Yoga sutra: In search of inner balance

The basics of yoga sutra

The Yoga Sutra is one of the most influential texts in the history of yoga. It has its origins in the depths of ancient Indian history. Its author, Patanjali, was a visionary who helped in the understanding of yoga and meditation. 

Creation

Before the existence of sutras, yoga was already present in different forms, notably orally from master to disciple. But the yoga was associated with Indian philosophical traditions and to schools of spiritual thought like the philosophy Vedic or Samkhya. The arrival of the yoga sutras brought a clarity and one system to meditation practices, yoga principles and concentration techniques to make yoga accessible to everyone. 

To write the sutras, Patanjali was inspired by Vedic texts such as the Upanishads as well as other teachings from master yogis. He brought together these different sources to form a homogeneous and coherent system, which became the basis of modern yoga.  

What is the yoga sutra? 

What is the yoga sutra made of? The yoga sutra is the fruit of a compilation of yoga practices and knowledge into a concise and logical text. It was Patanjali who presented these teachings in the form of 195 sutras also called aphorisms divided into 4 chapters. These sutras are not understandable on first reading and require commentary for in-depth understanding.  

Its use today

Patanjali's yoga sutra has stood the test of time. But his interpretation and his use have evolved to meet the needs of our modern society. While the fundamental teachings remain intact, various forms of yoga have emerged such as yoga power vinyasa, THE warrior yoga, THE postnatal yoga or even the kundalini yoga, rely on the principles of yoga sutra to guide their practices. This shows that ancient teachings can be integrated for contemporary purposes. In addition, the adaptation of yoga sutra to modern needs allows yoga to reach more and more people and bring benefits physical, mental et spiritual.

The purpose of the sutras

The sutras are a valuable spiritual guide that aims to end human suffering. Indeed, Patanjali identified that agitations of the mind were the main source of human suffering and dissatisfaction. 

How to end suffering? 

The yoga sutra holds that suffering is immanent in the human condition. Indeed, our mind would be constantly prey to emotions, desires and thoughts, which leads to a whirlwind of incessant mental fluctuations. According to the yoga sutras, this is what causes varying cycles of pleasure and pain and joy and sadness, thus creating a suffering continuously. 

According to Patanjali, the first step to freedom from this suffering is to become aware of how the mind works. It is by observing thoughts and emotions without judgment that a lucid consciousness mental states develop. Furthermore, it is a technique of mindfulness which helps to take a step back from certain reactions as well as to cultivate inner peace. 

Values and detachment

In addition, to create a space of inner peace, we must look at the yamas and the niyamas, which are ethical principles. The yamas represent the moral values telles que la non violence, l’honnêteté et le détachement. Tandis que les niyamas font référence aux practices of purification and self-discipline with gratitude and self-control. By tuning the two together, a fertile ground for harmony is created. 

Then, to overcome mental instabilities, the yoga sutra emphasizes regular practice and detachment. Grâce au développement d’une pratique régulière de la méditation, du contrôle du souffle ou de la concentration, the mind becomes detached from the desires and displeasure that cause suffering.  

The yoga sutra in 4 chapters

Patanjali's texts are divided into four chapters which are profound explorations of the principles and practices of yoga. It is with this aim that each chapter presents a specific aspect of the yoga journey. 

Samadhi pada

The samadhi pada is the first chapter and constitutes the very essence of the meditative and spiritual path yoga. It begins with the following definition of yoga “Yoga is the stopping of fluctuations of the mind.” Next, Patanjali addresses the kleshas which designate the obstacles met. They include ignorance, ego, aversion to suffering, attachment to pleasures and fear of death. The kleshas are considered to be the disruptors, those who prevent us from reaching a state of tranquility. 

Then, Patanjali explores the nature of the mind and how it works. Thereupon he divides the mental states into five categories: 

• The right thoughts

• Wrong thoughts

• L’imagination 

• The sleep

• Memory

After which, Patanjali encourages developing the discernment des pensées justes et erronées pour accéder à la vérité profonde de l’être. Enfin, l’aboutissement du chapitre se concentre sur l’exploration de l’état samadhi.   

