10.1 Introduction to Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras

The Yoga Sūtras, composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, are a foundational text in Indian philosophy. Attributed to sage Patañjali, they systematize yoga practices and philosophy, bridging earlier Vedic traditions with later Hindu and Buddhist ideas.

The Sūtras explore key themes like citta (mind-stuff), purusha (consciousness), and prakriti (nature). They outline the eight-limbed path of yoga, identify five root causes of suffering, and describe stages of samadhi (absorption), providing a framework for spiritual liberation.

Historical and Philosophical Context

Historical context of Yoga Sūtras

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• Composition period spanned 200 BCE to 200 CE during Classical period of Indian philosophy marked by systematic treatises
• Authorship attributed to sage Patañjali sparked debates on single author vs collective authorship
• Systematized yoga practices and philosophy bridging earlier Vedic traditions with later Hindu and Buddhist ideas
• Structure comprised 196 aphorisms (sūtras) divided into four chapters (padas) covering theory and practice
• Foundational text for Raja Yoga inspired numerous commentaries and interpretations (Vyasa's Yoga Bhashya)

Main themes in Yoga Sūtras

• Citta (mind-stuff) explored nature and functions of mind including vrittis (mental modifications)
• Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (nature) presented dualistic metaphysics aiming to separate the two
• Ashtanga Yoga (Eight-limbed path) outlined spiritual practice:
  1. Yama (restraints)
  2. Niyama (observances)
  3. Asana (posture)
  4. Pranayama (breath control)
  5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
  6. Dharana (concentration)
  7. Dhyana (meditation)
  8. Samadhi (absorption)
• Klesha (afflictions) identified five root causes of suffering:
  • Avidya (ignorance) misunderstanding reality
  • Asmita (egoism) false identification with ego
  • Raga (attachment) craving for pleasure
  • Dvesha (aversion) avoidance of pain
  • Abhinivesha (fear of death) clinging to life
• Karma and rebirth explained through samskaras (mental impressions) and vasanas (latent tendencies)
• Samadhi (state of absorption) described stages culminating in nirbija samadhi (seedless absorption)

Philosophical Relationships and Influence

Yoga Sūtras in philosophical tradition

• Codified yoga practices providing systematic framework for spiritual liberation (moksha)
• Established Yoga as one of six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy (darshanas)
• Integrated diverse yogic practices and concepts synthesizing meditation techniques, ethical principles, and metaphysical ideas
• Influenced later yoga texts and traditions (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bhagavad Gita's interpretation)
• Formed basis for development of modern yoga practices shaping contemporary yoga philosophy and techniques

Yoga Sūtras vs other Indian philosophies

• Similarities with Samkhya shared dualistic metaphysics of Purusha and Prakriti but differed in practical approach and emphasis on Ishvara (God)
• Connections to Buddhist thought paralleled meditation techniques and understanding of suffering but diverged in metaphysical foundations and concept of self
• Relationship with Vedanta shared goal of liberation (moksha) but differed in understanding of ultimate reality and means of attainment
• Influenced by and influenced Nyaya-Vaisheshika schools shared interest in logic and epistemology but focused on direct perception through meditation
• Interacted with Mimamsa contrasting views on role of ritual and scriptural authority emphasizing personal experience over Vedic injunctions