Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Raja Yoga - Ashtanga Yoga :

Purpose: The goal of this rendition of the Yoga Sutras is to make the principles and practices of the Yoga Sutras more understandable and accessible. The descriptions attempt to focus on the practical suggestions of what to do to regulate the mind, so as to attain direct experience beyond the mind. The intent is to explain, not to proffer some new system or school of Yoga. Hyperlinks are used extensively, allowing you to easily move around among the many sutras, principles and practices. This collection of web pages on the Yoga Sutra is being routinely revised and improved.

Six ways to review: Here are six ways to review these web pages on the Yoga Sutra: Summary page: On the Summary page (the page you are now reading) you can click on the individual sutras that draw your attention. This will take you to more detail on the sutras (To print the Summary page, it is better to reduce the View size in the browser, and to print in Landscape view; then tape the pages together.) Chapter overviews: Go through the brief overviews of each of the four chapters, beginning with Chapter 1. Then, click through the links to each of the other Chapter overviews. Section reviews: The 196 sutras have been divided into 39 sections (in this website). Each section has a few paragraphs that describe that section. Start with the first section, read those few paragraphs (not reading the individual sutras), and then click on Next section at the top of the page. This will take you to the next section. Review all sutras: There is also running list of all 196 sutras, which can read in its entirety in a few minutes. Each sutra in this list has a link to the complete description of the sutra. Questions: There is a page of Reminder Questions, along with a link to the sutra that answers the question. Narrative: The narrative version presents the Yoga Sutras in paragraph format, which might be a more familiar way to learn. Commentaries: It's useful to have several different commentaries close at hand so as to get greater depth and a variety of perspectives when exploring a particular sutra. Downloads: There are also Downloads on the Yoga Sutras, including interpretive translation with transliterated Sanskrit and word-for-word translations, a narrative summary of the interpretive translation, study questions, and a two-page summary of all sutras (which can be printed and taped together to make it a one-page summary).

What are the Yoga Sutras?: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali succinctly outlines the art and science of Yoga meditation for Self-Realization. It is a process of systematically encountering, examining, and transcending each of the various gross and subtle levels of false identity in the mind field, until the jewel of the true Self comes shining through.

When Patanjali codified, or compiled the Yoga Sutras, it was not that a new system was created, but rather, the ancient practices were summarized in an extremely organized and terse way. While the Yoga Sutras are thought to be as old as 400 BCE, archaeological evidence and other texts suggest that the methods described in the Yoga Sutras were being practiced as early as 3000 BCE. Oral tradition states that the period may be even longer.

Yoga means union & sutra means thread: Yoga means union of the parts of ourselves, which were never divided in the first place. Yoga literally means to yoke, from the foot yuj, which means to join; it is the same as the absorption in the state of samadhi. Sutra means thread, and this thread, or multiple threads weave a tapestry of insight and direct experience. Some say that the name of the text uses the word sutra in its plural form, as Yoga Sutras, in that each of the sutras, or threads, comes together to form a complete tapestry. Others say that it is used in its singular form, as Yoga Sutra, in that there is one, consistent thread that flows through the entire text. Both views add a useful perspective to the process being described. In the writings on this website, both terms are intentionally used.

Regulating your own mind: Swami Rama explains, "There have been many scholarly commentaries on the Yoga Sutras, but all the commentaries miss something very practical. Such commentaries can only satisfy the intellect, but do not actually help you beyond that: 'yogash chitta vritti narodha'--yoga is the control of the 'modifications' of the mind [1.2]. Narodha means control; there is no other English word for it. Control doesn't mean suppression, but channeling or regulating."

Other names: The Yoga Sutras is also referred to as Raja Yoga, the Royal Yoga. Some call it Kriya Yoga, drawing on the use of the word from Chapter 2 (2.1). Others refer to it as Ashtanga Yoga (Ashta = eight; anga = rungs), which is the eight-fold path of Yoga, including yamas, niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi, which begin with Sutra 28 of Chapter 2 (2.28) (Note that this does not refer to the popularized physical yoga that has chosen to use the same name, Ashtanga Yoga, for their practices).

Yoga and Sankhya philosophies: The process of realization through Yoga rests on the discovery of pure consciousness (purusha) as separate from all the many false identities, which are considered to be evolutes of primal matter (prakriti). These principles of purusha and prakriti are part of the philosophical system known as Sankhya. Yoga and Sankhya are two of the six systems of Indian philosophy. See also these articles:

Interpretive translation: The translations on both the summary page of the Yoga Sutras and the page listing all 196 sutras of the Yoga Sutras here are interpretive, providing expanded translations (some renditions are divided into 194-200 sutras). For example, sutra 1.2 defines Yoga with some 25 English words, rather than only 4 Sanskrit words. The practices of the Yoga Sutras are extremely practical, though it can seem quite complicated when trying to sort through the language. By providing expanded, interpretive translations, the practical meaning of the suggestions more easily comes through.

