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what is yoga according to patanjali
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Question #24261
41 days ago
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what is yoga according to patanjali - #24261

Hailey

I am looking for some clarity on what is yoga according to patanjali. I’ve been practicing various forms of yoga for a few years, thinking it was just about the poses and breathing, you know? But recently, I picked up a book about Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and wow, it totally opened my eyes! The idea that yoga is more than just physical exercise is kinda mind-blowing for me. I tried meditating like Patanjali describes, but it feels really hard sometimes, like I can’t focus and just get lost in my thoughts. The quest for inner peace seems so distant! My friends say they feel a connection with themselves, but I only feel frustrated and sometimes a bit lost. What is yoga according to Patanjali really aiming for? Is it just about stopping the fluctuations of the mind? Or is there more I should know to really connect with this practice? Do you think it can take time to understand this deeper side? Would love to hear what others think!

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Patanjali's Yoga Sutras indeed opens up a fascinating perspective on yoga that goes beyond the postures and breathing exercises you might be familiar with. According to Patanjali, yoga is about uniting the individual consciousness with the universal. One of the main definitions given in the Yoga Sutras is "Yogah Chitta Vritti Nirodhah", which can indeed be translated to the cessation, or quieting, of the fluctuations or patterns of the mind. But there’s much more to it, as you rightly guessed. The eightfold path, known as Ashtanga Yoga here doesn’t refer to the specific style of yoga you might take classes in. It provides a comprehensive guide to attain this state of equilibrium and internal peace: Yama and Niyama involved moral codes and self-discipline, kind like foundational principles that foster harmony with ourselves and others. Asana, often misunderstood as purely physical practice, prepares the body for sitting in meditation. Pranayama is about the control of the life force—breath. Pratyahara is turning your awareness inward, starting to shift attention away from external influences. Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi (concentration, meditation, and absorption) are more internal, focused practices. They progress from maintaining attention to being deeply meditative. So, yes, Patanjali’s yoga is not merely about stopping mind fluctuations; It's—it nurtures a holistic path to enlightenment and self-awareness. Going through this might take time. Think of it as a journey not a destination. Meditation can be challenging when starting out, and it’s normal to feel your mind wandering. Persistence is key. Maybe try setting short, manageable meditation sessions initially and gradually extend them as your ability to maintain focus improves. You are on the right track! Every step, little or small, is indeed progress.
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