Unit 4: Yoga Philosophy (Patanjali)

1. Definition of Yoga

Yoga is not merely physical exercise; it is a spiritual discipline. Patanjali defines Yoga in the second sutra as:

The goal is to quiet the "ripples" in the mind so that the Purusha (Self) can see its true reflection clearly, without distortion.

2. Citta and its Vrittis

Citta refers to the internal organ (Mind, Intellect, and Ego combined). It is material (Prakriti) but appears conscious because it reflects the light of Purusha.

There are five types of Vrittis (mental modifications) that disturb our peace:

1. Pramana: Valid knowledge (Perception, Inference, Testimony).
2. Viparyaya: False knowledge or error.
3. Vikalpa: Verbal delusion or imagination.
4. Nidra: Sleep (where there is a lack of cognition).
5. Smriti: Memory.

3. Ashtanga Yoga (The Eightfold Path)

To stop the Vrittis, Patanjali prescribes eight steps. These are divided into Bahiranga (external) and Antaranga (internal) aids.

External Aids (Bahiranga):

• Yama: Moral restraints (Non-violence, Truth, Non-stealing, Celibacy, Non-greed).
• Niyama: Spiritual observances (Purity, Contentment, Austerity, Study, Devotion).
• Asana: Physical postures to steady the body.
• Pranayama: Control of vital breath.
• Pratyahara: Withdrawal of senses from external objects.

Internal Aids (Antaranga):

• Dharana: Concentration on a single object.
• Dhyana: Uninterrupted flow of thought toward that object (Meditation).
• Samadhi: Complete absorption where the mind dissolves into the object.

4. The Place of Ishvara (God)

Unlike the original Samkhya (which is atheistic), Yoga is Seshvara Samkhya (Samkhya with God). In Yoga, God is not a creator but a Special Purusha (Purusha-vishesha) who was never touched by kleshas (afflictions) or karma. Devotion to God (Ishvara-pranidhana) is considered one of the quickest ways to reach Samadhi.

5. Levels of Samadhi

Yoga distinguishes between two main stages of final absorption:

• Samprajnata Samadhi: Conscious absorption where there is still an object of concentration and a seed of thought (Sabiya).
• Asamprajnata Samadhi: Supraconscious absorption where even the seed of thought disappears (Nirbiya). This leads to final liberation.