This post follows from another: Interlude: Definitions of yoga - 1

Today I share with you the definition of yoga from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This is widely shared in yoga teacher trainings and workshops. As with the Gita, there is much commentary and discussion on the meaning. It is my belief that we each have to study, to discuss and to determine what these words mean for us.

Online we can find the following:

• Patanjali Yoga Sutras Sanskrit text with Translation and Commentary By Swami Vivekananda

• Patanjali's Yoga Sutras with The Commentary Of Vyasa And The Gloss Of Vachaspati Misra Rama Prasad Translation

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

Sutra 1.2: yogaś-citta-vrtti-nirodhaḥ

Yoga is the nirodha (process of ending) of the vrrti (fluctuations) of citta (mind)

Sutra 1.3: tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe-‘vasthānam

Then, the seer (drastr) dwells in his true nature (svarupa) or,

Then, the practitioner (as seer) abides in Self, resting in its own true nature.

How does this definition of yoga resonate with you? How does it differ from what is found in the Bhagavad Gita?

peace,