Atha Yoga Anushasanam • Yoga Basics

1 View

The phrase “be right here now” is encapsulated within the opening aphorism of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: “Atha yoga anushasanam.” The phrase “atha” signifies a second of readiness and intention—inviting the reader to be totally within the current second to start the examine and follow of yoga. Whereas this sutra is easy and easy, it’s an vital name to motion that frames the complete discourse of Patanjali’s textual content.

Disclosure: This submit might include affiliate hyperlinks. If a purchase order is made by these hyperlinks, we might earn a fee at no additional price to you. Your form help helps us create extra aware articles!

What Does Yoga Sutra 1.1 Imply?

The Sanskrit sutra “Atha Yoga Anushasana” is often translated as “Now, the teachings of yoga.” This phrase is each a preface for the remaining 195 sutras and a precondition for exploring yogic philosophy and follow. Sutra 1.1 emphasizes the significance of approaching the follow with readiness and a honest intention. It invitations one to domesticate a mindset that’s receptive, centered, and devoted to the trail of yoga.

Yoga Sutra 1.1 Translation

Sanskrit: अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥
Transliteration: Atha yogānuśāsanam

Phrase-for-Phrase Translation:

Atha = Now, the present second. Additionally a prayer, a blessing, or auspicious omen.
yoga = Focus, contemplation, union.
anu = Following or teachings, a sequential or disciplined method.
śāsanam = Instruction or self-discipline.

Common Translations

“That is the instructing of yoga.” — Barbara Miller
“That is the start of instruction in yoga.” — Swami Prabhavananda
“Now focus is defined.” — Swami Vivekananda
“With prayers for divine blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred artwork of yoga.” — B.Ok.S. Iyengar
“Now the exposition of Yoga is being made.” — Swami Satchidananda

Atha: The ability of now

By enunciating “Atha,” Patanjali encourages college students to pause, replicate, and attune themselves to the current second. That is an invite to the reader to obtain and have interaction with the teachings of yoga with out distraction from the previous or future. Using “atha” signifies a shift from the theoretical understanding of yoga to its sensible utility and use. It requires the scholar to be current and open to the teachings that observe.

Atha right here means starting the examine of who we’re, the place we’re, and the way we will make incremental adjustments to our inside and outer self as a way to be much less concerned with materials objects and extra in tune with how we really feel and the way our actions have an effect on these round us.
– Nicolai Bachman

The Teachings of Yoga

By together with the phrase “yoga” in his first sutra, Patanjali specifies the aim of the textual content: to supply a scientific method to reaching the aim of yoga—the liberation (moksha) from suffering and the belief of 1’s true nature. It implies that the teachings that observe will present steerage on the right way to attain this state by disciplined follow.

The time period “yoga” stems from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which implies to yoke or unite, implying a union of the person self with a better consciousness or common fact. Patanjali defines yoga in sutra 1.2 as “the cessation of the fluctuations of the thoughts.” This definition highlights that the trail of achieving union in yoga lies within the quieting of the thoughts’s distractions or psychological fluctuations.

Anushasana: A Systematic Method

The time period “anushasana,” emphasizes Patanjali’s methodical and disciplined method in his textual content. Every sutra builds upon the earlier one to slowly type a complete framework for reaching samadhi or enlightenment. This one step at a time method requires persistence, diligence, and perseverance. College students needs to be ready for a lot of challenges that can come up alongside this arduous journey.

Anushasanam additionally means instructing in keeping with what has come earlier than. This indicators that Patanjali is just not beginning one thing new however is continuous a long-existing custom that has been down from lecturers to disciples.

The way to Apply Sutra 1.1

The primary sutra could also be transient, however it affords a number of avenues for enriching your follow:

Be Right here Now. Anchor your self within the current. Experiment with meditation, deep respiratory, or aware motion to search out what finest resonates with you. At the beginning of your yoga follow, make an effort to “be right here now.” Let go of judgment and launch self-criticism.
Domesticate Readiness. Convey openness and eagerness to your follow. Put aside distractions and to-do lists. Welcome these teachings with an open coronary heart and clear thoughts. Embrace a mindset that values studying, progress, and discovery.
Embrace the Course of. The sutras is perhaps sequential, however absorbing their knowledge is never easy. Totally different teachings will hit residence at totally different instances. Revisit earlier sutras with recent eyes, recognizing that as you evolve, so too will your understanding.
Make clear Your Intentions. Earlier than diving deeper into the Sutras, take a second to make clear and refine your intentions. This step is essential, because it units the tone for the way you learn and method the remainder of the Patanjali’s textual content. Are you simply inquisitive about this historical textual content, or are you devoted in direction of discovering religious awakening? This doesn’t have to be set in stone, however having clear intentions will enable you keep centered and motivated as you delve deeper into the teachings.

Inquiry Questions

How does being open and receptive form your exploration of yoga philosophy and follow?
What widespread distractions forestall you from totally partaking within the current? How will you overcome them?
What does “atha” imply in your life, each on and off the mat?
What insights emerged when revisiting this or different sutras you’ve studied previously? What revelations have emerged?
When was your final expertise of pleasure or wonderment whereas studying one thing new in yoga? How did it rework your follow?

Remaining Ideas

In my very own journey, “Atha Yoga Anushasanam” has served as a helpful touchstone. Stepping onto my mat with current second consciousness appears like I’m coming into a sanctuary distant from life’s chaos. Off the mat, the follow of “being right here now” has helped me method challenges by pausing, tuning into my physique and breath, and responding with intention—fairly than impulsive reactions. By anchoring within the current, nurturing readiness, and embracing lifelong studying, I’ve created fertile floor for inside progress and transformation.