1.1

अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

atha yogānuśāsanam

With prayers for divine blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred art of yoga.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

atha yoga-anuśāsanam

Now the teachings of classical Yoga are being initiated.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

atha yogānuśāsanam

Now, the teachings of yoga [are presented].

atha: now, auspiciousness, a prayer, a blessing, benediction, authority, a good omen

yogānuśāsanam: advice, direction, order, command, instructions, guide given in procedural form, Thus it means guidance in the codes of conduct which are to be observed, and which form the base from which to cultivate one's ethical and spiritual life.

atha: now/then, blessing, auspicious omen

yoga: concentration, contemplation

anuśāsanam: exposition, instruction

atha: now

yoga: yoga

anuśāsanam: teachings

1.2

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः॥२॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

yogaḥ cittavṛtti nirodhaḥ

Yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of consciousness.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ

Yoga is the stilling of the changing states of the mind.

yogaḥ: union or integration from the outermost layer to the innermost self, that is, from the skin to the muscles, bones, nerves, mind, intellect, will, consciousness, and self

citta: consciousness,, which is made up of three factors: mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), and ego (ahaṁkāra). Citta is the vehicle of observation,, attention, aims and reason; it has three functions, cognition, conation or volition, and motion

vṛtti: state of mind, fluctuations in mind, course of conduct, behaviour, a state of being, mode of action, movement, function, operation

nirodhaḥ: obstruction, stoppage, opposition, annihilation, restraint, control, cessation

Yoga: concentration

citta: consciousness

vṛtti: fluctuation, modification

nirodha: control, cessation, stilling, restraining

yogaḥ: yoga

citta: the mind

vṛtti: fluctuation, state

nirodhaḥ: restraint, control

1.3

तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम्॥३॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe avasthānam

Thus, the seer dwells in his own true splendour.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

tadā draṣṭuḥ sva-rūpe'vasthānam

At that time the spiritual Self abides in its original nature.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe 'vasthānam

When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature.

tadā: then, at that time

draṣṭuḥ: the soul, the seer

svarūpe: in his own, in his state

avasthānam: rests, abides, dwells, resides, radiates

tadā: then

draṣṭu: Seer (the power of consciousness)

sva-rūpa: own form

avasthāna: abiding, grounded

tadā: then, at that point

draṣṭuḥ: of the seer, of the soul

svarūpe: in its own real essential nature

avasthānam: abiding, remaining, being absorbed in

1.4

वृत्तिसारूप्यमितरत्र॥४॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

vṛtti sārūpyam itaratra

At other times, the seer identifies with the fluctuating consciousness.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

vṛtti-sārūpyam itaratra

At other times, the Seer appears to take on the form of the fluctuations of consciousness.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

vṛtti-sārūpyam itaratra

Otherwise, at other times, [the seer] is absorbed in the changing states [of the mind].

vṛtti: behaviour, fluctuation, modification, function, state of mind

sārūpyam: identification, likeness, closeness, nearness

itaratra: at other times, elsewhere

vṛtti: fluctuation, modification

sārūpya: with form

itaratra: at other times

vṛtti: fluctuation

sārūpyam: identification

itaratra: otherwise, at other times

1.5

वृत्तयः पञ्चतय्यः क्लिष्टाक्लिष्टाः॥५॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

vṛttayaḥ pañcatayyaḥ kliṣṭā akliṣṭāḥ

The movements of consciousness are fivefold. They may be cognizable or non-cognizable, painful or non-painful.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

vṛttayaḥ pañcatayyaḥ kliṣṭa akliṣṭāḥ

The fluctuations of the mind-field are of five kinds; these are of either a painful, afflicted nature or a non-painful, non-afflicted nature.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

vṛttayaḥ pañcatayyaḥ kliṣṭākliṣṭāḥ

There are five kinds of changing states of the mind, and they are either detrimental or nondetrimental [to the practice of yoga].

