PATANJALI YOGA Assignment

PATANJALI YOGA
Patanjali Yoga refers to the system of yoga philosophy and practice attributed to the sage Patanjali.
Patanjali is believed to have lived around the 2nd century BCE and is credited with compiling the
Yoga Sutras, a foundational text in the philosophy of yoga. The Yoga Sutras provide a systematic
and comprehensive outline of the principles and practices of classical yoga.
THE YOGA SUTRAS
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a classical text that consists of 196 sutras (aphorisms) that serve as a
guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga. These sutras are divided into four chapters or books,
known as Padas. Here is a brief overview of each pada:
Samadhi Pada (Chapter on Contemplation): This chapter consists of 51 sutras and provides an
introduction to the purpose and nature of yoga. It discusses the concept of Samadhi, the ultimate
state of absorption and liberation. It outlines the obstacles on the path of yoga (antarayas) and
introduces the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga).
Sadhana Pada (Chapter on Practice): This chapter contains 55 sutras and delves into the
practical aspects of yoga. It discusses Kriya Yoga, the yoga of action, which involves self-discipline,
self-study, and surrender to a higher power. It also explores the concept of Ishvara (a personal deity
or higher power) and the role of devotion in the practice of yoga.
Vibhuti Pada (Chapter on Accomplishments): This chapter consists of 56 sutras and focuses on
the extraordinary powers (siddhis) that can be attained through the practice of yoga. It discusses
the potential distractions and pitfalls associated with these powers, emphasizing the importance of
remaining focused on the ultimate goal of liberation.
Kaivalya Pada (Chapter on Liberation): The final chapter contains 34 sutras and discusses the
concept of Kaivalya, which is the ultimate state of isolation or liberation from the cycle of birth and
death (Samsara). It emphasizes the transcendence of the individual self and the realization of the
Purusha (the true self).
Vrittis:
In the context of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the term "Vrittis" refers to the fluctuations or
modifications of the mind. These are the various types of thoughts and mental patterns that can
arise and disturb the tranquility of the mind. Patanjali identifies five main types of Vrittis, which are
obstacles to the practice of yoga. Understanding and managing these fluctuations is crucial for
achieving mental stillness and
Chitta Vikshepas: 9 distractions  Vyadhi- sickness at physical level  Alasya: Physical laziness 
Styan- lethargy , lack of interest  Samshaya- doubt/suspicion  Pramada- Misplace priorities,
carelessness  Avirati- stubborn attachment to sense objects, worldliness  Bhranti darshan-
illusion/delusion , misunderstanding  Alabdha bhumikatva- non attainment of firm ground/ non
attainment of concentration  Anavastitatva- instability of mind.
THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA (ASTANGAYOGA)
1. YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows

This first limb, Yama, refers to vows, disciplines or practices that are primarily concerned with the
world around us, and our interaction with it. While the practice of yoga can indeed increase
physical strength and flexibility and aid in calming the mind, what’s the point if we’re still rigid,
weak and stressed-out in day-to-day life?
There are five Yamas:
 Ahimsa (non-violence),
 Satya (truthfulness),
 Asteya (non-stealing),
 Brahmacharya (right use of energy), and
 Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding).
2. NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances

The second limb, Niyama, usually refers to duties directed towards ourselves, but can also be
considered with our actions towards the outside world. The prefix ‘ni’ is a Sanskrit verb which
means ‘inward’ or ‘within’.
There are five Niyamas:
 saucha (cleanliness),
 santosha (contentment),
 tapas (discipline or burning desire or conversely, burning of desire),
 svadhyaya (self-study or self-reflection, and study of spiritual texts), and
 isvarapranidaha (surrender to a higher power).
Niyamas are traditionally practised by those who wish to travel further along the Yogic path and
are intended to build character. Interestingly, the Niyamas closely relate to the Koshas, our
‘sheaths’ or ‘layers’ leading from the physical body to the essence within. As you’ll notice, when we
work with the Niyamas – from saucha to isvararpranidhana – we are guided from the grossest
aspects of ourselves to the truth deep within.
3. ASANA – Posture
The physical aspect of yoga is the third step on the path to freedom, and if we’re being honest, the
word asana here doesn’t refer to the ability to perform a handstand or an aesthetically impressive
backbend, it means ‘seat’ – specifically the seat you would take for the practice of meditation. The
only alignment instruction Patanjali gives for this asana is “sthira sukham asanam”, the posture
should be steady and comfortable.
4. PRANAYAMA – Breathing Techniques

The word Prana refers to ‘energy’ or ‘life source’. It can be used to describe the very essence that
keeps us alive, as well as the energy in the universe around us. Prana also often describes the
breath, and by working with the way we breathe, we affect the mind in a very real way.The physical
act of working with different breathing techniques alters the mind in a myriad of ways – we can
choose calming practices like Chandra Bhadana (moon piercing breath) or more stimulating
techniques such as Kapalabhati (shining skull cleansing breath).
5. PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal

Pratya means to ‘withdraw’, ‘draw in’ or ‘draw back’, and the second part ahara refers to anything
we ‘take in’ by ourselves, such as the various sights, sounds andsmells our senses take in
continuously. When sitting for a formal meditation practice, this is likely to be the first thing we do
when we think we’re meditating; we focus on ‘drawing in’. The practice of drawing inward may
include focussing on the way we’re breathing, so this limb would relate directly to the practice of
pranayama too.
6. DHARANA – Focused Concentration

Dharana means ‘focused concentration’. Dha means ‘holding or maintaining’, and Ana means
‘other’ or ‘something else’. Closely linked to the previous two limbs; dharana and pratyahara are
essential parts of the same aspect. In order to focus on something, the senses must withdraw so
that all attention is put on that point of concentration, and in order to draw our senses in, we must
focus and concentrate intently. Tratak (candle gazing), visualisation, and focusing on the breath are
all practices of dharana, and it’s this stage many of us get to when we think we’re ‘meditating’.
7. DHYANA – Meditative Absorption
The seventh limb is ‘meditative absorption’ – when we become completely absorbed in the focus of
our meditation, and this is when we’re really meditating. All the things we may learn in a class,
online or from a teacher are merely techniques offered to each person in order to help them settle,
focus and concentrate.
8. SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment

Many of us know the word samadhi as meaning ‘bliss’ or ‘enlightenment’, and this is the final step of
the journey of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. After we’ve re-organised our relationships with the outside
world and our own inner world, we come to the finale of bliss.
Name : Sodum Suvidha

MSc Psychology 1st year
USN number: 22MSRPS074

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PATANJALI YOGA

THE YOGA SUTRAS

THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA (ASTANGAYOGA)

1. YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows

2. NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances

4. PRANAYAMA – Breathing Techniques

5. PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal

6. DHARANA – Focused Concentration

7. DHYANA – Meditative Absorption

8. SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment

Name : Sodum Suvidha

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