About the Icons: From the main page on the Yoga Sutras (the page that you are now viewing), there are links to 39 clusters of sutras. Each of those pages has an icon such as the one on the left. The reason for these is that the mind can remember information much more easily when there is a visual component. This icon allows you to "see" where a particular topic is located in the four chapters of the Yoga Sutras. The example at the left is Yoga Sutras 2.12-2.25, which is on Breaking the Alliance with Karma. Now that you "see" this, you might more easily remember that these sutras on karma are close to the middle of column 2, which is Chapter 2. Then, at some later time, when you want to read the part about Karma, you may remember to go to the main page, scroll to that location in column 2, and click on that topic. It might also help you to simply recall that Karma is discussed around the middle of Chapter 2.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page

to see all of the icons for the

39 clusters of the Yoga Sutras.

Many translations: There are many different English translations of the Yoga Sutras, with each providing a perspective. It can be tempting to look for the single translation that seems "best" compared to the others. However, each translation adds something, and each translation might miss something else. What seems most useful is to read many translations, and then draw from them what you find most useful. The HRIH.net website currently lists 48 English translations of the Yoga Sutras, as well as translations in 33 other languages. Some of the translations are very brief, and others more expanded. Once again, the translation here on SwamiJ.com is an expanded, interpretive translation that is intended to make the practical instructions more clear. If you enjoy this translation, you will also enjoy using other translations as well to complement your understanding and practices.

Acknowledgements: These interpretive translations and descriptions could not happen without the codifying of the Yoga Sutra by the Patanjali lineage, the commentator Vyasa, and the various translations and commentaries of many others, each of whom have contributed something to this mind. Of greatest acknowledgement is the tradition of the Himalayan Masters, who continue to teach and operate through this mind, as instructed by Swami Rama, the one to whom the highest acknowledgement, gratitude, and love is given.

Typographical errors: If you notice any typographical errors or bad links, would you please contact me so that corrections can be made.

Printing this website: It may be tempting to print out the many Yoga Sutra pages on this website, but that is not recommended for the simple reason that you would lose the benefits of the hyperlinks. These links allow you to easily move around throughout the sutras, and that is a great aid in learning. Some of the individual pages might be good to print, such as the Introduction (which you are now reading), Summary, Keys, List, or Chapters. The one page that is most recommended to print out is the Summary page. (To print the Summary page, it is better to reduce the View size in the browser, and to print in Landscape view; then tape the pages together. A printable version of the Summary page is also in the Downloads section of the website.)

Using the search engine: The website itself has a search engine on the home page or any of the Index pages, which can be reached by clicking on any of the links at the top of the pages. While this searches the whole website, you can see in the link address which ones are linked to the Yoga Sutras pages. Just type in the subject you are looking for. If you also type in the words "yoga sutras," in addition to your search term, it should bring you to the appropriate pages.

Yoga Sutras is for teachers: It can be comforting to know that the Yoga Sutra is actually designed for teachers as a guideline in training students. By remembering this orientation, it is easier to see that at the current moment, only portions of the text apply to you personally. The rest can then be allowed to come along the way. While progressing along the path, it is very useful to have a general understanding of the whole process being outlined in the Yoga Sutras.

How to learn the Yoga Sutras: Yoga has to do with examining ones internal states of consciousness, and clearing out the clouded mind, so that the jewel of the center of consciousness, the Self, can be experienced in its unalloyed purity. There are several compatible parts of the process:

Written study : A good deal of effort is needed in going through the written explanations and commentaries on the Yoga Sutras.

Oral learning : More importantly, the practical application of the Yoga Sutra needs to be discussed orally with those who are really following and doing the practices themselves.

Direct experience : Even more importantly, however, the practices must actually be done to attain the validation of direct experience.

Transmission: In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, the higher understanding comes through direct transmission known as shaktipata.

Books and commentaries: There are many books on the Yoga Sutras, which provide different translations and commentaries. Some of these are extremely useful, and some not so useful. For those who are serious about practicing the profound teachings of the Yoga Sutra, it is recommended to have several translations and commentaries at hand. This allows you to go into greater depth when you are trying to work with an individual sutra. There are a handful of recommended books on the Yoga Sutras on this website.

