Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Yogasutra ( Sanskrit: योगसूत्र Yogasutra n "Yoga Guide") is a central source text of Yoga. It was written by Patanjali, who probably lived in the 2nd century BC. Yoga is one of the six orthodox Indian philosophies ( Shaddarshana ).

Sutra literally means "thread". The Yogasutra So in a way a guide to yoga, which unlike the Bhagavad Gita has no frame story, and was not sung.

The Yogasutra consists of 195 Sanskrit verses in four chapters, in which in a highly concentrated form the essence of yoga path is bundled. It is one of the oldest traditions of the Yoga tradition.

Content of the sutras

Generally

The verses are very concise in so that a large scope for interpretation arises, which is clearly expressed in the many commentaries and translations.

The author summarizes the Yogasutra the knowledge of Raja Yoga together, where he closely follows the system of Sankhya, but also takes ideas from different traditions. Patañjali therefore not regarded as the founder of yoga, but very probably the first who has summarized the yoga in a text as a whole systematically.

The eight limbs of yoga

In Yogasutra yoga is represented as eight-membered way, which is why this form also Ashtanga Yoga - is called ( ashta anga eight limbs ). The eight aspects are:

• Yama (moral, ethic - the behavior of others, social discipline, especially ahimsa = non-violence / Satya = truth (even to oneself ) )
• Niyama ( self-discipline - the behavior towards himself; like Sauca = purity / Samtosa = satisfaction)
• Asana ( exercises of yoga poses, physical discipline )
• Pranayama ( breath control, mental discipline )
• Pratyahara ( self- after - internal alignment, discipline of the senses )
• Dharana (concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
• Samadhi ( ecstasy, sinking, All- unit realization of the higher self )

All eight limbs of yoga form an inseparable unit. They were often interpreted as stages of a development, however, they actually refer to different aspects of human life, so that they are not practicing in succession, but rather represent a holistic path of practice, in which the various disciplines together effectively. As the ultimate goal of the yoga path called Samadhi, the complete peace of mind.

Chapter structure of the sutras

I. Samadhi

In the second verse Patanjali gives the definition or the goal of Yoga:

" योग. चित्त - वृत्ति निरोध - yogas citta - vṛtti - nirodhah - Yoga is that inner state in which the soul-spiritual processes come to rest "

This is followed by a description of the human mind ( citta ) with methods to calm them by means of meditation and concentration. The naming of the nine obstacles ( antaraya ), such as illness or laziness, followed by a description of the various kinds of samadhi.

II: Sadhana

In the second chapter the causes of suffering ( klesha ) are mentioned and described their mode of action. Then comes the information of the first five steps of the eightfold path of Yoga, namely Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara, with the help of the causes of suffering can be addressed.

III. vibhuti

Here are the other three members of the eightfold yoga are covered: Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. In addition, in great detail the attainment of various supernatural abilities ( siddhi ) by concentration described.

IV Kaivalya

The last chapter is less structured and deals in part with previously treated subjects, but eventually the liberation of the self through yoga.

Comments

The Yogasutra was repeatedly re- annotated and translated over the centuries. The first comment comes from Vyasa, who served in the 5th century AD. This comment has been commented upon by Shankara ( 788-820 ), one of the largest Indian philosopher, in an Extensive work again. Other important comments are Tattvavaisharadi of Vachaspati Mishra ( 9-10 c.), Rajamartanda of King Bhoja (c. 1040 ) and Yogavarttika of Vijnanabhikshu (16th century). (second half of the 16th century)

Until the 18th century no less than 15 different comments were written for Yogasutra. This number increases continuously until today.

Translations

The Yogasutra was translated by 1000 the Muslim polymath al -Biruni into Arabic, the Kitab Batanjali. Otherwise, the Yogasutra remained unnoticed until modern times outside India. With the advent of interest in Yoga in Europe and North America, the Yogasutra was repeatedly re- translated into Western languages. In German, there are now several translations, which are very different from each other to some extent. The accompanying comments vary widely depending on the view of the author.