A Summary of the Four Chapters of the Yoga Sutras of PatanjaliChapter One, Samadhi Pada – The Potion of Contemplation – “The Settled Mind” There are 51 Sutras in this chapter which are mainly concerned with Bhakti and Jnana Yoga. The chapter emphasises the use of discrimination as a method for reaching Samadhi. The first Sutra begins, “atha yoganusasanam” meaning, “and now the teaching on yoga begins”. This implies that only having completed the preliminary practices (i.e. Hatha Yoga) can one be ready to move on to Raja Yoga. The whole book is concerned more with practical application than theoretical discussion and this chapter categorises the nature of the mind, detailing five types of mental activity:-
Chapter one indicates the practice of Yoga as a process of removing obstacles to reveal the Truth – this Truth is already within us but is veiled by our conditioning. To see the world as it truly is requires cultivation of a still mind with detachment (vairagya i.e. without colouring) because when we look out into the world we are really only seeing reflections of ourselves and our current state of conditioning. Our memories are unreliable and changeable yet we often allow them to form part of our ‘story’ about who we are. This chapter recommends perceiving the mind as an instrument rather than a personality and through the practice of yoga, cultivating a sense of freedom or vairagya, non-attachment and renunciation. We must firstly renounce worldly desires and secondly, the desire for liberation itself This chapter also indicates sources of ‘right knowledge’, recommends practice and non-attachment and outlines ways to still the mind. It gives practical solutions to the obstacles which might prevent practice and categorises different types of Samadhi. Chapter Two, Sandhana Pada – The Portion on Practice – “Treading the Path” Considered the most important chapter, these 55 Sutras introduce Kriya Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga (the Eight Limbs of Yoga) assuming that one doesn’t have a settled mind already and seeks to create one. Kriya Yoga involves purification, study and surrender but this chapter also categorises five ‘Kleshas’ or obstacles which may hinder the practitioners progress. These are ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion and fear of death. Ashtanga Yoga means eight limbs of yoga, these are:-
Chapter Three, Vubhuti Pada – The Portion on Accomplishments – “Expansion” Chapter three contains 56 Sutras about Samadhi or absorption. Here, Samadhi is discussed in its wider sense as Samyama which is a combination of the last three limbs of Ashtanga Yoga as listed above; concentration, meditation and absorption. During this chapter, various accomplishments are mentioned which may occur following practice of Samayama. These accomplishments, known as Siddhis can be mere distractions yet the greatest of them is Self-Realization. Chapter Four, Kaivalya Pada – The Portion on Absoluteness – “Self-Realization” Kaivalya is a Sanskrit word meaning, the result of realization of Purusha and chapter four’s 34 Sutras deal with the implications of this ultimate Self-Realization. It discusses various Siddhis in relation to Karmas and Samskaras, along with Vasanas or subconscious impressions. It also discusses liberation or Moksha. Written by Justine Aldersey-Williams 30/09/08 leave feedback... more articles... |
Site Map:Welcome | Yoga Teacher | About Yoga : Stress - Breathing - Prana - Hatha Yoga - Nadis, Granthis, Chakras, Kundalini - Pancha Koshas - Kriyas - Pranayama - Mudra and Bandha - The Upanishads - Bhakti Yoga - Yoga Sutras Part 1: History - Yoga Sutras Part 2: Chapter Overview - Yoga Sutras Part 3: Kleshas - Yoga Sutras Part 4: Kriya Yoga - Yoga Sutras Part 5: Yamas and Niyamas - Yoga Sutras Part 6: Dharana, Dyhana, Samadhi - Mantra | Yoga Classes : Guidelines | Yoga Events | Freebies | Yoga Asana Gallery | Bookings | Contact | Feedback | Links |