What is the Patanjali contribution towards yoga?
- Patanjali is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of yoga. He is believed to have compiled and organized the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 aphorisms that outline the philosophy and practice of yoga. Patanjali’s contribution to yoga is therefore mainly in the form of the Yoga Sutras.
- The Yoga Sutras are considered to be the foundational text of classical yoga, and they provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the practice of yoga. The text is divided into four chapters, or padas, which cover various aspects of yoga:
- Samadhi Pada: This chapter outlines the goal of yoga, which is to achieve samadhi, a state of complete absorption in the object of meditation.
- Sadhana Pada: This chapter describes the various practices and disciplines that can help to achieve the goal of yoga, including asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation.
- Vibhuti Pada: This chapter discusses the various powers and abilities that can be attained through the practice of yoga, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and levitation.
- Kaivalya Pada: This chapter describes the ultimate goal of yoga, which is to achieve kaivalya, a state of complete liberation or enlightenment.
- Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras have had a profound impact on the practice and philosophy of yoga, and they continue to be studied and revered by yoga practitioners around the world. Patanjali’s contribution to yoga has helped to establish it as a systematic and comprehensive spiritual practice that can lead to profound personal transformation and spiritual growth.