Yoga Philosophy: Classical Spiritual System and Modern Practice

योगदर्शनं

A systematic exploration of classical yoga philosophy, from its metaphysical foundations to its practical application in modern Ashtanga Yoga practice.

THE DEFINITION AND GOAL OF YOGA

The fundamental definition of yoga and its ultimate purpose as stated in classical texts.

The Core Definition
योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः
yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.
The foundational definition from Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra (1.2). It establishes that the primary aim of yoga is not physical flexibility, but mastery over the mind's incessant activity, leading to a state of pure awareness.
The Means of Attainment
अभ्यासवैराग्याभ्यां तन्निरोधः
abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyāṁ tan-nirodhaḥ
Through practice and non-attachment, these fluctuations are stilled.
Yoga Sūtra 1.12 reveals the two essential methods: abhyāsa (persistent, disciplined practice) and vairāgya (non-attachment, dispassion). This combination is the key to progressing on the yogic path.
The State of Mastery
तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम्
tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe'vasthānam
Then the seer abides in its own true nature.
When the mind's fluctuations cease (Yoga Sūtra 1.3), the true Self (puruṣa) is revealed in its pristine state, free from identification with the changing phenomena of nature.
The Definition of Ignorance
अविद्या क्षेत्रमुत्तरेषां प्रसुप्ततनुविच्छिन्नोदाराणाम्
avidyā kṣetram uttareṣāṁ prasupta-tanu-vicchinnodārāṇām
Ignorance is the breeding ground for the other afflictions, whether dormant, attenuated, interrupted, or fully active.
Avidyā is not merely lack of information but a fundamental misapprehension of reality. It provides the soil in which all other kleśas (afflictions) grow and flourish (Yoga Sūtra 2.4).