Essential but seldom taught Yogāṅgas

• Published in: Yoga Mimamsa Vol. 54; no. 1; pp. 31 - 35
• Main Authors: Soneji, Radha, Hankey, Alex, Sridhar, Melukote, Nagendra, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Methods; Psychological aspects; Social aspects; Yoga; India
• ISSN: 0044-0507; 2394-2487
• DOI: 10.4103/ym.ym_83_21

Context: The theme of the 7 th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2021, was “Yoga For Wellness,” focusing on practice of yoga for physical and mental well-being. Since the concept of such a celebration was suggested by the UN General Assembly in 2014, yoga teaching has blossomed in almost all nations. However, a loss of rigor in the treatment of traditional yoga has resulted. Commercial aspects have reduced yoga to physical, breathing, and concentration exercises. Aims: The aim of this paper is to discuss three neglected Yogaṅgas , the Yamāḥ, Niyamāḥ and Pratyahāraḥ, and their potential benefits ( siddhi ) for society in the world today. Materials and Methods: We consulted four different reputed translations of Patanjali Yoga Sutra, during which, we generally hit on new, previously untreated aspects of the Sanskrit text. Results: Using an holistic perspective on the whole text, we provide new translations of pāda II's twenty sūtras concerning the Yamāḥ, Niyamāḥ, and Pratyahāraḥ . Practices to inculcate each of them are also explained. Conclusions: Traditional yoga highlights the important need to build a good character and helps develop the self-discipline to achieve high levels of both balance of mind and presence of mind; i.e., to live in the present moment, with union (yoga) of mind and body, and of thoughts, words and action, and lead a life of integrated restful alertness.