The Yoga Sutras (Aphorisms / Formulae) is the original and authentic text on the discipline of Yoga. It consists of four
chapters – Contemplations, Spiritual Disciplines, Divine Powers and Realizations. To those who thought that the practice of Yoga merely consists in a set of physical exercises – think again! Properly speaking, Yoga is the union of the individual soul with the universal soul (God) by means of contemplation.
Yoga, says the author, consists of restraining the thoughts natural to the mind. These thoughts are controlled by practice and detachment over a long period of time. Inertia, doubt, lack of enthusiasm, laziness and sensuality are some of the distractions of the mind that are obstacles to the practice of Yoga. When the agitations of the mind are under control, we are able to obtain a higher state of consciousness.
Austerity, the study of sacred texts, and service in the name of God constitute the spiritual disciplines of Yoga. Yoga consists in the practice of eight steps; these steps are carried out to gain mastery over the senses. Through the removal of (mental) impurities, there arise special powers in the body and the senses.
By the practice of Yoga, a person attains the state of equanimity. By means of self-control, one can gain various spiritual (mystical) powers. But, this is not the goal of Yoga – the goal of Yoga is to gain freedom by destroying the bondage of desire. And from this, there follows freedom from (the relationships of) cause and effect.
The author cautions that when the practice of Yoga is intermittent, distractions may arise from habitual thought processes…
The entire text of the “The Yoga Sutras” consists of only twelve pages. But it has been extensively commented upon by various commentators over the centuries. Patanjali, its author, is believed to have lived circa 100 B.C.
The eight steps of Yoga consist of:
(1) Yama or restraint,
(2) Niyama or observances,
(3) Asana or discipline of the body,
(4) Pranayama or regulation of breath,
(5) Pratyahara or withdrawing the senses,
(6) Dharana or attention,
(7) Dhyana or meditation,
(8) Samadhi or concentration.