Yoga Sutra 2.55: Tataḥ Paramā Vaśyatendriyāṇām Summary Yoga Sutra 2.55 states: “Tataḥ paramā vaśyatendriyāṇām.” This sutra explains that from the practice of pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), the practitioner achieves the highest mastery over the senses. Analysis Tataḥ Paramā Vaśyatā Indriyāṇām Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.55 highlights the ultimate goal of pratyahara (withdrawal

Yoga Sutra 2.54: Sva-Vishaya-Asamprayoge Cittasya Svarupe-Anukarah Iva Indriyanam Pratyaharah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.54 states: “Sva-vishaya-asamprayoge cittasya svarupe-anukarah iva indriyanam pratyaharah.” This sutra explains that pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) occurs when the senses withdraw from their objects and turn inward, reflecting the true nature of the mind. Analysis Sva-Vishaya-Asamprayoge Cittasya Svarupe Anukarah Iva Indriyanam Pratyaharah

Yoga Sutra 2.53: Dhāraṇāsu ca yogyatā manasaḥ Summary Yoga Sutra 2.53 states: “Dhāraṇāsu ca yogyatā manasaḥ.” This sutra explains that through the practice of pranayama (breath control), the mind becomes fit (yogyatā) for concentration (dhāraṇā). Analysis Dhāraṇā Yogyatā Manasaḥ Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.53 highlights the importance of pranayama in preparing the mind

Yoga Sutra 2.52: Tatah Kshiyate Prakasha Avaranam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.52 states: “Tatah kshiyate prakasha avaranam.” This sutra explains that as a result of pranayama (breath control), the veil covering the inner light (prakasha) is removed. Analysis Tatah Kshiyate Prakasha Avaranam Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.52 highlights the transformative power of pranayama in

Yoga Sutra 2.51: Bahya Abhyantara Vishaya Akshepi Caturthah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.51 states: “Bahya abhyantara vishaya akshepi caturthah.” This sutra explains that pranayama (breath control) involves transcending the external and internal aspects of breath, leading to the fourth state. Analysis Bahya Abhyantara Vishaya Akshepi Caturthah Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.51 highlights the advanced

Yoga Sutra 2.50: Bahya-Abhyantara-Stambha-Vrttir Desha-Kala-Sankhyabhih Paridrshto Dirgha-Suksmah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.50 states: “Bahya-Abhyantara-Stambha-Vrttir Desha-Kala-Sankhyabhih Paridrshto Dirgha-Suksmah.” This sutra explains that pranayama (breath control) involves regulating the exhalation (bahya), inhalation (abhyantara), and retention (stambha) of breath, observed by place (desha), time (kala), and number (sankhya), and can become prolonged (dirgha) and subtle (suksmah). Analysis Bahya Abhyantara

Yoga Sutra 2.49: Tasmin sati śvāsa-praśvāsayor gati-vicchedaḥ prāṇāyāmaḥ Summary Yoga Sutra 2.49 states: “Tasmin sati śvāsa-praśvāsayor gati-vicchedaḥ prāṇāyāmaḥ.” This sutra explains that pranayama (control of breath) is the pause in the movement of inhalation (śvāsa) and exhalation (praśvāsa) following mastery of asana. Analysis Tasmin Sati Śvāsa-Praśvāsa Gati-Vicchedaḥ Prāṇāyāmaḥ Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.49

Yoga Sutra 2.48: Tato Dvandva Anabhighatah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.48 states: “Tato dvandva anabhighatah.” This sutra explains that from the practice of asana (posture), one is no longer disturbed by dualities (dvandva). Analysis Tato Dvandva Anabhighatah Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.48 highlights the impact of asana practice in achieving mental and physical equilibrium.

Yoga Sutra 2.47: Prayatna Shaithilya Ananta Samapattibhyam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.47 states: “Prayatna shaithilya ananta samapattibhyam.” This sutra explains that through the relaxation of effort (prayatna shaithilya) and the absorption into the infinite (ananta samapatti), the posture (asana) is perfected. Analysis Prayatna Shaithilya Ananta Samapatti Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.47 highlights the importance

Yoga Sutra 2.46: Sthira Sukham Asanam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.46 states: “Sthira sukham asanam.” This sutra explains that an asana (posture) should be steady (sthira) and comfortable (sukham). Analysis Sthira Sukham Asanam Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.46 highlights the dual qualities of steadiness (sthira) and comfort (sukham) in the practice of asanas. The

Yoga Sutra 2.45: Samadhisiddhir Ishvarapranidhanat Summary Yoga Sutra 2.45 states: “Samadhisiddhir ishvarapranidhanat.” This sutra explains that by surrendering to a higher power (ishvara pranidhana), one attains the perfection of meditation (samadhi). Analysis Samadhi Siddhi Ishvara Pranidhana Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.45 highlights the transformative power of ishvara pranidhana (surrender to a higher power).

