Maharishi Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras

Statue of Maharishi Patanjali at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, India 

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

Maharishi Patanjali was a great scholar, ascetic and intellect of ancient India who is believed to have existed in the time period of 4^th to 2^nd century BC. In the Indian tradition, Maharishi Patanjali is regarded as “Svayambhu” (self-born). He is considered as a highly evolved soul, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who incarnated of his own will in a human form to help humanity.

Very little historical information is now available about him. Still he is still revered and credited for compiling the art of Yoga. Patanjali gathered all the bits and pieces related to Yoga and complied them into what is known as the Yoga Sutra in Sanskrit along with his commentaries in a text which is now known as “Patanjalayogasastra”. He was the first divine being who realized the potential of Yoga and the power it could unleash if practiced properly, so in a way the onus of enlightening the world goes to this great sage, little did he knew that many years down the lane his compilation will have this huge impact on the humans, it will be a boon to mankind.

Patanjali realized that it was getting too diversified and complex for anyone to understand the science of Yoga in any meaningful way. So he assimilated and included all aspects into a certain format – as the Yoga Sutras around 500 BC. Patañjali divided the Yoga Sutras into four chapters, he wrote the eight sutras known as Ashtanga Yoga around 500 BC, describing the eight limbs of Yoga, each focusing on the importance of achieving the balance between body and mind, health and harmony, step by steps guide on how to achieve it through discipline and practice.

A brief rundown of the 8 limbs:

• The Universal Morality (Yama), explaining the virtue of nonviolence/non-injury to others.
• The Personal Observance (Niyam), telling us how Niyama helps in the personal growth.
• Body Poses (asanas), using asanas to open the physical body and bring about the flexibility in life.
• Breathing exercises (Pranayam), how to channelize the “Prana” the Vital source for our living, how to breathe deeply resulting in ultimate relaxation of mind.
• Controlling our senses (Pratayahara), so that we are better able to control our cravings, so that we are not influenced by outside sensations that tend to impact our inner peace and tranquillity, resulting in a physical or mental imbalance.
• Inner awareness and power of concentration (Dharana),focussing attention in one direction instead of going out in many different directions, concentrating on what is more wholesome for body and mind, for soul and how to achieve the concept of “One point focus”.
• Meditation (Dhayana), how to further unify the consciousness, how to see things clearly and lift the veil of confusion and illusion that clouds our sense our reasoning… and the final step
• Oneness, union with supreme power with Divine (Samadhi), in this state body and senses are at rest, yet the mind is alert, one goes beyond consciousness, perfect state of harmony and tranquility!

Patanjali is also regarded as a great scholar of Sanskrit language. Sutra is a Sanskrit term which means ‘thread’. The Yoga sutras are compiled by Patanjali in a thread form, but today due to lack of proper understanding and ignorance, have just taken these sutras and are trying to implement it as it is. It must be understood that a thread is of no consequence by itself as though there can never be a garland without the thread but no one ever wears a garland for the sake of the thread. Patanjali complied the Yoga principles as sutra (thread) with the motive that each master makes his/her own kind of garland. Just as on the thread flowers, beads, pearls and diamond can be put according to convenience, the Yoga sutras are also vital but that is not a goal by itself.

The Jeeva Samadhi (shrine) of Maharishi Patanjali is believed to be situated in Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Temple Complex, located about 30 km from Trichy town in the Tamil Nadu province of South India, where Lord Brahma installed 12 Shiva Lingams and worshipped Lord Shiva. Though now not physically present in the world, Maharishi Patanjali’s contribution in the science of Yoga by the compilation of Yoga sutras will always be remembered and is still followed by large number of Yoga practitioners worldwide.  

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The Importance of knowing the History of Yoga and Its Benefits

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The very term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word which means to unite. Yoga is the practice of uniting mind and body into a blissful union. In a more spiritual context, Yoga is also the unison of the soul and the ultimate supreme self. Practicing Yoga helps us find peace in this chaotic world and help withdraw our mind from the countless distractions and worries of the world. The goal is to go beyond the trappings of the world and find solace and purpose in life. Yoga is a way of living that expects us to live every moment of our life for a greater purpose rather than to fulfill our selfish goals. The modern take on Yoga is somewhat distorted and completely varies from its tradition and history.

Practicing Yoga has suddenly become stylish and hip, but understanding the true essence of yoga is important to truly understand and experience its benefits. The most renowned knowledge and understanding of Yoga comes from the Yogasutras, which is an ancient scripture about Yoga by Maharishi Patanjali. It was practiced in and around the Indian subcontinent and was an integral part of people’s day to day life. Yoga’s many breathing technique is based on the belief that breath is the source of life and controlling breathing helps us control our life in a better way.  Breath control helps in improving health and mental strength. The ancient Buddhist Yoga consisted of the concept of meditation which is a big part of Yoga today.

