Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

Posted on April 10, 2008
Filed Under Types Of Yoga | 2 Comments

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is a text that covers many aspects of life, beginning with a code of conduct and ending with the goal of yoga, a vision of one’s true Self. Pantajali’s Yoga Sutras are also known as the upanishads and is probably the most authoritative text on yoga.

It defines yoga as a focusing of the attention on whatever object is being contemplated to the exclusion of all others. Yoga isn’t only about postures, or meditation, it is a way of life, without being a religion. In this influencial scripture, eight steps to awakening or enlightenment through yoga are describes. These eight astanga or limbs of yoga are: yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

The yamas consist of lessons in moral and social conduct in our environment. It teaches us to restrain from lying, stealing, and greed. Non-violence and consideration toward all living things is the key. Communication with sensitivity towards others and moderation in all things we do is revered.

The niyamas focuses on attitudes towards ourselves: compromising, cleanliness, serenity, devotion, and asceticism. One should study and reverence a higher intelligence. There is an acceptance of our limitations in relation to God. It is key to have removed the impurities from the mind and body.

In the asanas, one focuses on posture practice, positioning the body while incorporating the breath to achieve a greater awareness in the mind. One is alert and relaxed without tension, while observing the reactions of the body and breath to various postures. This minimizes the effect of the external influences on the body, such as diet and climate.

Pranayama, or the restraint and control of the breath, helps with concentration, energizing and balancing of the mind and body.

Pratyahara is the relaxation of the senses, where no distractions actually activate the mind.

Dharana, or concentration, is the ability to direct the mind toward a chosen object and focus in on it exclusively.

Dhyana, or meditation, is the ability to develop focused interactions with what we seek to understand.

Lastly, but most importantly, Samadhi is the ultimate state of Self-realization, or union with the Source.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras”

  1. prabhjeet kaur on April 11th, 2009 2:14 am

    Hello,this is prabhjeet kaur. I have recently sent u people a message concerning my disease.I’ve gotten no reply back that tells me what kind of yoga i should i do or what types of remendies that i should take. Please be kind enough to send me the information at my e-mail.I have also sent my information to Swami Ramdev,I will take the one that is better for me.

  2. admin on September 15th, 2009 7:12 am

    Prabhjeet,

    I sincerely apologize for not replying earlier, I believe your message was lost in spam.
    Unfortunately, we do not practice any form of medicine online. A disease is not something
    advice should be given about from a distance.

    Pranayam to you.

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