Atha Yoga Anushasanam • Yoga Fundamentals

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 apply of yoga. Whereas this sutra is easy and simple, it’s an essential name to motion that frames all the discourse of Patanjali’s textual content.

What Does Yoga Sutra 1.1 Imply?

The Sanskrit sutra “Atha Yoga Anushasana” is usually 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 apply. Sutra 1.1 emphasizes the significance of approaching the apply with readiness and a honest intention. It invitations one to domesticate a mindset that’s receptive, targeted, 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 strategy.
• śāsanam = Instruction or self-discipline.

Well-liked 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 facility of now

By enunciating “Atha,” Patanjali encourages college students to pause, mirror, 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 software and use. It requires the coed 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 are able to make incremental adjustments to our inside and outer self so as 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 offer a scientific strategy to attaining the aim of yoga—the liberation (moksha) from struggling and the conclusion of 1’s true nature. It implies that the teachings that observe will present steerage on how one can attain this state by means of disciplined apply.

The time period “yoga” stems from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which suggests to yoke or unite, implying a union of the person self with the next 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 strategy in his textual content. Every sutra builds upon the earlier one to slowly kind a complete framework for attaining samadhi or enlightenment. This one step at a time strategy requires persistence, diligence, and perseverance. College students must be ready for a lot of challenges that can come up alongside this arduous journey.

Anushasanam additionally means instructing based on what has come earlier than. This indicators that Patanjali will not be beginning one thing new however is constant a long-existing custom that has been down from academics to disciples.

The right way to Apply Sutra 1.1

The primary sutra could also be temporary, nevertheless it affords a number of avenues for enriching your apply:

1. 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. Initially of your yoga apply, make an effort to “be right here now.” Let go of judgment and launch self-criticism.
2. Domesticate Readiness. Deliver openness and eagerness to your apply. Put aside distractions and to-do lists. Welcome these teachings with an open coronary heart and clear thoughts. Embrace a mindset that values studying, development, and discovery.
3. Embrace the Course of. The sutras is likely to be sequential, however absorbing their knowledge is never easy. Totally different teachings will hit residence at completely different instances. Revisit earlier sutras with recent eyes, recognizing that as you evolve, so too will your understanding.
4. 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 strategy the remainder of the Patanjali’s textual content. Are you simply interested in this historic textual content, or are you devoted in direction of discovering non secular awakening? This doesn’t have to be set in stone, however having clear intentions will enable you keep targeted and motivated as you delve deeper into the teachings.

Inquiry Questions

• How does being open and receptive form your exploration of yoga philosophy and apply?
• What frequent distractions stop you from totally participating 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 up to now? What revelations have emerged?
• When was your final expertise of pleasure or wonderment whereas studying one thing new in yoga? How did it remodel your apply?

Closing Ideas

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

Sources

For additional exploration of the Yoga Sutras and associated practices, contemplate the next Yoga Sutra translations: