Atha Yoga Anushasanam • Yoga Basics

The phrase “be 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 present second to start the research and apply of yoga. While this sutra is easy and easy, it’s an necessary name to motion that frames the complete discourse of Patanjali’s textual content.

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What Does Yoga Sutra 1.1 Mean?

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 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, centered, and devoted to the trail of yoga.

Yoga Sutra 1.1 Translation

Sanskrit: अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥
Transliteration: Atha yogānuśāsanam

Word-for-Word Translation:

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

Popular Translations

“This is the teaching of yoga.” — Barbara Miller
“This is the beginning of instruction in yoga.” — Swami Prabhavananda
“Now concentration is explained.” — Swami Vivekananda
“With prayers for divine blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred art of yoga.” — B.Ok.S. Iyengar
“Now the exposition of Yoga is being made.” — Swami Satchidananda

Atha: The energy of now

By enunciating “Atha,” Patanjali encourages college students to pause, replicate, and attune themselves to the present second. This is an invite to the reader to obtain and interact with the teachings of yoga with out distraction from the previous or future. The use of “atha” signifies a shift from the theoretical understanding of yoga to its sensible software and use. It requires the coed to be present and open to the teachings that comply with.

Atha right here means starting the research of who we’re, the place we’re, and the way we will make incremental adjustments to our internal 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 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 comply with will present steering on methods to attain this state by way of disciplined apply.

The time period “yoga” stems from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which implies 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 mind.” 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 Approach

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

Anushasanam additionally means educating in line with what has come earlier than. This indicators that Patanjali shouldn’t be beginning one thing new however is constant a long-existing custom that has been down from lecturers to disciples.

How to Practice Sutra 1.1

The first sutra could also be temporary, but it surely gives a number of avenues for enriching your apply:

Be Here Now. Anchor your self within the present. Experiment with meditation, deep respiratory, or aware motion to search out what finest resonates with you. At the start of your yoga apply, make an effort to “be here now.” Let go of judgment and launch self-criticism.
Cultivate Readiness. Bring openness and eagerness to your apply. Set apart 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 Process. The sutras is perhaps sequential, however absorbing their knowledge isn’t simple. 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.
Clarify Your Intentions. Before diving deeper into the Sutras, take a second to make clear and refine your intentions. This step is essential, because it sets the tone for the way you learn and strategy the remainder of the Patanjali’s textual content. Are you simply interested in this historical 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 to 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 apply?
What widespread distractions stop you from totally participating within the present? How are you able to 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 prior 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?

Final Thoughts

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