vṛttayaḥ: movements, modification

pañcatayyaḥ: fivefold

kliṣṭā: afflicting, tormenting, distressing, painful

akliṣṭāḥ: untroubling, undisturbing, unafflicting, undistressing, pleasing

vṛtti: fluctuations

pañca: fivefold

kliṣṭā: tainted, afflicted, painful

akliṣṭā: pure, non-afflicted, non-painful

vṛttayaḥ: the changing states of mind

pañcatayyaḥ: fivefold

kliṣṭā: detrimental, harmful, damaging, afflicted

akliṣṭāḥ: nondetrimental, unafflicted

1.6

प्रमाणविपर्ययविकल्पनिद्रास्मृतयः॥६॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

pramāṇa viparyaya vikalpa nidrā smṛtayaḥ

They are caused by correct knowledge, illusion, delusion, sleep, and memory.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

pramāṇa-viparyaya-vikalpa-nidrā-smṛtayaḥ

The mental processes of the human being fall under five categories: right knowledge, wrong and illusory knowledge, abstraction, sleep, and memory.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

pramāṇa-viparyaya-vikalpa-nidrā-smṛtayaḥ

[These five vṛttis are] right knowledge, error, imagination, sleep, and memory.

pramāṇa: valid knowledge, experienced knowledge, correct knowledge which is studied and verified, proof, or evidence

viparyaya: inverted, perverse, contrary

vikalpa: doubt, indecision, hesitation, fancy, imagination, or day-dreaming

nidrā: sleep, a state of emptiness

smṛtayaḥ: memory

pramāṇa: right knowledge

viparyaya: misconception, wrong knowledge

vikalpa: conceptualization, logical construction

nidrā: sleep

smṛti: memory

pramāṇa: epistemology, source of right knowledge

viparyaya: error

vikalpa: imagination, fancy

nidrā: sleep

smṛtayaḥ: memory

1.7

प्रत्यक्षानुमानागमाः प्रमाणानि॥७॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

pratyakṣa anumāna āgamāḥ pramāṇāni

Correct knowledge is direct, inferred or proven as factual.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

pratyakṣa anumāna āgamāḥ pramāṇāni

The sources of right knowledge are: direct perception, inference and authoritative testimony

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

pratyakṣānumānāgamāḥ pramāṇāni

Right knowledge consists of sense perception, logic, and verbal testimony.

pratyakṣa: direct perception

anumāna: inference

āgamāḥ: traditional sacred texts or scriptural references, a person who is a scriptural authority and whose word can be relied on

pramāṇāni: kinds of proof

pratyakṣa: direct perception

anumāna: inference

āgamā: authoritative testimony

pramāṇa: right knowledge, valid cognition

pratyakṣa: sense perception

anumāna: inference, logic

āgamāḥ: testimony, verbal communication

pramāṇāni: epistemology

1.8

विपर्ययो मिथ्याज्ञानमतद्रूपप्रतिष्ठम्॥८॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

viparyayaḥ mithyājñānam atadrūpa pratiṣṭham

Illusory or erroneous knowledge is based on non-fact or the non-real.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

viparyayo mithyā-jñānam atad-rūpa-pratiṣṭham

Illusion is wrong knowledge. Viparyaya is the general name for all forms of incorrect knowledge (knowledge based on an illusory form).

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

viparyayo mithyā-jñānam atad-rūpa-pratiṣṭham

Error is false knowledge stemming from the incorrect apprehension [of something].

viparyayaḥ: perverse, unreal

mithyājñānam: illusory knowledge

atadrūpa: not in its own form

pratiṣṭham: occupying, standing, seeing, beholding

viparyaya: wrong knowledge

mithyā: false

jñāna: knowledge

atad: not that

rūpa: form

pratiṣṭha: base on, formed of

viparyayaḥ: error

mithyā: false

jñānam: knowledge

atat: not that, incorrect

rūpa: form

pratiṣṭha: established in

1.9

शब्दज्ञानानुपाती वस्तुशून्यो विकल्पः॥९॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

śabdajñāna anupātī vastuśūnyaḥ vikalpaḥ

Verbal knowledge devoid of substance is fancy or imagination.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

śabda-jñāna-anupātī vastu-śūnyo vikalpaḥ

Logical construction and abstraction are based on verbal knowledge devoid of a real object.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

śabda-jñānānupātī vastu-śūnyo vikalpaḥ

Imagination consists of the usage of words that are devoid of an actual object.

