The Foundation of Ashtanga Yoga: Understanding Patanjali’s Teachings
For a deeper understanding, read Ashtanga Yoga—Part 1 before continuing with this section.
Our Goal
To make the mind calm, tranquil, and free from disturbances through Ashtanga Yoga as described in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras.
Ashtanga Yoga: A Path to Liberation
Before exploring the depth of Ashtanga Yoga as outlined in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, it is important to recognize its philosophical foundation. Ashtanga Yoga is rooted in Yoga Darshana, one of the six classical Hindu philosophies, which provides a structured framework for self-discipline, meditation, and spiritual liberation.
Understanding the philosophical origins of Ashtanga Yoga helps practitioners grasp its true purpose—not just as a practice of postures but as a holistic journey toward self-mastery and inner peace. This journey is deeply connected to the ancient wisdom of Samkhya philosophy, which lays the groundwork for Patanjali’s teachings.
By following Ashtanga Yoga, one embarks on a transformative process that refines the body, mind, and consciousness, leading to a state of clarity, tranquility, and ultimate liberation.
Philosophical Roots of Ashtanga Yoga: The Six Hindu Darshanas
Hindu philosophy offers profound insights into the nature of existence, consciousness, and liberation. It is traditionally categorized into six philosophical systems, each presenting a unique yet interconnected path to understanding reality.
By studying these philosophies, one gains a deeper awareness of the universe, the mind, and the self, ultimately guiding seekers toward wisdom and liberation. In the following sections, we will briefly explore how each system contributes to the broader quest for truth.
The six classical Hindu philosophies are
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Samkhya
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Yoga
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Nyaya
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Vaisheshika
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Mimamsa
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Vedanta
Among these philosophies, Ashtanga Yoga draws its structure from the Yoga Darshana, emphasizing a practical path to self-realization. Now, our focus is on the Yoga system, particularly the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, which present a structured path to self-realization. Unlike Vedanta, which follows a monistic (non-dual) perspective, Ashtanga Yoga aligns with Samkhya philosophy, emphasizing Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) as two distinct, co-existing realities.
The Samkhya philosophy, founded by Sage Kapila around 500–600 BCE, is considered the oldest philosophical system and is primarily a science of liberation—freedom from the bondage of suffering. The word “Samkhya” means “numbers” or “enumeration,” signifying its analytical approach to reality.
Even in the Bhagavad Gita (Ch. 10, Verse 26), Lord Krishna acknowledges the significance of Kapila:
“Among trees, I am the Peepal tree; of celestial sages, I am Narada. Amongst the Gandharvas, I am Chitraratha, and amongst the Siddhas, I am the Sage Kapila.”
Hindu philosophies, including Ashtanga Yoga, have evolved from Samkhya, offering profound insights into the path of self-discipline, meditation, and spiritual liberation.
Decoding the Yoga Sutras: The Power of Concise Wisdom
The Vayu Purana defines a sutra as a concise statement that is free from ambiguity, avoids repetition, and conveys a comprehensive idea. Sutras serve as the essence of deep philosophical wisdom in a highly compact form. However, their brevity often makes them challenging to interpret, necessitating detailed commentaries for proper understanding.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali emphasize not just theoretical knowledge but also practical application. While rooted in Samkhya philosophy, which is predominantly theoretical, yoga transforms these ideas into actionable steps. Both systems ultimately aim for liberation (Moksha), yet they differ in approach—Advaita Vedanta is monistic, whereas the Yoga tradition follows a dualistic perspective.
Yoga and Vedanta: Two Paths to Liberation
Vedanta is suited for those who have cultivated a tranquil mind and the necessary qualifications to study scriptures deeply. This process includes the fourfold discipline leading to self-realization, where one ultimately recognizes Brahman as the absolute truth.
On the other hand, Yoga Shastra provides a practical methodology for attaining inner peace and self-awareness. Through ethical values, correct attitudes, proper postures, breath control, concentration, and meditation, yoga helps in mastering the mind and reaching higher states of consciousness.
After studying both yoga and Vedanta, alongside neurology and neurotheology, I have come to an intuitive realization—Advaita Vedanta asserts that we are already free; we have simply forgotten our true nature. The great Mahavakya “Tat Tvam Asi” (“You are That”) reinforces this idea, emphasizing that realization is not about becoming something new but rather unveiling the truth hidden by ignorance (Avidya).
Key Concepts in Yoga and Vedanta from the Perspective of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
Purusha: The Unchanging Consciousness
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Purusha is described as the pure, eternal, and unchanging consciousness that exists beyond the realm of the material world (Prakriti). Unlike modern psychology, which views consciousness as an emergent property of the brain, Patanjali’s system sees it as an independent reality—the witness (Drashta) of all experiences (Sutra 1.3: Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe ‘vasthānam). Realizing Purusha is the key to liberation (Kaivalya), as it leads to complete detachment from material existence.
Prakriti: The Dynamic Force of Manifestation
Prakriti is the ever-changing material reality, comprising the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). According to Patanjali, the fluctuations of the mind (Chitta Vrittis) arise due to the interactions of these gunas, leading to experiences of pleasure and pain. The practice of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) helps transcend the influence of Prakriti, allowing one to identify with Purusha instead of being entangled in the material world.
