Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Supreme Union of Body, Mind, Soul with the Patanjali Yoga Sutras

The Sanskrit word 'yoga' is derived from the root verb yuj, which means union. The supreme union of individual mind and cosmic mind is yoga. In his Yogasutras , Patanjali advocated the eight-fold path of astanga yoga . Its eight limbs are: yama (self-restraint), niyama (life-regulating moral rules and observances), asana (postures of bodily restfulness), pranayama (breath control), pratyahar (withdrawal of senses), dharana (fixing the mind on the Supreme), dhyana (absorption of self), and samadhi (liberation of the soul).

These eight branches are closely related to every aspect of human life. Contrary to popular perception, asana is only one aspect of yoga; it can never represent yoga comprehensively. In its entirety, yoga is a well-knit, disciplined science of attaining supreme bliss. Yoga categori-ses human life into three strata Ñ physical, psychic and spiritual. Our body, which forms the physical stratum, is composed of nerves, flesh, blood and bone, and trillions of cells. This biological machine is attuned to a strict natural discipline. To maintain it in harmony, regular practice of yoga's asanas and pranayam , along with a yogic diet, is a must.

The mind forms the second stratum of the self. In our existence, expression, expansion and attainment, the mind plays a key role. It is never empty, and we know from experience that it never stands still. It always runs in various directions with myriad desires. Strict observance of yama and niyama , a true vision of life and regular practice of ishvara pranidhan (meditation) can not only enrich our lives but eliminate all kinds of mental distresses.

The ultimate stratum is the spiritual one, extremely important in yoga that has realisation of the self as its main motto. Self-realisation is to find the answer to the question 'Who am I?' and merge one's 'I-ness' into cosmic consciousness. Yoga culminates in samadhi, which is the dharma or nature of every mind. Now, what is dharma ?

Dharma and religion are not synonymous. God is one; He can never be classified. To know Him, to be one with Him in a wise, refined way is the goal of yoga. Yoga is then an art of attainment. Religion on the other hand, is prayers and performances, customs and rituals, doctrines and dogmas framed by a section of society. Hence the English word 'religion' can never replace the Sanskrit word ' dharma '.

Dharma is the characteristic of an entity. For example, sugar is sweet, hence sweetness is the dharma of sugar. So the characteristic which an entity holds or the nature by which it is identified is called dharma. What is the dharma of the human mind? According to Patanjali, it is sarva-bhaumachitta .

What is the best way to achieve it? It is said that the origin of the universe is ananda, it is constantly evolving in ananda, our very substance is ananda. The Supreme Being is pure bliss, sacchidananda. One can quench one's thirst for happiness by realising the supreme entity within oneself. To adhere to this search is the dharma of every being; the dharma of sarvabhaumachitta is manava dharma. This is what yoga stands for.

There is no difference between one human being and another. The physical structure, the complexion or the mental make up may vary from man to man, country to country, but the basic biological formation, the fundamental physique and psyche, is similar in all. Feelings of love, patience, pain and pleasure, sorrow and agony, are equally felt and expressed by all.

This is why religions are many, but dharma is one. We are approaching a global economy and culture. Let dharma be globalised too, in the form of its most practical science Ñ yoga.