Overview
The Yoga Sutras, compiled by Patanjali around 400 CE, are a foundational text of classical Yoga philosophy. Consisting of 196 aphorisms (sutras), they outline the theory and practice of Yoga, focusing on the control of mental fluctuations to achieve a state of liberation (Kaivalya). The text is divided into four chapters (Padas): Samadhi Pada (On Concentration), Sadhana Pada (On Practice), Vibhuti Pada (On Powers), and Kaivalya Pada (On Liberation).
Author(s)
Patanjali
Authorship Date / Period
Around 400 CE
Language
Sanskrit
Tradition
Yoga
Text Type
Sutras (aphorisms)
Number of Sutras
196
Central Theme
The Yoga Sutras provide a systematic guide to understanding the mind, overcoming its fluctuations and afflictions, and achieving liberation (Kaivalya) through the disciplined practice of the eight limbs of Yoga.
Structure / Sections
Key Aspects
- Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)
- Control of Mental Fluctuations (Chitta Vritti Nirodha)
- Obstacles to Yoga (Kleshas)
- States of Concentration (Samadhi)
- Path to Liberation (Kaivalya)
Example Sutras
Translation:
Now, the teachings of yoga.
Commentary Insight:
The first Sutra introduces the subject of yoga. It indicates the transition from the worldly existence to the pursuit of self-realization through yoga.
Translation:
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
Commentary Insight:
Yoga is the process of stilling the mind and overcoming distractions and disturbances.
Translation:
Then the seer abides in its own nature.
Commentary Insight:
When the fluctuations of the mind are stopped, the true self (the seer) remains in its natural state, which is pure consciousness.
Translation:
At other times, the seer identifies with the fluctuations of the mind.
Commentary Insight:
When the mind is not still, the individual identifies with its thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, forgetting their true nature.
Translation:
The mental fluctuations are five-fold, either painful or non-painful.
Commentary Insight:
The mind has five types of fluctuations: right knowledge, wrong knowledge, imagination, deep sleep, and memory. These can either cause suffering or be free from suffering.
Translation:
Austerity, self-study, and surrender to God constitute the practice of yoga.
Commentary Insight:
The practice of yoga involves discipline (Tapah), self-study (Svadhyaya), and surrender (Ishvara pranidhana).
Translation:
The purpose of these practices is to reduce the obstacles to realization and bring about the cessation of suffering.
Commentary Insight:
Through these practices, one diminishes the obstacles (Kleshas) that cause suffering, ultimately reaching a state of self-realization.
Translation:
The five obstacles (Kleshas) are ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and clinging to life.
Commentary Insight:
These Kleshas are the root causes of suffering. Each obstacle arises from a misperception of the true self.
Translation:
Concentration (Dharana) is the binding of the mind to a particular place.
Commentary Insight:
Concentration is the practice of focusing the mind on a single object, person, or place to develop mental stability.
Translation:
In that (concentration), the continuous flow of a single thought is meditation (Dhyana).
Commentary Insight:
Through sustained concentration, the mind becomes single-pointed, leading to a continuous flow of unified thought, which is meditation.
Translation:
Supernatural powers (siddhis) arise from birth, herbs, mantras, austerity, or samadhi.
Commentary Insight:
This sutra explains the different sources from which psychic or supernatural powers can manifest in a yogi.