śabdajñāna: verbal knowledge

anupātī: followed in sequence, pursued, phased in regular succession

vastuśūnyaḥ: devoid of things, devoid of substance or meaning

vikalpaḥ: imagination, fancy

śabda: sound

jñāna: knowledge

anupātin: following

vastu: object, thing

śūnya: without

vikalpa: conceptualization

śabda: words

jñāna: knowledge

anupāti: resulting from, followed in sequence

vastu: actual object

śūnyaḥ: devoid of

vikalpaḥ: conceptualization, fancy, imagination, here: figurative language

1.10

अभावप्रत्ययालम्बना वृत्तिर्निद्रा॥१०॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

abhāva pratyaya ālambanā vṛttiḥ nidrā

Sleep is the non-deliberate absence of thought-waves or knowledge.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

abhāva-pratyaya-ālambanā vṛttir nidrā

Dreamless sleep is the mental process which is devoid of thought waves and knowledge

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

abhāva-pratyayālambanā vṛttir nidrā

Deep sleep is that state of mind which is based on an absence [of any content].

abhāva: non-existence, a feeling of non-being, absence of awareness

pratyaya: going towards conviction, trust, confidence, reliance, usage, knowledge, understanding, instrument, means, intellect

ālambanā: support, abode, dependence on a prop, mental exercise to bring before one's thoughts the gross form of the eternal

vṛttiḥ: function, condition, thought-wave

nidrā: sleep without dreams

abhāva: non-existence

pratyaya: notion, content of consciousness

ālambanā: with support

vṛtti: fluctuation

nidrā: (dreamless) sleep

abhāva: absence

pratyaya: cause

ālambanā: support, basis

vṛttiḥ: state of mind

nidrā: sleep

1.11

अनुभूतविषयासंप्रमोषः स्मृतिः॥११॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

anubhūta viṣaya asaṁpramoṣaḥ smṛtiḥ

Memory is the unmodified recollection of words and experiences.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

anubhūta-viṣaya-asampramoṣaḥ smṛtiḥ

Memory is connected with the mental processes that do not allow for the experiences (of the object) to slip away.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

anubhūta-viṣayāsampramoṣaḥ smṛtiḥ

Memory is the retention of [images of] sense objects that have been experienced.

anubhūta: perceived, apprehended, experienced, knowledge derived from direct perception, inference and comparison, verbal knowledge

viṣaya: an object, a sense of object, an affair, a transaction

asaṁpramoṣaḥ: not allowing to slip away, without stealing from anything else

smṛtiḥ: memory of a thing experienced, recollection of words or experiences

anubhūta: experienced, perceived

viṣaya: object (the objects of sense-experience)

asampramoṣa: not allowing to escape, non-stealing, not slipping away

smṛti: memory, recollection

anubhūta: experienced

viṣaya: sense objects

asampramoṣaḥ: not slipping away, retention

smṛtiḥ: memory

1.12

अभ्यासवैराग्याभ्यां तन्निरोधः॥१२॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

abhyāsa vairāgyābhyāṁ tannirodhaḥ

Practice and detachment are the means to still the movements of consciousness.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyām tan-nirodhaḥ

The fluctuations of consciousness are stilled by the two-fold Yogic discipline: practice and detachment.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyāṁ tan-nirodhaḥ

[The vṛtti states of mind] are stilled by practice and dispassion.

