because they provide a framework for understanding the relationship between mind and body and offer practical advice on how to achieve balance and health in daily life.
In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali outlines the eight limbs or steps of yoga. These are the practices and techniques to be practice to reach the ultimate goal of yoga—samadhi or enlightenment.
The eight limbs are:
The Yoga Sutras are applicable to modern yogis who want to make progress toward self realization. Beginner students and householder yogis may struggle to find practical or helpful information in the Yoga Sutras. However, intermediate and advanced students will find it helpful to study the Yoga Sutras and apply this essential yoga wisdom to their spiritual practice.
Learn how to incorporate the sutras into your daily life and yoga practice with articles exploring the various aspects and intricacies of this classic yogic text.