YOGA SUTRA

YOGA SUTRA

The Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali form the foundational text of Yoga philosophy. It consists of four chapters (Padas), each explaining different aspects of Yoga. These are:

SAMADHI PADA

This chapter explains the concept of Samadhi (spiritual absorption) and the philosophy of Yoga.

1. Definition of Yoga

   • "योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः।"
   • (Yoga is the cessation of modifications of the mind.)

2. Five types of mental fluctuations (Chitta Vrittis):

   • Pramana (Valid knowledge)

   • Viparyaya (Misconception)

   • Vikalpa (Imagination)

   • Nidra (Sleep)

   • Smriti (Memory)

3. Two types of Samadhi:

   • Samprajnata Samadhi (With awareness)

   • Asamprajnata Samadhi (Beyond awareness)

4. Methods to attain Samadhi:

   • Abhyasa (Practice)

   • Vairagya (Detachment) "अभ्यासवैराग्याभ्यां तन्निरोधः।"
     (Restraint is achieved through practice and detachment.)

SADHANA PADA

This chapter explains the practical aspect of Yoga and methods to achieve liberation.

1. Kriya Yoga – The Path of Action

   • Tapas (Self-discipline)

   • Swadhyaya (Self-study)

   • Ishwarapranidhana (Surrender to God) "तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः।"
     (Discipline, self-study, and surrender to God constitute Kriya Yoga.)

2. Ashtanga Yoga – The Eightfold Path:

   • Yama (Moral restraints)

   • Niyama (Observances)

   • Asana (Postures)

   • Pranayama (Breath control)

   • Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses)

   • Dharana (Concentration)

   • Dhyana (Meditation)

   • Samadhi (Absorption) "यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारणाध्यानसमाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि।"
     (The eight limbs of Yoga are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.)

VIBHUTI PADA

This chapter describes supernatural powers (Siddhis) that arise from deep meditation.

1. Dharana (Concentration) leads to:

   • Ekagrata (One-pointedness)

2. Dhyana (Meditation) leads to:

   • Deeper awareness and insight

3. Samadhi (Absorption) leads to:

   • Ultimate realization

4. Samyama (Mastery over mind) grants various Siddhis:

   • Clairvoyance

   • Telepathy

   • Mind control "धारणाध्यानसमाधिः संयमः।"
     (Concentration, meditation, and absorption together constitute mastery.)

KAIVALYA PADA

This chapter explains the state of liberation (Kaivalya) and its attainment.

1. Nature of Kaivalya:

   • The self (Purusha) is free from Prakriti (Nature).

   • The realized soul is beyond pleasure and pain. "तस्य हेतुरविद्या।"
     (The cause of bondage is ignorance.)

2. Removal of Kleshas (Afflictions) leads to:

   • Absolute freedom

3. Kaivalya (Liberation) is attained when:

   • The soul transcends the material world.

   • There is pure awareness. "कैवल्यं स्वात्मप्रकाशमात्रम्।"
     (Liberation is the pure illumination of the self.)

The Yoga Sutras serve as a guide for spiritual growth and well-being, forming an essential part of Ayurveda’s holistic healing approach.