Nature of Yoga According to Patanjali in Light of Vyasa’s Bhāṣya

 

Nature of Yoga According to Patanjali in Light of Vyasa’s Bhāṣya

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras provides a systematic exploration of yoga as a discipline aimed at self-realization and liberation. Vyasa’s Bhāṣya (commentary) on the Yoga Sutras, one of the earliest and most authoritative interpretations, offers deep insights into the philosophical and practical dimensions of Patanjali’s work. Together, these texts reveal the nature of yoga as a science of mind, a path to spiritual liberation, and a practical system for achieving inner peace.

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1. Introduction

The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali is a seminal text that distills the essence of yoga into 195 aphorisms, offering a comprehensive framework for spiritual practice and self-mastery. Vyasa’s Bhāṣya, an authoritative commentary, elucidates the dense and cryptic sutras, making their philosophical depth and practical application accessible. Together, these texts provide a profound understanding of the nature of yoga as envisioned by Patanjali.

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2. Definition of Yoga in the Yoga Sutras

2.1 Meaning of Yoga in Sutra 1.2

The definition of yoga in the Yoga Sutras is succinctly captured in Sutra 1.2:

“Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha”
“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”

Patanjali posits yoga as a process of stilling the mind’s modifications (vrittis) to reveal the true self (Purusha).

2.2 Vyasa’s Commentary on Chitta Vritti Nirodha

Vyasa explains that the mind’s fluctuations are rooted in ignorance (avidya), desires (kama), and attachments (raga). Yoga provides techniques to calm these fluctuations, allowing the practitioner to transcend mental turbulence and experience pure awareness.

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3. Nature of Yoga as Explained by Patanjali

3.1 Yoga as a Discipline of the Mind

Patanjali presents yoga as a systematic discipline to control the mind’s tendencies. The sutras emphasize:

• The dual forces of practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya) as tools to steady the mind (Sutra 1.12).
• Meditation (dhyana) as a core practice for achieving concentration and clarity.

3.2 Yoga as a Path to Liberation

Yoga is a means to attain kaivalya (liberation), defined as the isolation of Purusha (consciousness) from Prakriti (matter). Patanjali’s framework focuses on transcending worldly attachments to realize the eternal self.

3.3 Yoga as a Holistic Practice

Patanjali integrates ethical, physical, mental, and spiritual practices into a unified system. This holistic approach ensures that yoga addresses all aspects of human existence, promoting inner harmony and self-realization.

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4. Key Concepts in the Nature of Yoga According to Vyasa

4.1 Purusha and Prakriti: The Dualistic Framework

Vyasa builds on Patanjali’s adoption of Samkhya philosophy, describing the interplay between Purusha (the eternal, unchanging self) and Prakriti (the material world). He emphasizes:

• Yoga as a method to discern Purusha from Prakriti.
• Liberation (kaivalya) as the ultimate goal, achieved when the two are fully disentangled.

4.2 Role of Ishvara in Yoga

Sutra 1.23 introduces Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to the divine) as a means of attaining liberation. Vyasa describes Ishvara as a special Purusha, untouched by karmic influences, who serves as a guide for practitioners.

4.3 Samadhi as the Essence of Yoga

Samadhi, or meditative absorption, is the culmination of yogic practice. Vyasa categorizes Samadhi into:

• Savikalpa Samadhi: Meditation with cognitive awareness.
• Nirvikalpa Samadhi: Pure, objectless awareness, leading to liberation.

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5. The Eightfold Path of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)

Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga offers a step-by-step approach to achieving self-mastery and liberation. Vyasa’s commentary expands on these limbs:

1. Yama (Ethical Disciplines):

   • Non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), and other ethical principles form the foundation of yoga.
   • Vyasa highlights these as universal values essential for spiritual progress.

2. Niyama (Personal Disciplines):

   • Cleanliness (Shaucha), contentment (Santosha), and self-discipline foster inner purity.

3. Asana (Postures):

   • Vyasa views asana as a means to stabilize the body for meditation.

4. Pranayama (Breath Control):

   • Regulates the life force (prana), preparing the mind for deeper focus.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses):

   • Directs attention inward, detaching the senses from external distractions.

6. Dharana (Concentration):

   • Fixation of the mind on a single point, laying the groundwork for meditation.

7. Dhyana (Meditation):

   • Sustained focus on the object of meditation.

8. Samadhi (Absorption):

   • The ultimate state of union with the self.

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6. Relevance of Vyasa’s Commentary in Modern Contexts

6.1 Insights into Mental Health and Mindfulness

Vyasa’s emphasis on calming the mind’s fluctuations aligns with contemporary mindfulness practices, offering tools to manage stress, anxiety, and mental clarity.

6.2 Application in Modern Yoga Practices

While modern yoga often emphasizes physical postures, Vyasa’s insights encourage practitioners to explore the meditative and philosophical dimensions of yoga.

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7. Conclusion

The nature of yoga, as elucidated by Patanjali and Vyasa, is a transformative path that integrates ethical, physical, and spiritual practices to achieve liberation. Vyasa’s Bhāṣya provides invaluable clarity, bridging Patanjali’s aphorisms with practical and philosophical insights. Together, these works remain timeless guides for those seeking inner peace and self-realization.

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8. References

1. Iyengar, B.K.S. Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
2. Satchidananda, Swami. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras.
3. Desikachar, T.K.V. The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice.
4. Larson, Gerald James, and Bhattacharya, Ram Shankar. Classical Samkhya: An Interpretation of Its History and Meaning.
5. Vyasa’s Yoga Bhāṣya (Translated Commentary).