The Yoga Sutras – An Overview
Happy New Year.
I would like to begin this new year by offering an overview of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of yoga philosophy. This sacred text illuminates the depth and breadth of yoga. Comprised of 196 aphorisms, or short, pithy verses, they offer a path to spiritual growth, self-realization, and clarity of mind. They guide us to understand the importance of spiritual insight as a pathway to liberation, inner freedom, and self-realization.
The Yoga Sutras are organized into four chapters, known as Padas:
Samadhi Pada
Teaches the nature of consciousness and the experience of higher awareness.
Sadhana Pada
Describes the methods of practice through yoga and the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Vibhuti Pada
Explores the extraordinary powers (Siddhis) that arise through consistent and devoted practice.
Kaivalya Pada
Teaches that the ultimate goal of yoga is liberation and self-realization.
Ashtanga Yoga -The Eight Limbs of Yoga
1. Yama – Ethical restraints
2. Niyama – Personal observances
3. Asana – Physical postures
4. Pranayama – Regulation of the breath
5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana – Concentration
7. Dhyana – Meditation
8. Samadhi – Absorption, stillness, or complete union
Purusha and Prakriti
The Yoga Sutras, often referred to as the “Bible of Yoga”, teach us how to distinguish between Purusha, Pure Consciousness, and Prakriti, Nature or the material world. This understanding guides the individual toward recognizing their true essence and nature.
The Wisdom of the Yoga Sutras
The wisdom of the Yoga Sutras remains deeply relevant in contemporary practice. Practitioners are encouraged to look beyond asana (physical postures) and explore the deeper dimensions of yoga, including balance, spiritual growth, self-study, and inner clarity.
I encourage you to practice the Yoga Sutras daily; they are available on the internet.
Om Shanthi,
Maya Breuer, E-RYT 500
