Paatanjala Yogasootra [English Commentary]

This book on the Paatanjala Yogasootra is based on the commentary by Sage Vyaasa. The 'Yogasootra' serves as the foundational text of Yoga and is one of the six philosophies of Bhaarata. Hiranyagarbha is recognized as the progenitor of Yoga, and his aphorisms have been compiled by Sage Patanjali. This philosophy draws its foundations from the Saankhya philosophy of Sage Kapila. In essence, Yoga serves as a practical manifestation of the theoretical Saankhya philosophy. Within this framework, the process of attaining God is elucidated following the achievement of concentration through the restraint of the mind's instincts, ultimately culminating in Samaadhi or self-realization. According to Sage Patanjali, the cessation of mental instincts that leads to Samaadhi is defined as Yoga. The text is divided into four sections (Paada): Samaadhipaada (concentration), Saadhanapaada (means of concentration), Vibhootipaada (divine powers), and Kaivalyapaada (independence or realization).