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Unlocking the Wisdom of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras

A Simple Guide to the Wisdom that Defined Yoga for the Last 2,000 Years
2 February 2026 by
Unlocking the Wisdom of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Awaken Wellness
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For the past two millennia, the Patanjali Yoga Sutras have been a guiding light for yogis across the world. These Sutras are a wealth of knowledge that offer deep insight into the workings of the human mind and beyond, making them a must-study for every practicing yogi.


The text itself is a masterful example of the sutra literary style, which literally means "thread". The 195 aphorisms, or individual sutras, are like pearls on a necklace, forming a continuous thread of thought across four distinct chapters, or padas. This ancient, unbroken tradition of passing knowledge from Guru to student is the reason we have not lost any of Patanjali’s wisdom, allowing people across the world to practice yoga today.


While historical details about Patanjali are scarce, some view him as the author of three treatises: one on grammar, one on health (Charaka Samhita), and the Yoga Sutras, though most historians believe these authors are not the same person. Remarkably, the Yoga Sutras were one of the most translated texts in medieval India, spanning nearly 30 Indian languages, as well as Persian and Arabic.The Four Pillars of Patanjali's Teachings


The entire teaching is organized into four main chapters: Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada, Vibhuti Pada, and Kaivalya Pada.


Samadhi Pada (Ecstatic Experiences)


This chapter begins by defining yoga and then explores the modifications, or patterns, of consciousness. Samadhi itself means ecstatic experiences from which wisdom dawns. Patanjali carefully describes the stages of samadhi. A key difference from Samkhya philosophy is introduced here with the concept of Ishwara, a special self that exists beyond causation and time. The chapter concludes with an explanation of potential obstacles in one’s practice and outlining ways to overcome them.


Sadhana Pada (Spiritual Practice)


Sadhana is defined as spiritual practice. This is considered the most practical chapter of the Sutras, as it details the core practices. It begins by identifying the causes of affliction (suffering) and outlining the ways to move past them. The second half of this pada is dedicated to the Ashtanga system of Raja Yoga. Here, Patanjali brilliantly describes the stages of a person’s evolution, starting with moral codes and moving toward the dissolution of the sense of self.


Vibhuti Pada (Attainment or Powers)


The word Vibhuti means attainment or powers. This chapter describes the various powers a yogi can attain through dedicated spiritual practice (Sadhana). These include fascinating abilities such as levitation, understanding the solar system, entering another's body, and becoming invisible. However, Patanjali issues a clear caution: these powers are distractions on the true journey, and a yogi must be careful not to get attached to them or identify with them.


Kaivalya Pada (Liberation)


Kaivalya is presented as the ultimate goal of yoga. As the yogi moves beyond the accumulated karmas (actions), they draw closer to self-realization. In this final stage, Samadhi manifests into dharma-megha samadhi, and the gunas(qualities) of nature are transcended. Kaivalya is described as Pure Awareness standing in its own light, no more entangled with nature or consciousness. This is how the Patanjali Yoga Sutras conclude, with the involutions of nature for the self-realized yogi.


This Yoga Sutras, composed around 200 CE, continues to offer invaluable guidance for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of yoga and the path to spiritual liberation.

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Unlocking the Wisdom of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras
Awaken Wellness 2 February 2026
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