patanjali
yoga sutra of patanjali

philosophy from the vedas

The Vedas, the source of Indian thought from 5000 years ago,
inspired the great sages of the past to present the six schools of
thought known as 'Darsanas'. Darsana means mirror, a mirror that
can reflect one to oneself. Yoga is one of these Darsanas.

Patanjali 

Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras between 2 - 2500 years ago
and this ancient and time-proven system continues to be a map of
human existence. Considered the Raja (king) of Yoga he states that
Yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively towards an object
and sustain that direction without any distraction (meditation).

Hatha Yoga is described as the awakening and
preparation for the study of Raja Yoga. The attainment of a
stable mind in a healthy body is the goal of Yoga. The methods
given by Patanjali for us to reach this state are Kriya Yoga (also known
as Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita) and the eight parts of Ashtanga Yoga -
yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyanam, samadhi.

Viniyoga, as described in the West, is the appropriate application
of these tools to the level and needs of each individual.

"The first purpose of Yoga is to establish a healthy
relationship between the teacher and student, having
a mutual willingness, commitment and respect
for the teachings" (Patanjali, sutra 1.1).