Patanjali’s Yoga Philosophy (Based on The Teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda)

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This text on yoga philosophy of Patanjali is based in his yoga Sutras. In the yoga Sutras Patanjali brought together various principles and practices of Yoga prevalent at his time into a coherent system. The sutras are short form with a few essential words each. The sutras therefore need extensive explanations in order to understand their implications.

This text presents the teachings of Patanjali is some logical order in three sections. In the first section a brief introduction to yoga and its kinds and the yoga tradition in India are presented. The yoga tradition covers the origin of yoga. Yoga in the Vedas Yoga in the Upanishads Yoga. Yoga in the Srimad Bhagavatam, Puranas, Dharma Sastras, Agamas Tirumantiram and Samhitas.

Next an overview of Indian philosophy and the Samkhya philosophy and Patanjali’s are briefly presented.

The second section is devoted for the discussion of Patanjali’s yoga psychology. It comprises an analysis of the mind mental modifications of the mind and their control three Prakrti and Purusha God affections causes and remedy and the doctrine of karma.

In the mind section Patanjali’s Yoga system is explained first the preparatory practice of Kriya Yoga is outlined. Then an overview of the Raja Yoga is presented. After discussing the obstacles to yoga each of the eight limbs of Yoga is explained. Finally the doctrine of liberation is presented.

This text on Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali is based on his Yoga Sutras. In tl1e Yoga Sutras Patanjali brought together various principles and practices of Yoga prevalent at his time into a coherent system. The sutras are short forms with a few essential words each. The sutras, therefore, need extensive explanations in order to understand their implications.

Some commentaries listed under references were consulted for writing this work. I acknowledge my grateful indebtedness to their authors.

This text presents the teachings of Patanjali in some logical order in three Sections. In the first section, a brief Introduction to Yoga and its kinds, and the Yoga Tradition in India are presented. The Yoga Tradition covers the origin of Yoga, Yoga in the Vedas, Yoga in the Upanishads, Yoga in Epics, Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s contribution to Yoga, Yoga in the Srimad Bhagavatam, Purahas, Dharma Sastras, Agamas, Tirumantiram and Samhitas.

Next, an Overview of Indian Philosophy, and the Samkhya Philosophy and Patanjali’s Yoga Philosophy are briefly presented.

The second section is devoted for the discussion of Patanjali’s Yoga Psychology. It comprises an analysis of the mind, mental modifications of the mind and their control, three Gunas, Prakrti and Purusha, God, afflictions: Causes and Remedy, and the Doctrine of Karma.

In the third section, Patanjali’s Yoga system is explained. First, the preparatory practice of Kriya Yoga is outlined. Then an over view of the Raja Yoga is presented. After discussing the obstacles to Yoga each of the eight limbs of yoga is explained. Finally the doctrine of liberation is presented.

The writing of this text was entirely due to the grace of the supreme lord and the grace of my Gurudev Sri Swami Satchidananda the founder of Satchidananda Ashram and the Integral Yoga institute in Virgina with centers in several countries. This humble soul was a mere instrument in their hands. With deep devotion this text is dedicated to the Lotus feet of the lord and Sri Gurudev.

May this work inspire and guide the students of yoga in their study and practice for achieving the ultimate purpose of life. God realization.