Diversity of opinions: If an art teacher asked a class of ten students to each paint a picture of a vase of flowers, the result would be ten different paintings, which might bear some resemblance to one another, yet would each be unique. The same thing happens when descriptions are written about the practices of the Yoga Sutras, or other such writings. It is important to remember this when reading commentaries, so as to experience them as complementary rather than as contradictory.

Succinct versus Incomplete: In going through the Yoga Sutras, it is extremely useful to note that one of its most wonderful features is that of being succinct. It is an outline of only some 196 sentences, threads, or sutras. It is like the table of contents of an extremely large book, if not encyclopedia. Historically, this outline is used in oral discussion, where the teachings themselves are shared in face-to-face dialogue, usually with people living together in community. With the invention of the printing press, and our recent innovations with computer technology, there are ever more written words. If we are tempted to say that Patanjali is incomplete in his comments, please keep in mind that it comes from oral tradition, where students memorized the entirety of the Yoga Sutras, and that the depth of the information was oral, not written. Viewed in that light, we can see that it is not valid to say that the Yoga Sutras is incomplete, simply because it has the very useful quality of being succinct.

Witnessing the inner world: Yoga is a journey within, exploring and moving through the various levels of our being. There is a paper on the website entitled Witnessing Your Thoughts, which gives practical suggestions on exploring this inner world. Most of the principles and suggestions in that paper are directly related to the Yoga Sutras.

Yoga Sutras is a preliminary step: In the tradition of the Himalayan sages, this ancient, oral yoga system, recorded by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras is accepted as a preliminary step. Building on that foundation, the Advaita Vedanta system is practiced, particularly relating to the states of waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the fourth state, turiya. Purely internal tantra is practiced as a means of spiritual awakening and realization. Thus, Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra work synergistically in philosophy and practice.

Revisions: This collection of web pages on the Yoga Sutra is being routinely revised and improved.

Yoga Sutras Outline:

Yoga Sutras - Chapter 1

Concentration

Samadhi Pada

WHAT IS YOGA? (Yoga Sutras 1.1-1.4)

Yoga Sutra 1.1: Now, after previous preparation, begins yoga

Yoga Sutra 1.2: Yoga is the mastery and integration of the activities of mind

Yoga Sutra 1.3: Then the seer, the Self rests in its true nature

Yoga Sutra 1.4: At other times, it is identified with subtle thoughts

UN-COLORING YOUR THOUGHTS (Yoga Sutras 1.5-1.11)

Yoga Sutras 1.5-1.6: Witnessing 5 kinds of thoughts that are either colored or not-colored

Yoga Sutra 1.7: Three ways to obtain correct knowledge

Yoga Sutras 1.8-1.11: Incorrect knowledge, imagination, sleep, memory

PRACTICE AND NON-ATTACHMENT (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16)

Yoga Sutra 1.12: How to master thoughts

Yoga Sutra 1.13: Meaning of practice

Yoga Sutra 1.14: How to make practice firm

Yoga Sutras 1.15-1.16: Non-attachment and supreme non-attachment

TYPES OF CONCENTRATION (Yoga Sutras 1.17-1.18)

Yoga Sutra 1.17: Four levels of concentration

Yoga Sutra 1.18: Objectless concentration is next

EFFORTS AND COMMITMENT (Yoga Sutras 1.19-1.22)

Yoga Sutras 1.19-1.20: Five types of effort needed

Yoga Sutras 1.21-1.22: Choosing one of nine levels of practice

DIRECT ROUTE THROUGH AUM (1.23-1.29)

Yoga Sutras 1.23-1.29: Contemplation on AUM

OBSTACLES AND SOLUTIONS (Yoga Sutras 1.30-1.32)

Yoga Sutras 1.30-1.31: Obstacles on the journey

Yoga Sutra 1.32: Use one-pointedness for the obstacles

STABILIZING AND CLEARING THE MIND (Yoga Sutras 1.33-1.39)

Yoga Sutra 1.33: Four attitudes to cultivate towards other people

Yoga Sutras 1.34-1.38: Five concentrations for stabilizing the mind

Yoga Sutra 1.39: Or, concentration on whatever is pleasant and useful

AFTER STABILIZING THE MIND (Yoga Sutras 1.40-1.51)

Yoga Sutra 1.40: Ability to focus on infinitely small and large is sign of stability

Yoga Sutra 1.41: Mind becomes clear, like a transparent crystal

Yoga Sutras 1.42-1.46: Types of engrossment with concentration

Yoga Sutras 1.47-1.49: Gaining knowledge filled with higher truth

Yoga Sutra 1.50: Samadhi leaves latent impressions that oppose formation of others

