The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Sage Patanjali

The meaning of Yoga

The word yoga means to join or unite. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali described yoga as the means by which our mind can be made still, quiet and free from all distractions. 

The goal of Yoga

Patanjali explained that when the mind is kept calm and quiet for a long time in dhyanna (meditation), we become united with god and attain salvation. When a person attains salvation he reaches the goal of Yoga. This goal is called samadhi or kaivalya. 

Requirements for Yoga 

Patanjali taught that we must practice Yoga very diligently and watchfully. Try to keep an even mind, in success and failure. He also taught us to live simply and avoid temptation.He further advised thad we must cultivate good character traits. To be friendly and compassionate, to be cheerful and to not look for faults in others and always try to improve ourselves. 

Problems on the path of Yoga 

Wise Patanjali was careful to point out the obstacles that we may face while following the path of Yoga. He warned us to beware of ignorance, self importance, anger, hatred and excessive attachement. He explained that sickness, laiziness, doubt and lack of concentration are all hurdles on this path. 

The path of Yoga  

To enable us to cultivate the good qualities, and overcome the hurdles, Patanjali laid down an eight-fold path. This unique path is known as the Ashtanga-Yoga of Patanjali. A person who follows this path is called a yogi.