Patanjali's Sutras

Another classical Indian text that plays a significant role in defining yoga is Patanjali’s Sutras. Its date is estimated to be between 200 and 800 years BC.

Patanjali introduced the first comprehensive system of yoga. Patanjali presented his work in the style known as a sutra. A sutra has very few words, is free from ambiguity, is full of essence, universal in context and affirmative. Patanjali’s sutras are clear statements. It is still unknown as to whether it was one person or more who are responsible for the Sutras.

The sutras are presented in four chapters. In the first chapter yoga is defined and then the focus is on looking at the mind, it presents yoga as the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. The second chapter discusses the qualities that are necessary to change the mind from distraction to attention, it is in this chapter that the eight limbs of yoga are introduced. In the third chapter Patanjali describes the mind that is free from distractions, and in the fourth chapter, Patanjali describes the mind as a servant for the individual to reach ultimate bliss, which is the ultimate goal of yoga.

Of the eight limbs of yoga that are introduced in chapter two, the first five are tangible and are practices that will prepare the practitioner for the last three which are internal and cover all aspects of mind control. The first five are known as disciplines, and the last three are classed as attainments of yoga. All eight limbs are interlinked and can develop simultaneously. The first five practices are yama, which is ethical behaviour, niyama, which is personal discipline, asana, the practice of postures, pranayama, the breathing techniques and pratyahara, which is the control of the senses. The last three limbs are concentration, meditation and the ultimate state of yoga which is called Samadhi.

Patanajali’s Sutras are recognized by all schools of yoga and are the base of many subsequent works.

In the hustle and bustle of modern day living, it is easy to lose contact with what is relevant in life. If we remain focused with an intention to stay present in each moment, our mind will remain clearer. We may then have a clearer perspective on our lives. This would be classed as living your yoga by Patanjali. Yoga practice can be as simple as keeping the mind uncluttered, to keep the mind in a focused and steady state.

References to the sutras were taken from

Patanjali's Yogasutras,

Translation and Commentary by TKV Desikachar