The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, an ancient text on yoga theory & practice.
Sage Patanjali is credited with the compilation & formulation of Ashtanga Yoga- yoga of eight limbs.
He is estimated to have lived between 2nd and 4th century CE.
Patanjali yoga sutras is one of the most important texts in Indian tradition & the foundation of classical Yoga. Sutra means, thread. Each Sutra is interconnected like beads on a thread & each of equal importance. Patanjali yoga sutras is made up of 196 sutras in four chapters.
The 8-limbs of yoga is written about in the 2nd chapter of the Yoga Sutras. Note that Asana is the 3rd limb.
The 8-fold path offers guidelines for a meaningful & purposeful life. These 8 steps serve as a guidance for moral conduct & self-discipline. The goal of yoga is to transform & transcend the mind. Yoga means yolk or to join. To unite our body, mind & soul with our pure consciousness/divine within. To be free from the identity of our mind, which is limited & to experience freedom/bliss.
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BKS IYENGAR translation on Patanjali Yoga Sutras
1.2 yogah cittavrtti nirodhah
Yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga
Yama- non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, abstinence, non-hoarding
Niyama- cleanliness, contentment, zeal for yoga, self-study, surrender
Asana- steadiness and ease in a posture
Pranayama- control of the breath
Pratyahara- withdrawal of the senses
Dharana- focus
Dhyana- Meditation
Samadhi- Pure bliss and freedom
There are so many informative, inspiring books but here are a few of my favourites
Most of there books can be bought at yogamatters.com
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Fantastic pictures, lists of benefits, sequences, philosophy.