Patanjali Yoga Sutra – Chapter 2 – Sadhana Pada

In 195 crisp aphorisms, the Yoga-sutra of Patanjali lays down the principles of yogic science, psychology and spiritualism. The rich tradition of Patanjali’s Yoga has been enriched through the millennia by the scholarly commentary of Veda Vyāsa.

The second chapter, Sādhana-pada consists of 55 sutras that address ‘bahiranga’ or the five outer limbs of ashtanga-yoga. Prof. Madhusudan Penna speaks of fundamental principles like karma and samskaras, relating them to the root cause of avidya. Also, through the Vyasa-bhashya one finds the thorough exposition of the integrated practice of all the steps that leads to the attainment of the goal of samādhi.

Prof. Madhusudan Penna, Dean & Faculty of Indian Religion, Philosophy and Culture, at the Kavikulaguru Kalidasa Samskrit University Nagpur, India, delivered these lectures at a 3-week workshop titled ‘Yogo Bhavati Duhkhaha’ organised by the CIF Shodha Sansthan in August 2016.