Yoga is an ancient life philosophy that originated in India. It was developed by Indian sages as a complete system for physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Today, millions of people practice Yoga worldwide — and much of this global understanding is rooted in the teachings of Maharshi Patanjali.
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali defined Yoga as “Chitta Vritti Nirodha” — the mastery of the fluctuations of the mind. This article explains what Patanjali Yoga truly means and how Ashtanga Yoga provides a complete path to inner balance.
👉 Read the Hindi version of this article here: पतंजलि योग क्या है?
Table of Contents
- What Is Patanjali Yoga According to the Yoga Sutras?
- What Is Ashtanga Yoga?
- The Eight Limbs of Yoga
- Modern Application of Patanjali Yoga
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Disclaimer
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| A practitioner performing a classical meditation posture inspired by Maharshi Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga system. |
What Is Patanjali Yoga According to the Yoga Sutras?
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali presents Yoga as a scientific and disciplined method of mind control, not merely a physical exercise system.
1. Yoga as Discipline
The Yoga Sutras begin with the phrase:
“Atha Yogānuśāsanam” — Now, the discipline of Yoga begins.
This shows that Yoga is a structured and systematic path. It includes lifestyle regulation, balanced habits, self-control, and continuous practice. Without discipline, Yoga is incomplete.
2. Control of Mental Fluctuations
Patanjali defines Yoga in Sutra 1.2:
“Yogaś chitta vritti nirodhah.”
Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.
“Chitta Vrittis” refer to thoughts, emotions, imagination, and mental disturbances. These fluctuations can be painful or non-painful, but they keep the mind restless.
The goal of Yoga is to calm these fluctuations and bring mental clarity.
3. How to Control the Mind?
To achieve this mastery, Patanjali introduces Ashtanga Yoga — the Eightfold Path.
Through gradual practice of these eight limbs, a practitioner gains control over the mind and moves toward inner freedom.
What Is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga means “eight limbs.” It is the complete system of Yoga described by Patanjali.
Modern Yoga often focuses only on postures, but Classical Yoga includes ethical living, breath control, meditation, and self-realization.
The eight limbs guide a practitioner from external discipline to deep meditation and enlightenment.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Brief Explanation)
1. Yama (Moral Discipline)
Described in Yoga Sutra 2.30, Yama includes five ethical principles:
- Ahimsa – Non-violence in thought and action
- Satya – Truthfulness
- Asteya – Non-stealing
- Brahmacharya – Self-control and moderation
- Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness
These principles regulate social behavior and build character.
2. Niyama (Personal Discipline)
Explained in Yoga Sutra 2.32, Niyama includes:
- Shaucha – Cleanliness (inner and outer)
- Santosha – Contentment
- Tapas – Self-discipline
- Svadhyaya – Self-study
- Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender to a higher reality
These practices refine the inner personality.
3. Asana (Posture)
Defined in Sutra 2.46:
“Sthira Sukham Asanam” — A posture should be steady and comfortable.
The purpose of asana is to prepare the body for meditation, not merely physical fitness.
Examples include:
- Surya Namaskar
- Vajrasana
- Sarvangasana
- Ardha Matsyendrasana
4. Pranayama (Breath Regulation)
Described in Sutra 2.49, Pranayama means regulation of breath after mastering posture.
It includes:
- Inhalation
- Exhalation
- Retention (Kumbhaka)
Common practices include Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom, and Nadi Shodhana.
To understand breathing techniques in detail, read our complete guide on What is pranayama and how to practice it.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)
When the senses withdraw from external objects and turn inward, it is called Pratyahara.
It bridges external practice and meditation.
6. Dharana (Concentration)
Focusing the mind on a single point is Dharana.
7. Dhyana (Meditation)
When concentration flows continuously without interruption, it becomes Dhyana.
8. Samadhi (Absorption)
In Samadhi, the practitioner becomes fully absorbed in the object of meditation.
This is the highest state of Yoga where mental fluctuations completely cease.
Modern Application of Patanjali Yoga
Although Patanjali described all eight limbs, modern health-focused Yoga often emphasizes three main steps:
- Asana
- Pranayama
- Meditation
However, complete Yoga requires all eight limbs for true transformation.
Conclusion
Patanjali Yoga is not merely physical exercise. It is a complete system for mastering the mind and achieving inner freedom.
Through the Yoga Sutras and Ashtanga Yoga, Maharshi Patanjali provided a timeless path that remains deeply relevant in today’s stressful world.
True Yoga is the journey from discipline to liberation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Patanjali Yoga?
Patanjali Yoga refers to the classical system of Yoga presented by Maharshi Patanjali. It is based on the Yoga Sutras, where Yoga is explained in a structured and systematic way through concise aphorisms (sutras).
2. What does “Yogaś Chitta Vritti Nirodha” mean?
This famous definition from the Yoga Sutras means: Yoga is the control of the fluctuations of the mind. According to Patanjali, the mind has five types of modifications, which can be painful or non-painful. The goal of Yoga is to calm these mental disturbances.
3. What are the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga?
The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
Together, they form the complete path of Classical Yoga.
4. Why is Patanjali called the founder of Yoga?
Yoga existed before Patanjali, but the teachings were scattered and difficult to understand. Patanjali organized and systematized Yoga philosophy into a clear framework in the Yoga Sutras. For this reason, he is often called the father of Classical Yoga.
5. Is Yoga only about postures and breathing exercises?
No. Yoga is not limited to physical postures (asana) and breathing practices (pranayama). It is a complete lifestyle system that includes ethics, discipline, meditation, and self-realization.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Yoga practices should be performed according to individual health conditions. Consult a qualified professional before beginning any new practice.
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