The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

What It's About

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of the foundational texts of classical Hindu philosophy, and the definitive guide to the theory and practice of yoga. Composed of 196 brief aphorisms (sutras), it systematically sets out the nature of the mind, the causes of human suffering, and the means by which the practitioner can still mental fluctuations and attain liberation. The text is structured around the eight limbs of yoga — a progressive path moving from ethical conduct and physical discipline through breath control, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and ultimately samadhi, a state of complete absorption and spiritual freedom.

Key Concepts

The eight limbs of yoga (ashtanga); chitta vritti nirodha (the stilling of mental fluctuations); the distinction between purusha (pure consciousness) and prakriti (matter); the five types of mental activity (vrittis); the three states of samadhi; karma and the cycle of rebirth; and the ultimate goal of kaivalya, or liberation of the self from all conditioning.

About the Author

Patañjali is the ancient sage to whom the Yoga Sutras are attributed, traditionally dated to somewhere between 400 BCE and 400 CE. Little is known about him historically; he may have been a single individual or a name attached to a school of thought. He is revered in the yoga tradition as the compiler and systematiser of yogic philosophy.

About This Edition

This is a 1912 translation by Charles Johnston.