Yoga
Sutras by Patanjali were written to explain the process and
systematic analysis of practical methods for awakening and expanding
the higher faculties of mind, intellect, quality of consciousness.
It explores the true potential of human mind beyond the limits
of time and space, a sure way eventually going beyond the mind.
This
is an ancient but basic text on Yoga as written by Sage Patanjali
400 years B.C.
As the printing technology was not available at that time, this
text has been transferred through generations by oral recitations
(Shruti). That is why the whole knowledge of yoga is very concisely
packed in total 196 lines or Sanskrit Sutras by Patanjali so
that students can easily remember these sutras..
The
language used for these sutras is Sanskrit, it is little difficult
to understand. But still it is interesting journey in understanding
these Sutras and to know the basic principles of science of
yoga. Sanskrit is called the language of Gods, grammar is very
accurately maintained in Sanskrit. The constructions can be
very concise and precise meaning.
The
total 196 Sutras are divided in 4 chapters, 1st chapter is Samadhi
Pada which consists of 51 Sutras, basic definition of yoga,
importance of yoga and different types of states of Samadhi
are described in this Sutras and ways to achieve states of Samadhi.
Patanjali
starts with the first Sutra
Atha Yoganushasanam || (1-1)
Atha
– now, Yoga – science of Yoga, Anushasanam –
Discipline or set of instructions
Now, (start with) the discipline of yoga
If
you are given a book, then the first question in your mind will
be “What is this book?”. Knowing the question of
the reader or starter in yoga, Patanjali answers this question
in first sutra. He says, now I am explaining the discipline
/ instructions of science of yoga. There are 3 words in the
first sutra, Atha, Yoga and Anushasanam. It is a very old tradition
in Indian scriptures to use word Atha in the beginning of every
text or every important process. Hence Patanjali wants to mention
that he is starting the explanation of Yoga.
The literary meaning of Atha is “Now” or “Hereafter”.
Patanjali expects that the reader has studied many philosophies
and now he is starting to study the philosophy of Yoga.
After
the meaning of first sutra, next question is there in the mind
of every reader and that is What is Yoga? Patanjali explains
this in next sutra which we will discuss in the next session.
References
–
* Science of Yoga – I.K. Taimini
*
Four Chapters on Freedom
– Swami Satyananda Saraswati
*
Yoga Sutra - Mr.K.K.Kolhatkar
*
Yoga Sutra - Original Sanskrit Text
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