The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Volume One: Samadhi-pada - 51 verses on enlightenment
Samadhi refers to a blissful state where the yogi is
absorbed in union with Universal Consciousness. In Samadhi-pada,
Patanjali describes the obstacles in meditation, the five
kinds of thoughtwaves and their controls, three kinds of
dispassion, the nature of creation and the way to aquire
peace of mind.
Volume Two: Sadhana-pada - 55 verses on
the path to enlightment
Sadhana is the Sanskrit word for "practice" or "discipline".
Here Patanjali describes methods to destroy afflictions of
the mind which stand in the way of Samadhi through two forms
of Yoga: Kriya Yoga, which is purification through
discipline, self study and self-surrender; and Ashtanga Yoga
(Eightfold or Eightlimbed Yoga). It enumerates the five main
causes of human suffering and the methods for eliminating
them. It also discusses five of the eight limbs of Ashtanga
Yoga – yama, niyama, asana, pranayama and pratyahara which
are the foundation for meditation.
Volume Three: Vibhuti-pada - 56
verses on powers
Vibhuti is the Sanskrit word for "power" or "manifestation".
Through the continual practice of the last three limbs of
Ashtanga Yoga, dharana (concentraion), dyhana (meditation)
and samadhi (enlightenment) the yoga acquires power over his
senses. These supra-normal powers are known as siddhis.
These powers manifest in those who are free from desire and
are the mark of a true adept,
Volume Four Kaivalya-pada - 34 verses
on liberation
Kaivalya literally means "isolation", but as used in the
Sutras stands for moksha (liberation) – the ultimate goal of
Yoga. The Kaivalya Pada describes the nature of liberation
and the reality of the transcendental self whereby the
full-blown yogi attains perfect discrimination between
Consciousness and Nature
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