Unravel the Mystery of Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Patanjali Yoga Sutras are considered to be foundation of classical Yoga Philosophy of Hinduism. They contain 196 sutras (aphorisms) and they were compiled thousands of years ago by Maharshi Patanjali. Each of the aphorisms provides a perfect treasure chest of divine knowledge for us to be in union with God, which is the actual meaning of Yog. Get immersed in enlightenment by listening to eloquent discourses by Swami Mukundandaji on this priceless treasure!
In the cycle of creation, preservation and destruction, the first teacher of yogasans (the physical aspect of Yog), was Lord Shiv Himself. It is said that Lord Shiv first practiced yogasans and taught them to Mother Parvati, who became the first pupil. It was then passed on to the great sages, rishis and Yogis over time.
Between 400 BC and 200 BC, a great hermit, Patanjali, wrote a dissertation on Yog in pithy aphorisms, in a system that is called Aṣhṭāṅg Yog. The eight steps to Yog that he delineated through 196 terse aphorisms are: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyāhār, dhāraṇā, dhyan, and samādhi. The word yam means self-restraints; niyam means self-observances; asan means postures of the body; pranayam means organized way of breathing; pratyāhār denotes disassociation of consciousness from the external surrounding; dhāraṇā means concentration; dhyan means meditation, and samādhi refers to experiencing oneself with the pure consciousness.
Listen to Swami Mukundananda’s masterful commentary on the Yoga Sutras.
Patanjali divided his Yoga Sutras into 4 chapters.
Samadhi Pada – Samadhi refers to a blissful state where the yogi is absorbed into the One
Sadhana Pada – Sadhana pada referes to the Sanskrit word for “practice” or “discipline” in Yoga.
Vibhuti Pada – Vibhuti is the Sanskrit word for “power” or “manifestation”. Siddhi is acquired by the practice of yoga.
Kaivalya Pada – Kaivalya pada descries the process of liberation.
The eight “limbs” or steps prescribed in the Sadhan pada of the Yoga Sutras are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.
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