Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Yoga Sutra 1.1 atha yoganusasanam

Now begins the study of yoga.

1.2 yogah cittavritti nirodhah

Yoga is the cessation of the movements of consciousness

1.3 tadadrastuh svarupe avasthanam

Then, the seer dwells in her/his own true splendour

1.4 vrtti svarupyam itaratra

At other times the seer identifies with the fluctuating consciousness.

1.12 abhyasa vairagyabhyam tannirodhah

Practice and detachment are the means to still the movements of consciousness

1.14 sa tu dirghakala nairantarya satkara asevitah drdhab

Long, uninterrupted, alert practice is the firm foundation for restraining the fluctuations

2.16 hey dukkham anagatam

The pains which are yet to come can be and are to be avoided.

2.46 sthira sukham asanam

Asana is perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence and benevolence of spirit.

1.30 vyadhi styana samsaya pramada alasya avirati bhrantidarsana alabhdhabhumihkatva

anavasthitstvani cittaviksepah te antarayah

These obstacles are disease, inertia, doubt heedlessness, laziness, indiscipline of the senses, erroneous views, lack of perseverance and backsliding

3.3 avidya asmita raga dvesha abhinevesha klesha

The five afflictions which disturb the equilibrium of consciousness are: ignorance or lack of wisdom, ego, pride of the ego or the sense of “I”, attachment to pleasure, aversion to pain, fear of death and clinging to life.