The Yoga Sutras

Patanjali (c. 200 BCE) composed the Yoga Sutras — 196 aphorisms divided into four chapters (padas). His definition of Yoga is the most cited in the tradition:

"Yogah chitta-vritti-nirodhah" — Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. (YS 1.2)

The Eight Limbs (Ashtanga)

The path to this cessation is laid out in eight progressive limbs:

                    SAMADHI (8)
                       ▲
                       │
                    DHYANA (7)
                       ▲
                       │
                    DHARANA (6)
                       ▲
        ┌──────────────┼──────────────┐
        │   PRATYAHARA (5)            │
        ├─────────────────────────────┤
        │   PRANAYAMA (4)             │
        ├─────────────────────────────┤
        │   ASANA (3)                 │
        ├─────────────────────────────┤
        │   NIYAMA (2)                │
        ├─────────────────────────────┤
        │   YAMA (1)                  │
        └─────────────────────────────┘
              External  →  Internal

Limb-by-Limb Breakdown

1. Yama — Universal Restraints (5)

2. Niyama — Personal Observances (5)

3. Asana — Posture "Sthira-sukham asanam" — the posture should be steady and comfortable. (YS 2.46) Patanjali does not describe physical postures in detail; later Hatha Yoga texts (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita) develop the catalogue of asanas.

4. Pranayama — Breath Control Regulation of prana (vital energy) through controlled inhalation, retention, and exhalation. Modern research links it to vagal tone, reduced cortisol, and improved cognition.

5. Pratyahara — Withdrawal of Senses Drawing the senses inward, away from external stimuli. This is the transition point between outer (bahiranga) and inner (antaranga) yoga.

6. Dharana — Concentration Fixing the mind on a single object — a mantra, image, or breath. Initially the mind wanders; with practice it stabilises.

7. Dhyana — Meditation When concentration becomes continuous and effortless, it becomes dhyana. The object fills awareness without interruption.

8. Samadhi — Absorption The meditator, meditation, and object of meditation merge into one. Two types:

• Samprajnata — with seed (object-based)
• Asamprajnata — without seed (objectless, pure awareness)

Sanyama and Siddhis

The combination of Dharana + Dhyana + Samadhi is called Sanyama. Patanjali devotes the third pada (Vibhuti Pada) to siddhis (extraordinary powers) that arise from sanyama on specific objects. He warns that these are obstacles to liberation if pursued for their own sake.

Modern Validation

• Yoga is recognised by UNESCO (2016) as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• International Day of Yoga: 21 June, adopted by the UN in 2014.
• Used in clinical settings for anxiety, PTSD, cardiac rehabilitation.

Key Terms — Lesson 2.2 (Ashtanga Yoga)

The eight limbs in order, and the Dharana–Dhyana–Samadhi trio, are almost always asked — learn the sequence cold.

Yoga — Defined by Patanjali as chitta-vritti-nirodha, the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind (YS 1.2). Ashtanga — The "eight limbs" path from outer discipline to inner absorption. Yama — Five universal restraints (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha). Niyama — Five personal observances (Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Ishvara Pranidhana). Asana — Steady, comfortable posture (sthira-sukham asanam, YS 2.46). Pranayama — Regulation of prana (vital energy) through controlled breath. Pratyahara — Withdrawal of the senses; the hinge between outer and inner yoga. Dharana — Concentration: fixing the mind on a single object. Dhyana — Meditation: concentration become continuous and effortless. Samadhi — Absorption, where meditator, meditation and object merge (samprajnata vs asamprajnata). Sanyama — The combined practice of Dharana + Dhyana + Samadhi, source of the siddhis.

Exam Pointers

• "Name the eight limbs of yoga in order" (5 marks) → Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.
• "Define Yoga as per Patanjali" (2 marks) → quote yogah chitta-vritti-nirodhah and translate it.
• "What is Sanyama?" (3 marks) → the trio Dharana–Dhyana–Samadhi on one object; warn that siddhis are obstacles if pursued for their own sake.