abhyāsa: repeated practice

vairāgyābhyāṁ: freedom from desires, detachment, renunciation

tannirodhaḥ: their restraint

abhyāsa: practice

vairāgya: detachment

tad: that (these)

nirodha: restriction, control

abhyāsa: practice

vairāgyābhyām: dispassion, renunciation, nonattachment

tat: their [the vṛitti states of mind]

nirodhaḥ: controlled, restrained

1.13

तत्र स्थितौ यत्नोऽभ्यासः॥१३॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

tatra sthitau yatnaḥ abhyāsaḥ

Practice is the steadfast effort to still these fluctuations.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

tatra sthitau yatno 'bhyāsaḥ

Abhyāsa is the effort exerted to become established in that state (of citta vṛtti nirodha)

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

tatra sthitau yatno 'bhyāsaḥ

From these, practice is the effort to be fixed in concentrating the mind.

tatra: of these, under these circumstances, in that case

sthitau: as regards steadiness, as regards perfect restraint

yatnaḥ: continuous effort

abhyāsaḥ: practice

tatra: that (referring to the state of citta vṛtti nirodha)

sthiti: stability

yatna: effort

abhyāsa: repeated application (practice)

tatra: of these [abhyāsa and vairāgya]

sthitau: in the matter of steadfastness

yatnaḥ: effort

abhyāsaḥ: practice

1.14

स तु दीर्घकालनैरन्तर्यसत्कारासेवितो दृढभूमिः॥१४॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

sa tu dīrghakāla nairantarya satkāra āsevitaḥ dṛḍhabhūmiḥ

Long, uninterrupted, alert practice is the firm foundation for restraining the fluctuations.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

sa tu dīrgha-kāla-nairantarya-satkāra-āsevito dṛḍha-bhūmiḥ

That practice when continued for a long time without a break and with devotion becomes firm in foundation.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

sa tu dīrgha-kāla-nairantarya-satkārāsevito dṛḍha-bhūmiḥ

Practice becomes firmly established when it has been cultivated uninterruptedly and with devotion over a prolonged period of time.

sa: this

tu: and

dīrghakāla: for a long time

nairantarya: without interruption, continuous

satkāra: dedication, devotion

āsevitaḥ: zealously practiced, performed assiduously

dṛḍhabhūmiḥ: of firm ground, firmly rooted, well fixed

sa: it, this

tu: indeed, but

dīrgha: long

kāla: time

nairantarya: constant, uninterrupted

satkāra: properly, carefully, with good intention, to perform action truthfully

āsevita: practiced, cultivated

dṛḍha: firm, stable, steady

bhūmi: earth

saḥ: it [practice]

tu: but

dīrgha: prolonged

kāla: period of time

nairantarya: uninterruptedly

satkāra: reverence

āsevitaḥ: attended to, cultivated, practiced

dṛḍha: firm

bhūmiḥ: ground

1.15

दृष्टानुश्रविकविषयवितृष्णस्य वशीकारसंज्ञा वैराग्यम्॥१५॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

dṛṣṭa ānuśravika viṣaya vitṛṣṇasya vaśīkārasaṁjñā vairāgyam

Renunciation is the practice of detachment from desires.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

dṛṣta-anuśravika-viṣaya-vitṛṣṇasya vaśīkāra-saṁjñā vairāgyam

The mastery of lower detachment arises from a lack of craving for objects whether seen or heard of (in scriptures).

