The Science of Stilling.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are not a religious text, but a 2,000-year-old technical manual for the systematic deconstruction of mental suffering.
The Definition of Yoga
In the second verse of the first chapter, Patanjali delivers the "source code" of the entire system: "Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha." This is frequently translated as "Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind-stuff."
Yoga is compared to the settling of a lake. When the water is turbulent (the Vrittis), the bottom of the lake (your true Self) is obscured. When the ripples stop, the reflection is perfect. The Sutras are the methodology for achieving that stillness through practice (Abhyasa) and non-attachment (Vairagya).
Systematic Psychology
Focused Attention
Ethical Foundation
The Eight Limbs (Ashtanga)
Yama
Universal ethical restraints (non-violence, truthfulness).
Niyama
Individual observances (discipline, self-study).
Asana
Steady, comfortable posture for meditation.
Pranayama
Regulation of vital energy through breath.
Pratyahara
Withdrawal of senses from external objects.
Dharana
Concentration on a single point.
Dhyana
Unbroken flow of meditative awareness.
Samadhi
Complete absorption into the object of meditation.
The Five Kleshas: Root Causes of Suffering
Patanjali identifies five "afflictions" that color our perception and cause all human misery. Understanding these is the first step toward dismantling them.
Avidya
IgnoranceMistaking the temporary for the eternal.
Asmita
EgoismIdentifying with the instrument of seeing.
Raga
AttachmentClinging to pleasurable experiences.
Dvesha
AversionResistance to painful experiences.
Abhinivesha
ClingingThe instinctive fear of death.
The Four Padas (Books)
Samadhi Pada (Contemplation)
This book defines yoga and discusses the various states of focus. It explains that the goal of yoga is to restrain the mind-stuff from taking various forms (Vrittis), eventually leading to the state of "seedless" absorption (Nirbeeja Samadhi).
Sadhana Pada (Practice)
The most practical book for modern readers. It outlines Kriya Yoga (Action Yoga) and the first five "outer" limbs of Ashtanga. It provides the ethical and physical foundation required before moving to internal concentration.
Vibhuti Pada (Accomplishment)
Focuses on the internal limbs: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. It describes the "supernatural" powers (Siddhis) that arise through absolute concentration, but warns that these are distractions on the path to final freedom.
Kaivalya Pada (Liberation)
The culmination of the work. It describes the state of final liberation (Kaivalya) where consciousness is completely detached from the material world and rests in its own pure, absolute nature.
Start Your Inner Experiment.
"Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees."— B.K.S. Iyengar