Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Practical Philosophy

Many people today associate the practice of yoga with the physical body postures known as asana. They enjoy and receive benefit from the practice. There is some knowledge that the practice comes from Indian tradition. What is less well known is that the practice of yoga arises from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
It is thought that Patanjali lived somewhere between 500-200BC. He is considered to be a Svayambhu, an evolved soul. In addition to The Yoga Sutras, he also wrote The Mahabhasya, a commentary on Grammar, and a book on medicine (which has been lost).

The word Yoga comes from a Sanskrit root – YUJ meaning to join. We get the English word Yoke as in yoking or joining together cattle from it. What is it that is being joined together by Yoga? It is the union of Body, Mind and Spirit. It is this union where what the body does is in accordance with what the mind thinks and what the Spirit knows to be true that brings rest and harmony.

Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, gives directions for our relationships both with ourselves and society. It is in finding harmony in these relationships that we become happy and healthy, full of balance and vitality.Patanjali lays out a system for exploring the nature of the Self. This system helps you find That within your own Being. Comprehending and applying the sutras transforms one into a balanced, harmonious, self-sufficient and peaceful person. The Yoga Sutras provide a system for overcoming the obstacles (Kleshas- Avidya (Ignorance), Asmita (Ego), Raga ( Desire and attachment), Dvesha (Aversions), Abhinivesha (Fear, especially of death)) which prevent a person realising their true nature of Sat Chit Aananda – knowledge, consciousness and bliss.

This system is laid out in eight steps or limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

The Ashtanga System:

Yamas Ethical disciplines towards society.: Ahimsa – Non-violence, Satya – Truthfulness, Asteya – Not stealing, Brahmacharya – Following in the footsteps of the wise.

Aparigraha – Not being greedy.
Niyamas The Individual’s ethical observances: Sauca – purity, Santosa – contentment, Tapas – Self discipline, Svadhyaya – Self examination, Ishvara pranidhana – surrender.
Asana – the physical postures most people consider to be Yoga, in fact there are only 3 sutras which relate to this. Sutra 4.46 states that the posture should be steady or still and comfortable. The School of Philosophy has a time honoured practice which begins with the words ‘balanced and upright’ which is simply a different formulation of the same concept which Patanjali is espousing.
Pranayama – the flow of breath.
Pratyaharara – this has become the modern concept of ‘Mindfulness’, read more under the tab Mindfulness
Dharana – this is one pointed attention, the precursor to Meditation, again see under Mindfulness.
Dhyana – Meditation. https://practicalphilosophyvic.org.au/courses/courses-overview/ The School has been offering Mantra Meditation since the 60’s and has enormous experience in its practice.
Samadhi – complete tranquillity.

It will be noticed how many of these terms are in Sanskrit with English approximations. The study of Sanskrit within the School helps with amore direct understanding of Patanjali’s concepts. https://practicalphilosophyvic.org.au/about-us/sanskrit/

The Yamas and Niyamas come within the School’s study of Sanatana Dharma – The Eternal Law.

The Practical Philosophy courses which the School offers encompass in the most everyday practical way the teachings found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

A favourite sutra is:
1.33 By cultivating an attitude of friendship toward those who are happy, compassion toward those in distress, joy toward those who are virtuous, and equanimity toward those who are non-virtuous, lucidity arises in the mind. (Bryant, 2009) This covers all relationships and leads to a happy and harmonious life.