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

dṛṣ ṭānuśravika-viṣaya-vitṛṣṇasya vaśīkāra-saṁjñā vairāgyam

Dispassion is the controlled consciousness of one who is without craving for sense objects, whether these are actually perceived, or described [in scripture].

dṛṣṭa: perceptible, visible

ānuśravika: heard or listening, resting on the Vedas or on tradition according to oral testimony

viṣaya: a thing, an object of enjoyment, matter

vitṛṣṇasya: freedom from desire, contentment

vaśīkāra: subjugation, supremacy, bringing under control

saṁjñā: consciousness, intellect, understanding

vairāgyam: absence of worldly desires and passions, dispassion, detachment, indifference to the world, renunciation

dṛṣta: seen

anuśravika: heard, revealed

viṣaya: object

vitṛṣṇa: thirstlessness, desirelessness

vaśīkāra: mastery

saṁjñā: knowledge, wisdom

vairāgya: detachment, dispassion

dṛṣta: visible, perceptible

anuśravika: heard about [from Vedic scriptural revelation]

viṣaya: sensual objects

vitṛṣṇasya: from one who is freed from craving

vaśīkāra: subdue, exert control

saṁjñā: consciousness

vairāgyam: renunciation, dispassion

1.16

तत्परं पुरुषख्यातेर्गुणवैतृष्ण्यम्॥१६॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

tatparaṁ puruṣakhyāteḥ guṇavaitṛṣṇyam

The ultimate renunciation is when one transcends the qualities of nature and perceives the soul.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

tat-param puruṣa-khyāter guṇa-vaiṭṛṣṇyam

Through the direct experience of the spiritual Self (purusa), the thirst for, and identification with, the play of the gunas is transcended. That state is called by the name of para-vairagya or supreme detachment.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

tat-paraṁ puruṣa-khyāter guṇa-vaiṭṛṣṇyam

Higher than renunciation is indifference to the guṇas [themselves]. This stems from perception of the puruṣa, soul.

tatparaṁ: that highest, that most excellent, the ultimate, the best, the purest, the supreme

puruṣakhyāteḥ: the highest knowledge of the soul, perception of the soul

guṇavaitṛṣṇyam: indifference to the qualities of nature, inertia or dormancy (tamas),, passion or vibrance (rajas), and luminosity or serenity (sattva)

tat: that

param: supreme (vairāgya)

puruṣakhyāti: on account of having seen the puruṣa (Self)

guṇavaiṭṛṣṇya: non-thirsting for the guṇas

tat: that [renunciation]

paraṁ: higher

puruṣa: the soul, self, innermost consciousness

khyāteḥ: knowledge, perception

guṇa: qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas

vaiṭṛṣṇyam: indifference

1.20

श्रद्धावीर्यस्मृतिसमाधिप्रज्ञापूर्वक इतरेषाम्॥२०॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

śraddhā vīrya smṛti samādhiprajñā pūrvakaḥ itareṣām

Practice must be pursued with trust, confidence, vigour, keen memory and power of absorption to break this spiritual complacency.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

śraddhā-vīrya-smṛti-samādhi-prajñā-pūrvaka itareṣām

For the others it (ultra-cognitive samādhi) is preceded by faith, energy, mindfulness, meditative absorption, and wisdom.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

śraddhā-vīrya-smṛti-samādhi-prajñā-pūrvakaḥ itareṣām

[But] for others, [the state where only subconscious impressions remain] is preceded by faith, vigor, memory, samādhi absorption, and discernment.

śraddhā: trust which comes from revelation, faith, confidence, reverence

vīrya: vigour, physical and moral strength, mental power, energy, valour

smṛti: memory, recollection

samādhi: profound meditation, supreme devotion, identification of the contemplator with the subject of contemplation, perfect absorption of thoughts

prajñā: awareness of real knowledge acquired through intense contemplation

pūrvakaḥ: previous, prior, first

itareṣām: another, rest, different from, whereas

śraddhā: faith, reverence

vīrya: energy, strength, courage

smṛti: mindfulness, recollection

samādhi: meditation absorption, cognitive trance

prajñā: wisdom

pūrvaka: preceding

itareṣām: other

śraddhā: faith

vīrya: vigor

smṛti: memory

samādhi: absorption

prajñā: discernment

pūrvakaḥ: preceded by

itareṣām: for others

1.21

तीव्रसंवेगानामासन्नः॥२१॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

tīvrasaṁvegānām āsannaḥ

The goal is near for those who are supremely vigorous and intense in practice.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

tīvra-saṁvegānām āsannaḥ

For those seekers who practice with intensity and wholehearted dedication, the goal and fruits of Yoga are near at hand.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

tīvra-saṁvegānām āsannaḥ

[This state of samprajñāta] is near for those who apply themselves intensely.

