What are the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is a fundamental text in the realm of yoga. They have maintained their significance for over 2200 years since they were first written. This ancient text is highly respected for its deep insights into practice of yoga, and provides a comprehensive manual for both physical and spiritual well-being.

The Yoga Sutras form the core principles and philosophy of traditional yoga. In essence, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali encompass 195 or 196 sutras (depending on the source) that are concise verses designed to aid individuals in achieving wisdom and self-discovery through the practice of yoga.

The Sutras were transmitted orally for many generations. The term "sutra" comes from Sanskrit and translates to 'string' or 'thread.' Sometime between 200 BCE and 200 CE, these sutras were codified and recorded in the elegant language of Sanskrit.

The exact authorship of these works is unclear, but it is thought that they were written by a sage, a group of people over a period of time, or possibly a family called Patanjali.

Understanding the practice of yoga is enhanced by attending a lecture or reading books with reliable commentary on The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which serve as the cornerstone of modern yoga.

Key ideas found in the sutras form the foundation of yoga practice and philosophy and include.

• A dualistic philosophy

• The Gunas,

• Liberation through meditation

"The Eight Limbs of Yoga," also known as "Astanga Yoga," encompass some of the most respected philosophical teachings found in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are:

1) Yama: Ethical restraints, such as non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, and non-hoarding 

2) Niyama: Ethical observances, such as cleanliness, contentment, discipline, study, and surrender to the Divine

3) Asana: Yoga postures

4) Pranayama: Breath control

5) Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses

6) Dharana: Concentration of the mind

7) Dhyana: Meditation

8) Samadhi: Super consciousness 

The Sutra of Patanjali, is what is known as a dualistic philosophy, Gunas, liberation through meditation.

* Please note: There are other interpretations/translations of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga

To further understand the teachings of the Yoga Sutra, numerous commentaries have been written over the centuries by scholars and practitioners alike. These commentaries serve to provide a deeper understanding of the sutras, offering interpretations, insights, and practical applications of the teachings found within the text.

Some of my favorite books with commentaries of the sutras are:

The Secret of the Yoga Sutra: Samadhi Pada

commentary by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait PHD Himalayan Institute | Jan 1, 2014

(This is chapter 1 only)

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Paperback – September 14, 2012

commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda (Author)

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Paperback – January 7, 2019

commentary by Edwin F. Bryant (Author), Patañjali (Contributor)

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras Paperback – October 1, 2019

commentary by Swami Vivekananda (Author)

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice

commentary by T. K. V. Desikachar | Mar 1, 1999

(Sri Desikacha's commentary is toward the back of the book)

Below are some pages from a historic Yogasutra manuscript (Sanskrit, Devanagari). The verses are highlighted and are embedded inside the bhasya (commentary). 1

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(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_Sutras_of_Patanjali