Sadhana pada

This chapter focuses on the concrete means and the necessary practices For combat difficulties and achieve union with the divine. Sadhana pada or ashtanga vinyasa yoga describes the progressive steps to achieve spiritual realization as well as union with the divine in eight limbs. Inside there are: 

• Les principes d’éthique

• The postures

• Concentration

• Withdrawal of the senses

• Breath control

• Meditation
• Absorption into pure consciousness. 

Firstly, Patanjali emphasizes theimportance of ethical principles, already seen previously. Secondly, it addresses the asanas, physical postures and pranayamas, breath control techniques. He explains that the postures are designed to strengthen the body et develop flexibility and balance. As for pranayama, it serves the breath control to relieve the mind, purify the body and increase spiritual vitality. 

Withdrawal from the senses and meditation

Patanjali continues with the withdrawal of the senses which consists in direct your attention inward to forget about external distractions. This step prepares for the concentration where the mind focuses on one point. It is a stopover which allows you toalleviate mental variabilities and develop inner stability.  

Then, the philosopher introduces the meditation which is none other than a sustained concentration on a chosen meditative object. Gradually, the ultimate state of deep meditation où l’égo s’efface et que seul l’esprit uni avec l’objet méditatif s’installe. C’est une expérience de bliss.

Vibhuti pada

This sutra lists the different supernatural abilities that yoga allows you to manifest. What does this sutra refer to? To the ability to become very large or very small; to mastery of the 4 elements; to knowledge of past and future lives and to understanding the thoughts of others. 

But Patanjali highlights guard towards theattachment to these powers. Indeed, although these appear attractive, they can become distractions and pitfalls in front of the spiritual realization. If an attachment is created, the yogi risks becoming detached from the ultimate goal of yoga: liberation from the cycle of suffering and divine union. 

Detachment and mental clarity

D’ailleurs, le sage revient sur l’intérêt du detachment and some mental clarity. These are useful to avoid getting closer to the powers that be. Indeed, detachment allows one to remain free and far from this desire for acquisition and mental clarity allows one to remain aware of the spiritual objective. 

Then, the chapter reminds us that the ultimate goal is not the search for extraordinary skills but rather Self-realization. These should not be motivated by selfish intentions. Regular practice of yoga determined by detachment and deep understanding is the only solution for lasting spiritual evolution.  

kaivalya pada

The final chapter represents the culmination of the spiritual quest towards yoga. Here the objective is liberation from the cycle of samsara, which means the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. This sutra explains that the cycle of suffering can be cut by liberation from material attachments and desires. 

Subsequently, the kaivalya pada invites us to explore the nature of the Self and the divine. Moreover, Patanjali emphasizes that the true essence of life is independent of mind, body and emotions. It also states that the Self is pure and free from all attachment, while the divine is the source of all creation and consciousness. Moreover, transcend your ego unifies existence and releases illusory identifications that cause separation and suffering. 

Divinity through the samadhi sutra

Samadhi teaches that divinity is in every human being, but that humans are too distracted by the entertainment created by our minds. It's over there meditation that Men can meet and contact the inner divinity. When emotions and thoughts do not overwhelm you, a feeling of calm and peace arises, thus you experience coming into contact with your divine nature. Moreover, the outcome of samadhi is the exploration of the state where the mind achieves deep meditation as well as complete absorption. 

Furthermore, this sutra directs towards understanding of universal consciousness. Le réveil de cette conscience donne lieu à la rupture du sentiment d’individualité et d’isolement pour faire place à celui d’un espace partagé avec les autres yogis. De plus, en se détachant des émotions et pensées, l’humain s’ouvre à la présence divine cachée en chaque individu. 

The branches of the yoga sutra

The eight branches of the yoga sutra offer a complete guide to achieving fulfillment and well-being at all levels. 