tīvra: vehement, intense, severe, sharp, acute, supreme, poignant

saṁvegānām: those who are quick, cheerful, (saṁvega is a technical word like saṁyama, see III.4)

āsannaḥ: drawn near, approached, near in time, place or number

tīvra: extreme, intense

saṁvega: aptitude, talent, energy, effort, ardour

āsanna: near

tīvra: keen

saṁvegānām: for those with intensity

āsannaḥ: near, proximate

1.30

व्याधिस्त्यानसंशयप्रमादालस्याविरतिभ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्धभूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानि चित्तविक्षेपास्तेऽन्तरायाः॥३०॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

vyādhi styāna saṁśaya pramāda ālasya avirati bhrāntidarśana alabdhabhūmikatva anavasthitatvāni cittavikṣepaḥ te antarāyāḥ

These obstacles are disease, inertia, doubt, heedlessness, laziness, indescipline of the senses, erroneous views, lack of perseverance, and backsliding.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

vyādhi-styāna-saṁśaya-pramāda-ālasya-avirati-bhrānti-darśana-alabdhabhūmikatva-anavasthitatvāni citta-vikṣepās te 'ntarāyāḥ

Illness, incompetence, doubt, carelessness, laziness, non-abstention, misconception, failure to attain states, instability in states attained; these are the nine distractions of mind, the obstacles on the Yogic path.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

vyādhi-styāna-saṁśaya-pramādālasyāvirati-bhrānti-darśanālabdhabhūmikatvānavasthitatvāni citta-vikṣepās te'ntarāyāḥ

vyādhi: disease

styāna: lack of perseverance, lack of interest, sluggishness, mental laziness

saṁśaya: doubt, indecision

pramāda: intoxication, carelessness, negligence, inattentiveness, inadvertence

ālasya: idleness, physical laziness

avirati: incontinence, lacking in moderation or control, sensual gratification

bhrāntidarśana: living under illusion, mistaken notion

alabdhabhūmikatva: missing the point, inability to hold on to what is achieved, disappointment in one's desired object

anavasthitatvāni: an unsettled state, inability to maintain the achieved progress

cittavikṣepaḥ: a scattered or oscillating mind causing distraction in the consciousness

te: these

antarāyāḥ: obstacles, impediments

vyādhi: illness, disease, imbalance, disorder

styāna: incompetence, dullness, langour, lack of enthusiasm, apathy

saṁśaya: doubt, ambivalence, indecision

pramāda: negligence, carelessness

ālasya: laziness, heaviness, inertia

avirati: failure to withdraw, non-abstention

bhrānti-darśana: misconception, false seeing, erroneous knowledge

alabdhabhūmikatva: failure to attain a state or stage (of concentration of mind), non-attainment of Yogic stages

anavasthitatva: instability in the states obtained, inconsistency, inability to remain established in any Yogic state

citta: consciousness

vikṣepa: dispersion, distraction

te: they (the obstacles)

antarāya: obstacles

vyādhi: disease

styāna: idleness, apathy

saṁśaya: indecision, doubt

pramāda: carelessness, negligence

ālasya: sloth

avirati: lack of detachment

bhrānti: confusion, error

darśana: perception

alabdha: not obtaining

bhūmikatva: place, ground, not attaining a base [for concentration]

anavasthitatvāni: instability

citta: mind

vikṣepaḥ: distractions

te: these

antarāyāḥ: the disturbances

1.31

दुःखदौर्मनस्याङ्गमेजयत्वश्वासप्रश्वासा विक्षेपसहभुवः॥३१॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