Yoga: The Idyllic Union of the Mind and the Soul

There are about four type of Yoga namely ‘Hatha Yoga’, ‘Laya Yoga’, ‘Raja Yoga and ‘Mantra Yoga’. The ascetics in the Vedic period used to abolish all material pleasures and pursuits and used to practice Yoga and meditation to feel one with God. The practice of Yoga was then passed on to students for generations and many paintings, scriptures and murals mention the sacred art of Yoga and meditation. Teachings of Patanjali became what are today known as Ashtanga Yoga or the eight limbs of Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga has eight main aspects and they are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhgarana, Dhyana and Samadhi. It is believed that regular practice of Yoga leads to many transcendental states of consciousness. The highest state of Yoga is “Samadhi” which is the stage of unity. It is believed to liberate us completely and pave our way to reaching the Supreme power. There are other amazing benefits that are mentioned in the Yoga sutras. There is in-depth knowledge of the body, mind and our sensory perceptions. It is believed that once you have mastered all the stages of Yoga you will incur supernatural abilities and will have the ability to control your body and consciousness.

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Although the modern take on the practice of Yoga might vary greatly from the true knowledge, history and tradition of Yoga, it’s how you inculcate these teachings is what matters. To learn the true art of Yoga and meditation, it’s important to have a proper teacher. A true Guru will help you to leave all your stress and tensions behind and pursue the union of your soul and mind. These poses and asanas help build character and integrity which makes you a much better person. So, now you know that yoga is not just a cool new workout routine, it goes beyond the mere nitty gritties of life itself.  

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Positive Start towards World Peace

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21 June will be celebrated officially as the International Day of Yoga worldwide for the first time this year. The declaration came on 11 December, 2014 after the call for the adoption of 21 June as International Day of Yoga by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. Shri Modi stated that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of unity with yourself, the world and the nature.

About Yoga:

Yoga is an ancient discipline of India, focusing on the physical, mental & spiritual practices. It is 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. The Sanskrit term “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, which means union of the individual consciousness, the soul with the universal consciousness / spirit.

In today’s modern era, Yoga is understood as merely a form of different physical exercise form, but actually Yoga is a science which imbibes itself as the complete essence of the way of life, which includes Gyan Yoga (philosophy), Bhakti Yoga (path of devotional bliss), Karma Yoga (path of blissful action) and Raja Yoga (path of mind control). Raja Yoga is further divided into eight parts. At the heart of the Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these various approaches is the practice of Yoga Asana. Lord Shree Krishna in Shrimad Geeta has focused on Gyan Yoga, Karma Yoga & Bhakti Yoga.

Yoga philosophy is one of the six major schools of ancient Vedic philosophy focusing on systematic studies to better self physically, mentally and spiritually. Yoga has influenced all other schools of Indian philosophies since past thousands of year. Various texts related to Yoga have been composed in the Vedic literature. Along with Vedic traditions, Yoga has also significant importance in the Jain & Buddhist traditions.

One of the major texts on Yoga is the Yoga Sutras by Maharshi Patanjali composed around 400 CE which is a compilation of the different works on Yoga composed earlier. Swami Vivekanand described the sutra as "Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Citta) from taking various forms (Vrittis).

Indian Ocean, asanas for #YogaDay at the historic Apravasi Ghat
 and the Albion Light House in Mauritius 
Photo Courtesy: Source :  Ministry of External Affairs, India  

Significance of the International Yoga Day:

The idea of celebrating 21 June as the International Day of Yoga was supported by various personalities from around the world. The resolution was supported by 175 nations, including USA, Canada and China who co-sponsored the resolution. It had the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA Resolution of such nature.

As June 21 is the Summer Solstice, longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world, it was selected as the day for celebrating the event. The renowned Yogi and mystic, Sadhguru describes the importance of 21 June as the day on which, Adiyogi (the first Yogi) turned south and first set his eyes on the Saptarishis (Seven Sages), who were his first disciples to carry the science of yoga to many parts of the world.

The pioneer of the Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar appreciated the efforts of PM Narendra Modi, stating that is very difficult for any philosophy, religion or culture to survive without state patronage. Now, after the official recognition by the UN, it would further spread the benefit of Yoga to the entire world.

Though the mankind has achieved extra ordinary progress in the materialism and has done great innovations in science & technology since past two centuries, the human race is still not successful in attaining peace & happiness in the real sense. Today the world is facing a number of issues & conflicts due to which the life of an individual is adversely affected.

Increasing pollution, complex competitive life, deteriorating environmental situations are negatively affecting the physical & mental health of the people resulting in the increase of the people suffering from various physical & mental ailments like hypertension, asthma, obesity etc. Tensed & uncertain political situations resulting in communalism, terrorism, insurgency are dividing the society and creating barriers between the mankind by creating hatred. Due to such troubles, the mankind is losing faith from humanity & trust are becoming more and more violent and aggressive.

The time has come when the ancient Indian philosophy of Yoga can again teach the world the ideal way of living. Along with weight loss, a strong & flexible body, glowing beautiful skin & good health, Yoga also helps in acquiring a sound mind and mental peace. The benefits of Yoga are achieved not only at the physical level, but it also helps in uniting the body, mind and breath.  Yoga can be sited as the one of the major solutions to various existing problems of the human race, through which at the individual level they can attain a sound mind & body and in the long run will affect the whole world if Yoga is practiced by a large section of the world’s population.

The celebration of 21 June as the International Day of Yoga is a matter of pride for every Indian, as it will not only glorify the golden aspect of the spiritual discipline of ancient India, but will also prove a boon to the mankind for attaining a sound body & mental peace and uniting with the self.