Avidya: The Root of Suffering
Patanjali identifies Avidya (ignorance) as the primary cause of suffering (Sutra 2.5: Anitya aśuci duḥkha anātmasu nitya śuci sukha ātmakhyātir avidyā). This ignorance creates false identification—mistaking the impermanent for the permanent, the impure for the pure, and the non-Self for the Self. Overcoming Avidya through disciplined practice (Abhyasa) and detachment (Vairagya) is essential for attaining liberation.
Samadhi: The Ultimate Meditative State
Samadhi, the final limb of Ashtanga Yoga, is a state of deep meditative absorption, where the mind becomes completely still. In Sutra 1.2, Patanjali defines Yoga as the cessation of mental fluctuations (Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah). Samadhi is categorized into different levels:
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Savikalpa Samadhi – Where thoughts still exist but are focused.
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Nirvikalpa Samadhi – Where even thought disappears, leaving pure awareness.
This state leads to Kaivalya (liberation), where one transcends the cycle of birth and death.
Kaivalya: The State of Ultimate Freedom
The final goal of Yoga is Kaivalya, a state of absolute liberation where the Self (Purusha) is free from the influence of Prakriti (Sutra 4.34: Purusha artha shunyana gunanam pratiprasavah kaivalyam). It is not just an intellectual realization but a direct experience of one’s true nature beyond time, space, and causation. Unlike the temporary relief found in worldly pleasures, Kaivalya is eternal and irreversible.
Principal Teachings of Yoga Sutras
- Human suffering results from faulty and incorrect perceptions of life, leading to endless cravings for sensory satisfaction.
- The eternal peace we seek is realized by uncovering the truth of our identity, which ignorance (avidya) obscures.
- Self-realization is possible by mastering the mind. A tranquil, one-pointed mind removes ignorance.
- Freeing the mind from ignorance is an ongoing process. The foundation of this process is summarized in three core principles: 1. Purusha, 2. Prakriti, 3. Avidya.
The Yoga Sutras are also known as Raja Yoga or Royal Yoga. This universal system of yoga applies to people of all faiths. The guidelines are specific, well-structured, logical, and beyond doubt. Through step-by-step practice, one can achieve the goal.
Samadhi Pada: First Section of Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Samadhi Pada is the first section and explores different aspects of Samadhi. The first four sutras (1.1–1.4) define yoga as a process of mental purification. Among them, the second sutra holds vast meaning. If one understands and practices it, the goal can be achieved. This sutra addresses subconscious conditioning.
“Yogah chitta Vritti nirodha” means stopping the mind’s distractions and fluctuations. A still mind ceases conflicts. Further details about Vrittis follow in the subsequent sutras.
Sutras 1.5–1.11 outline five types of Vrittis, which will be discussed in Part 3:
- Pramana: cognitive process
- Viparyaya: process of misconception
- Vikalpa: illusionary and fantasy-prone states
- Nidra: state of inertness
- Smriti: inner process of memory
Brief Discussion on Sutras 1.1–1.4
1.1 Atha Yoganushasanam: The beginning of yoga. 1.2 Yogashchittavrittinirodhah: Yoga is the control of thought waves in the mind. 1.3 Tada drashtuh svaroope avasthanam: The self is revealed, and only Purusha remains. When there are no waves, water is still and visible beneath the surface. Likewise, when the mind is calm, we experience our true divine nature. 1.4 Vrittisaroopyam itaratra: When Purusha is not in the state of yoga, the mind remains identified with fluctuating thought waves, causing conflicts.
Conclusion: The Path to Self-Realization Through Ashtanga Yoga
From Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, we understand that the human mind is a powerful instrument. When disciplined, it becomes a guide to clarity, wisdom, and spiritual awakening. However, Avidya (ignorance) distorts perception, leading to suffering. A Sattvic mind—pure, stable, and balanced—resembles Purusha but is not the true source of consciousness. Instead, it acts as an intermediary between the superconscious and conscious states, facilitating intuition, inspiration, and self-awareness.
In ancient Hindu philosophy, it is believed that human life evolved through plants, animals, and eventually, higher beings. After millions of years, human consciousness emerges with the quest for self-realization. Curiosity about the inner world begins when one seeks knowledge beyond material desires. At this stage, yoga practice becomes meaningful as a path toward higher awareness and spiritual growth.
By internalizing key concepts such as Purusha, Prakriti, Avidya, Samadhi, and Kaivalya, practitioners can systematically transcend mental distractions and align with their true nature. The scientific and methodical approach of Ashtanga Yoga provides a structured path to liberation (Kaivalya), where one overcomes suffering and attains the highest state of spiritual freedom.
For a deeper dive into the wisdom of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, explore Swami Vivekananda’s Raja Yoga—a timeless guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga.
Read Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda (Free PDF)
This classic text unravels the secrets of mind control, meditation, and spiritual awakening. A must-read for every yoga enthusiast!
Coming Up Next: Ashtanga Yoga—The Eight Limbs
In Part 3 of our Ashtanga Yoga series, we will explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga in detail. Maharshi Patanjali presents a systematic method to master the mind and cultivate heightened awareness. The key elements of Ashtanga Yoga include:
Yama – Social ethics
Niyama – Personal discipline
Asana – Physical postures
Pranayama – Breath control
Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses
Dharana – Concentration
Dhyana – Meditation
Samadhi – Absorption
Each limb plays a crucial role in leading practitioners toward self-mastery and spiritual awakening. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we will delve deeper into these essential principles.
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