duḥkha daurmanasya aṅgamejayatva śvāsapraśvāsāḥ vikṣepa sahabhuvaḥ

Sorrow, despair, unsteadiness of the body and irregular breathing further distract the citta.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

duḥkha-daurmanasya aṅgamejayatva-śvāsa-praśvāsā vikṣepa-sahabhuvaḥ

Pain, depression (frustration), shaking (restlessness) of the body, and unrhythmic breathing are the accompaniments of these distractions.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

duḥkha-daurmanasyāṅgam-ejayatva-śvāsa-praśvāsā vikṣepa-saha-bhuvaḥ

Suffering, dejection, trembling, inhalation, and exhalation accompany the distractions.

duḥkha: sorrow, pain, grief, distress, unhappiness

daurmanasya: mental pain, affliction, dejection, despair

aṅgamejayatva: unsteadiness of the body

śvāsapraśvāsāḥ: inspiration and expiration

vikṣepa: scattered, causing distraction

sahabhuvaḥ: existing at the same time, side by side, accompanying, concurrent

duḥkha: pain, suffering

daurmanasya: depression, frustration

aṅga: limb or body-part

ejayatva: tremor, shaking

śvāsa: wrong inhalation, irregular inhalation

praśvāsā: wrong exhalation, irregular exhalation

vikṣepa: distraction

sahabhuva: accompanying, companions

duḥkha: pain, suffering

daurmanasya: dejection

aṅgam-ejayatva: trembling of the limbs

śvāsa: inhalation

praśvāsāḥ: exhalation

vikṣepa: distraction

saha-bhuvaḥ: occur with, accompany

1.32

तत्प्रतिषेधार्थमेकतत्त्वाभ्यासः॥३२॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

tatpratiṣedhārtham ekatattva abhyāsaḥ

Adherence to single-minded effort prevents these impediments.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

tat-pratiṣedha-artham eka-tattva-abhyāsaḥ

Concentration on a single principle should be practiced; only such practice can counteract the distracting power of the impediments.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

tat-pratiṣedhārtham eka-tattvābhyāsaḥ

Practice [of fixing the mind] on one object [should be performed] in order to eliminate these distrubances.

tatpratiṣedhārtham: for their prevention

eka: one, single

tattva: a real state, reality, truth, essential nature, the very essence, a principle, a doctrine

abhyāsaḥ: practice

tat: that

pratiṣedha: prevention, for removal and counteraction

artha: purpose, meaning

eka: one

tattva: principle

abhyāsa: practice, intense and repeated application

tat: their [these distractions and their accompaniments]

pratiṣedha: repel, eliminate, negate

artham: for the sake of

eka: one, single

tattva: object

abhyāsaḥ: practice

1.33

मैत्रीकरुणामुदितोपेक्षणां सुखदुःखपुण्यापुण्यविषयाणां भावनातश्चित्तप्रसादनम्॥३३॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

maitrī karuṇā muditā upekṣaṇam sukha duḥkha puṇya apuṇya viṣayāṇāṁ bhāvanātaḥ cittaprasādanam

Through cultivation of friendliness, compassion, joy, and indifference to pleasure and pain, virtue and vice respectively, the consciousness becomes favourably disposed, serene and benevolent.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

maitrī-karuṇā-muditopekṣāṇām sukha-duḥkha-puṇyāpuṇya-viṣayāṇām bhāvanātaś citta-prasādanam

Friendliness, compassion, goodwill, and indifference are the four attitudes of mind that must be cultivated in relation to the happy, the suffering, the virtuous, and those performing misaligned actions. Such attitudes will calm the mind and clear the citta.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

maitrī-karuṇā-muditopekṣāṇāṁ sukha-duḥkha-puṇyāpuṇya-viṣayāṇāṁ bhāvanātaś citta-prasādanam