Yoga Sutra 1.51: Then comes objectless samadhi



Yoga Sutras - Chapter 2

Practice

Sadhana Pada

MINIMIZING GROSS COLORING (Yoga Sutras 2.1-2.9)

Yoga Sutras 2.1-2.2: Kriya yoga reduces colored thoughts by three methods

Yoga Sutra 2.3: Five kinds of coloring

Yoga Sutra 2.4: Four stages of coloring

Yoga Sutra 2.5: Four types of ignorance

Yoga Sutras 2.6-2.9: Colorings of I-ness, attraction, aversion, and fear

DEALING WITH SUBTLE THOUGHTS (Yoga Sutras 2.10-2.11)

Yoga Sutra 2.10: Once thoughts are subtle, they are eliminated by dissolution of mind

Yoga Sutra 2.11: When there remains slight coloring of thoughts, it is neutralized by meditation

BREAKING THE ALLIANCE OF KARMA (Yoga Sutras 2.12-2.25)

Yoga Sutras 2.12-2.14: Nature of latent impressions

Yoga Sutra 2.15: A wise one sees even pleasure as painful

Yoga Sutra 2.16: Pain yet to come is to be avoided

Yoga Sutra 2.17: Uniting seer and seen is the cause of the pain to be avoided

Yoga Sutras 2.18-2.22: Nature of those objects

Yoga Sutras 2.23-2.24: Eliminating the alliance with avidya or ignorance, which is the underlying problem

Yoga Sutra 2.25: By reducing this avidya, ignorance, freedom naturally ensues

THE 8 RUNGS AND DISCRIMINATION (Yoga Sutras 2.26-2.29)

Yoga Sutras 2.26-2.27: Discrimination is the central key to enlightenment

Yoga Sutra 2.28: 8 rungs of Yoga are the tool for discrimination

Yoga Sutra 2.29: 8 rungs of Yoga are listed

YAMAS & NIYAMAS, #1-2 (Yoga Sutras 2.30-2.34)

Yoga Sutras 2.30-2.31: The 5 Yamas, rung #1

Yoga Sutra 2.32: The 5 Niyamas, rung #2

Yoga Sutra 2.33: When negative, remind yourself this brings misery and ignorance

Yoga Sutra 2.34: Negativity is 27 types

BENEFITS FROM YAMAS &NIYAMAS (Yoga Sutras 2.35-2.45)

Yoga Sutras 2.35-2.39: Benefits from the 5 Yamas

Yoga Sutras 2.40-2.45: Benefits from the 5 Niyamas

ASANA, #3 OF 8 RUNGS (Yoga Sutras 2.46-2.48)

Yoga Sutras 2.46-2.48: Meditation posture, Asana, is attained by attention on the infinite

PRANAYAMA, #4 OF 8 RUNGS (Yoga Sutras 2.49-2.53)

Yoga Sutras 2.49-2.50: Three aspects of breath

Yoga Sutra 2.51: Fourth pranayama is beyond these

Yoga Sutras 2.52-2.53: This thins the veil of karma over the light

PRATYAHARA, #5 OF 8 RUNGS (Yoga Sutras 2.54-2.55)

Yoga Sutra 2.54: The senses and actions return back into the mind

Yoga Sutra 2.55: Then there is less tendency of the mind towards objects



Yoga Sutras - Chapter 3

Progressing

Vibhuti Pada

DHARANA, DHYANA, SAMADHI, #6, #7, #8 OF 8 RUNGS (Yoga Sutras 3.1-3.3)

Yoga Sutra 3.1: Dharana or concentration is #6

Yoga Sutra 3.2: Dhyana or meditation, #7, comes from repeated concentration

Yoga Sutra 3.3: Samadhi, #8, comes from deep absorption

SAMYAMA IS THE FINER TOOL (Yoga Sutras 3.4-3.6)

Yoga Sutra 3.4: Dharana, dhyana, and samadhi together are Samyama

Yoga Sutra 3.5: Mastery of Samyama brings the light of knowledge

Yoga Sutra 3.6: Apply Samyama to finer planes, states, or stages

INTERNAL IS SEEN TO BE EXTERNAL (Yoga Sutras 3.7-3.8)

Yoga Sutra 3.7: These 3 rungs: are more intimate and internal than the first 5

Yoga Sutra 3.8: Even these 3 are external compared to seedless Samadhi

WITNESSING SUBTLE TRANSITIONS (Yoga Sutras 3.9-3.16)

Yoga Sutras 9-16: Samyama is done on 3 extremely subtle thought transitions

EXPERIENCES FROM SAMYAMA (Yoga Sutras 3.17-3.37)