Yamas

The yamas represent the ethical principles which guide behavior towards oneself and others. There are five of them which are as follows: 

• Nonviolence : Towards others and oneself. That is, avoid intentionally causing suffering or pain physically, verbally or mentally. 

• The truth : This principle encourages truth in actions, words and thoughts in order to maintain sincere relationships. 

• Non-theft : This indicates the importance of not taking what does not belong to us, materially, intellectually or emotionally. This also involves not excessively desiring what belongs to others. 

• Energy control : It is vital to control your energy as well as consciously use your resources. Thus, it is necessary to include moderation and control in one's routine to preserve one's physical and mental vitality. 

• Non-attachment : It is a reminder not to be attached to people, experiences or material possessions in order to live in the present moment without being anxious about the future. 

Niyamas

The niyamas are the five personal practices that help to cultivate a healthy relationship with yourself and nourish your spiritual development. They are effective in strengthening your inner well-being, here they are : 

• Purity : This involves taking care of your body, your environment and your mind as well as forgetting your negative thoughts and habits. 

• Satisfaction : Learn the contentment and gratitude that the present moment offers. It is therefore a question of accepting and appreciating life as it is without being in search of satisfaction. 

• Discipline : Invites discipline and determination into yoga practice and daily life by making choices that nurture well-being. 

• Self study : Consider self-reflection by observing your thoughts, actions and emotions to better understand your inner nature and behavioral patterns. 

• Devotion to the universe : It is an opening to a universal power, therefore getting closer to a force greater than oneself and having confidence in the divine being. 

Asanas

Asanas are the postures that yogis practice during their session. The objective is to cultivate physical and mental stability in several stages: 

• Conscious and present practice

• The path to meditation

• The diversity of asanas

• Postures as an exploration tool

• The search for balance through postures

Pranayama

Pranayama aims to control and regulate the breath to balance the body's vital energy. Thus pranayamas have several forms: 

• Conscious breathing

• Abdominal breathing

• Thoracic breathing

• Complete breathing

• L’équilibre de la respiration avec les canaux énergétiques

• The breath prepares for meditation 

Pratyahara 

Pratyahara consists of remove the senses from their attachment to external distractions and to focus on one's innermost self, by following a certain path: 

• Remove the tether linked to distractions

• Soothe mental tensions to reach a state of calm

• Prepare the ground for concentration

• Inner exploration

Dharana 

The dharana takes care of concentration. It guides yogis towards self-control by developing concentration on a specific object, following the following points: 

• Develop sustained, uninterrupted attention to an object

• Preparing the ground for meditation

Dhyana

Here, yogis dive into the experience of expanded consciousness and a union with its inner essence. To do this, you must: 

• Practice concentration

• Meditate

• Let go of distractions
• Live in the moment

Samadhi

 As mentioned previously, samadhi is the ultimate achievement of yoga. Thus, the mind achieves total absorption of pure consciousness. The ego fades away in meditation achieved in connection with the universe. It is unconditional bliss. 

The essentials of the yoga sutra

The Yoga Sutra is a text written by Patanjali over 2,000 years ago. This aims to end human suffering but also to achieve Self-realization as well as unify with divinity via several chapters : 

• Samadhi pada

• Sadhana pada

• Vibhuti pada

• kaivalya pada

Furthermore, these chapters are themselves governed by 8 branches : 

• Yamas

• Niyamas

• Asanas

• Pranamaya

• Pratyahara

• Dharana

• samadhi

Be connected at POSES

Do you want to reconnect your body with your mind and discover the divinity hidden within you? Meet at POSES. The studio is perfect for you if you are looking for a relaxing dynamic yoga. 

But then what is hidden at POSES? Of the 50 minute sessions where you will discern the best of yoga transitions, postures and movements. For the most curious, the Pulse sequences® waiting for you ! Try bodyweight exercises, isometrics and muscle strengthening. All imbued with a dim light and an atmosphere led by exclusive playlists from the studio and by our coaches determined. 

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