Patanjali Yoga Sutras Explained with Meanings
5. Pratyahara:
Next in yoga sutras of Patanjali is Pratyahara. Pratyahara means to have control over the human senses. This is possible when one practices yoga daily, when one meditates, breathes and maintains his postures. It helps them to control their emotions and to understand them. Pratyahara, which refers to drawing one’s awareness within is the fifth and one of the most important keys of Yoga Sutra.
6. Dharana (One-pointedness):
Dharana basically means to free oneself from distraction and to focus on one particular point. This is the best yoga sutra for increasing your concentration level. It helps you focus better. It makes you a better learner and performer. and It also helps you notice things better and observe. This sixth limb of Yoga refers to holding on to a particular inner state.
7. Dhyana (Contemplation):
Dhyana is the seventh limb of Yoga Sutra and speaks of meditation. This meditation makes you aware of the world around you and helps you attain a stable and quiet state of mind. The Dhyana system of yoga was described by Lord Krishna as well. This yoga sutras practice helps in separating Maya from reality and helps one attain the goal of moksha. Dhyana means contemplating forms and consequences.
8. Samadhi (Union, harmonious whole):
Samadhi has also been described as the state of bliss. Here, the ego does not exist, and the nature of the individual, which is pure and innocent emerges. It is truly beautiful, however, requires a lot of focus to attain. It completely absorbs the individual’s consciousness even as the person remains conscious. This practice is relevant in Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
The Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is a classic collection of 196 Sutras that provide complete guidance on the practice of yoga. Though these Sutras had become obscure for 700 years in between they have again gained the popularity due to the efforts of some renowned and established saints. All these sutras revolve around the 8 limbs of Yoga, as discussed above. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali guide us with the practice of Yoga through which spiritual evolution of the soul is possible.