Yoga Sutra 3.17: Three aspects of an object

Yoga Sutra 3.18: Samyama on samskaras

Yoga Sutras 3.19-3.20: On ideas from others

Yoga Sutras 3.21-3.22: On physical form and senses

Yoga Sutra 3.23: On karma foretells death

Yoga Sutras 3.24-3.25: On attitudes and strength

Yoga Sutras 3.26-3.35: On inner subtleties

Yoga Sutras 3.36-3.37: On pure consciousness

WHAT TO DO WITH EXPERIENCES (Yoga Sutra 3.38)

Yoga Sutra 3.38: They are both attainments and obstacles

MORE FROM SAMYAMA (Yoga Sutras 3.39-3.49)

Yoga Sutra 3.39: Passage to another body

Yoga Sutras 3.40-3.41: Samyama on pranas

Yoga Sutras 3.42-3.43: On space, hearing, and body

Yoga Sutra 3.44: On thought projections

Yoga Sutras 3.45-3.47: On the five elements

Yoga Sutras 3.48-3.49: On senses and actions

RENUNCIATION AND LIBERATION (Yoga Sutras 3.50-3.52)

Yoga Sutra 3.50: Discernment of Buddhi and Purusha brings mastery over all

Yoga Sutra 3.51: Non-attachment to forms and omniscience destroys seeds

Yoga Sutra 3.52: Decline invitations of celestials

HIGHER DISCRIMINATION (Yoga Sutras 3.53-3.56)

Yoga Sutra 3.53: Moments and succession

Yoga Sutra 3.54: Discriminating similar objects

Yoga Sutra 3.55: Higher knowledge is intuitive and born from discrimination

Yoga Sutra 3.56: Equality between Buddhi and Purusha brings liberation



Yoga Sutras - Chapter 4

Liberation

Kaivalya Pada

MEANS OF ATTAINING EXPERIENCE (Yoga Sutras 4.1-4.3)

Yoga Sutra 4.1: Five means of subtler attainment

Yoga Sutra 4.2: Transitions involve filling in

Yoga Sutra 4.3: Removal of obstacles brings results

EMERGENCE AND MASTERY OF MIND (Yoga Sutras 4.4-4.6)

Yoga Sutras 4.4-4.6: Construct and use of mind

ACTIONS AND KARMA (Yoga Sutras 4.7-4.8)

Yoga Sutra 4.7: Kinds of actions

Yoga Sutra 4.8: Subconscious manifests

SUBCONSCIOUS IMPRESSIONS (Yoga Sutras 4.9-4.12)

Yoga Sutra 4.9: Memory and latent impressions

Yoga Sutra 4.10: Desire for self preservation

Yoga Sutra 4.11: Disappearance of cause, motive, and substratum

Yoga Sutra 4.12: Past and future are present in fundamental form

OBJECTS AND THE 3 GUNAS (Yoga Sutras 4.13-4.14)

Yoga Sutra 4.13: Characteristics made of gunas

Yoga Sutra 4.14: Objects appear as a unit

MIND PERCEIVING OBJECTS (Yoga Sutras 4.15-4.17)

Yoga Sutra 4.15: Separate minds and paths

Yoga Sutra 4.16: Object is not dependent on one mind

Yoga Sutra 4.17: Objects known by coloring

ILLUMINATION OF THE MIND (Yoga Sutras 4.18-4.21)

Yoga Sutra 4.18: Thoughts are known by purusha

Yoga Sutra 4.19: Mind not self illuminating

Yoga Sutra 4.20: Mind and objects cannot be cognized simultaneously

Yoga Sutra 4.21: One mind does not illumine another

BUDDHI AND LIBERATION (Yoga Sutras 4.22-4.26)

Yoga Sutra 4.22: Consciousness and buddhi

Yoga Sutras 4.23-4.24: Seer and mind

Yoga Sutra 4.25: Inquiries about self cease

Yoga Sutra 4.26: Discrimination and liberation

BREACHES IN ENLIGHTENMENT (Yoga Sutras 4.27-4.28)

Yoga Sutra 4.27: Breaks in enlightenment allow colorings to arise

Yoga Sutra 4.28: Colorings are dealt with as before

PERPETUAL ENLIGHTENMENT (Yoga Sutras 4.29-4.30)

Yoga Sutra 4.29: Rain cloud of virtues comes

Yoga Sutra 4.30: Actions and colorings are removed

KNOWABLES BECOME FEW (Yoga Sutra 4.31)

Yoga Sutra 4.31: There is little to know