Yoga Sutra 2.44: Svadhyayad ishtadevata samprayogah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.44 states: “Svadhyayad ishtadevata samprayogah.” This sutra explains that through self-study (svadhyaya), one attains communion with their desired deity or chosen aspect of divinity (ishtadevata). Analysis Svadhyaya Ishtadevata Samprayogah Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.44 highlights the transformative power of svadhyaya (self-study). By engaging in

Yoga Sutra 2.43: Kāyendriyasiddhirasuddhiksayāttapasah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.43 states: “Kāyendriyasiddhirasuddhiksayāttapasah.” This sutra explains that through the practice of austerity (tapas), impurities are destroyed, and the body and senses become perfected. Analysis Kāya Indriya Siddhi Asuddhi Ksaya Tapas Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.43 highlights the transformative power of tapas (austerity or disciplined practice). By

Yoga Sutra 2.42: Santosad anuttamah sukhalabhah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.42 states: “Santosad anuttamah sukhalabhah.” This sutra explains that from contentment (santosha), one attains supreme happiness (anuttamah sukha). Analysis Santosha Anuttamah Sukha Labhah Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.42 highlights the profound impact of cultivating contentment (santosha). By practicing contentment, individuals can experience supreme happiness

Yoga Sutra 2.41: Sattvaśuddhisaumanasyai-kāgryendriyajayātmadarśanayogyatvāni ca Summary Yoga Sutra 2.41 states: “Sattvaśuddhisaumanasyai-kāgryendriyajayātmadarśanayogyatvāni ca.” This sutra explains that through the cultivation of purity (sattvaśuddhi), one achieves cheerfulness (saumanasya), one-pointedness of mind (ekāgrya), mastery over the senses (indriyajaya), and fitness for self-realization (ātmadarśana). Analysis Sattvaśuddhi Saumanasya Ekāgrya Indriyajaya Ātmadarśana Yogyatvāni Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.41 emphasizes

Yoga Sutra 2.40: Śaucāt svāṅga-jugupsā parairasaṁsargaḥ Summary Yoga Sutra 2.40 states: “Śaucāt svāṅga-jugupsā parairasaṁsargaḥ.” This sutra explains that through the practice of purity (śauca), one develops a distaste for one’s own body and disinclination towards contact with others’ bodies. Analysis Śauca Svāṅga-jugupsā Para Asaṁsargaḥ Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.40 highlights the significance of

Yoga Sutra 2.39: Aparigrahasthairye janmakathamta sambodhah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.39 states: “Aparigrahasthairye janmakathamta sambodhah.” This sutra explains that when a person is firmly established in non-possessiveness (aparigraha), they gain profound knowledge of their past and future lives. Analysis Aparigraha Sthairye Janma Kathanta Sambodhah Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.39 highlights the benefits of practicing

Yoga Sutra 2.38: Brahmacharya Pratishthayam Viryalabhah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.38 states: “Brahmacharya pratishthayam viryalabhah.” This sutra explains that when a person is firmly established in celibacy (brahmacharya), they gain vitality and energy. Analysis Brahmacharya Pratishthayam Virya Labhah Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.38 highlights the benefits of practicing brahmacharya (celibacy or moderation). By abstaining

Yoga Sutra 2.37: Asteyapratishthayam Sarvaratnopasthanam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.37 states: “Asteyapratishthayam sarvaratnopasthanam.” This sutra explains that when a person is firmly established in non-stealing (asteya), all wealth comes to them. Analysis Asteya Pratishthayam Sarva Ratna Upasthanam Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.37 highlights the profound impact of practicing non-stealing (asteya). When an individual is

Yoga Sutra 2.36: Satyapratisthayam Kriyaphalasrayatvam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.36 states: “Satyapratisthayam kriyaphalasrayatvam.” This sutra explains that when a person is firmly established in truthfulness (satya), their actions and their results become aligned with the truth. Analysis Satya Pratishthayam Kriyaphala Asrayatvam Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.36 highlights the power of truthfulness (satya) in aligning

Yoga Sutra 2.35: Ahimsa Pratishthayam Tat Vaira Tyagah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.35 states: “Ahimsa pratishthayam tat vaira tyagah.” This sutra explains that when a yogi is firmly established in non-violence (ahimsa), hostility (vaira) ceases in their presence. Analysis Ahimsa Pratishthayam Tat Vaira Tyagah Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.35 highlights the transformative power of

Yoga Sutra 2.34: Vitarka Himsa Dayah Krita Karita Anumodita Lobha Krodha Moha Purvaka Mridu Madhya Adhimatra Dukha Ajnana Ananta Phala Iti Pratipaksha Bhavanam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.34 states: “Vitarka himsa dayah krita karita anumodita lobha krodha moha purvaka mridu madhya adhimatra dukha ajnana ananta phala iti pratipaksha bhavanam.” This sutra explains that negative thoughts and

Yoga Sutra 2.33: Vitarka Badane Pratipaksha Bhavanam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.33 states: “Vitarka badane pratipaksha bhavanam.” This sutra explains that when disturbed by negative thoughts (vitarka badane), one should cultivate the opposite thoughts (pratipaksha bhavanam) to counter them. Analysis Vitarka Badane Pratipaksha Bhavanam Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra 2.33 emphasizes the importance of mental

Yoga Sutra 2.32: Saucha Santosha Tapas Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Niyamah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.32 states: “Saucha santosha tapas svadhyaya ishvara pranidhana niyamah.” This sutra outlines the five Niyamas, or personal observances, which form the second limb of the eightfold path of yoga. Analysis Saucha Santosha Tapas Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Significance of the Sutra Yoga Sutra

Yoga Sutra 2.31: Jati Desa Kala Samaya Anavacchinnah Sarvabhaumah Mahavratam Summary Yoga Sutra 2.31 states: “Jati desa kala samaya anavacchinnah sarvabhaumah mahavratam.” This sutra explains that the Yamas (ethical restraints) are universal vows (mahavratam) and are not restricted by class (jati), place (desa), time (kala), or circumstance (samaya). Analysis Jati Desa Kala Samaya Anavacchinnah Sarvabhaumah

Yoga Sutra 2.30: Ahimsa Satya Asteya Brahmacharya Aparigraha Yamah Summary Yoga Sutra 2.30 states: “Ahimsa satya asteya brahmacharya aparigraha yamah.” This sutra outlines the five Yamas, or ethical restraints, which form the first limb of the eightfold path of yoga. Analysis Ahimsa Translation: Non-violence. Meaning: Ahimsa signifies the practice of non-violence in thought, word, and