By cultivating an attitude of friendship toward those who are happy, compassion toward those in distress, joy toward those who are virtuous, and equanimity toward those who are nonvirtuous, lucidity arises in the mind.

maitrī:

karuṇā:

muditā:

upekṣaṇam:

sukha:

duḥkha:

puṇya:

apuṇya:

viṣayāṇāṁ:

bhāvanātaḥ:

cittaprasādanam:

maitrī: friendliness

karuṇā: compassion

muditā: gladness, goodwill

upekṣā: indifference, disregard

sukha: happiness, joy

duḥkha: pain, sorrow

puṇya: meritorious, virtue

apuṇya: demeritorious, vice

viṣaya: object

bhāvanātas: by cultivating, by projecting the attitude of

citta: consciousness, mind

prasādana: clarification, purification, pacification

maitrī: friendship

karuṇā: compassion

muditā: joy

upekṣāṇām: equanimity

sukha: happiness

duḥkha: suffering

puṇya: virtue

apuṇya: vice

viṣayāṇām: toward objects

bhāvanātaḥ: from the mind-set or attitude

citta: mind

prasādanam: lucidity

1.34

प्रच्छर्दनविधारणाभ्यां वा प्राणस्य॥३४॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

pracchardana vidhāraṇābhyāṁ vā prāṇasya

Or, by maintaining the pensive state felt at the time of soft and steady exhalation and during passive retention after exhalation.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

pracchardana-vidhāraṇābhyām vā prāṇasya

The mind is also said to be calmed by steady exhalation and retention of breath.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

pracchardana-vidhāraṇābhyām vā prāṇasya

Or [stability of mind is gained] by exhaling and retaining the breath.

pracchardana: emitting, sending forth, discharing, expelling, exhalation

vidhāraṇābhyāṁ: restraining, maintaining, supporting, executing

vā: or, an option, also the power of choosing correctly, selection, alternatively

prāṇasya: of breath

pracchardana: by rejection, expiration, exhalation through the nostrils

vidhāraṇa: retention, holding, expansion

vā: or

prāṇa: life force energy

pracchardana: by exhaling

vidhāraṇābhyām: by retention

vā: or

prāṇasya: of the breath

1.35

विषयवती वा प्रवृत्तिरुत्पन्ना मनसः स्थितिनिबन्धिनी॥३५॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

viṣayavatī vā pravṛttiḥ utpannā manasaḥ sthiti nibandhanī

Or, by contemplating an object that helps to maintain steadiness of mind and consciousness.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

viṣayavatī vā pravṛttir utpannā manasaḥ sthiti-nibandhanī

Or stability of mind comes into being through the higher perception of the objects (of the senses).

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

viṣayavatī vā pravṛttir utpannā manasaḥ sthiti-nibandhanī

Or else, focus on a sense object arises, and this causes steadiness of the mind.

viṣayavatī: related to, attached to object, that which is perceived

vā: or

pravṛttiḥ: moving onwards, advancing, progressing, contemplating, devoting, applying

utpannā: born, produced, acquired, accomplished

manasaḥ: mind

sthiti: state

nibandhanī: origin, basis, foundation, binding together

viṣayavatī: relating to the objects of the senses (object-centered)

vā: or

pravṛtti: activity, engagement

utpanna: arisen

manas: mind

sthiti: steadiness

nibandhanin: holding

viṣayavatī: containing a sense object

vā: or

pravṛttiḥ: activity, inclination

utpannā: arises

manasaḥ: of the mind

sthiti-nibandhanī: causing steadiness

1.36

विशोका वा ज्योतिष्मती॥३६॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

viśokā vā jyotiṣmatī

Or, inner stability is gained by contemplating a luminous, sorrowless, effulgent light.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

viśokā vā jyotiṣmatī

Or calmness is attained by the meditation on the effulgent inner light, the sorrowless light of the heart.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

viśokā vā jyotiṣmatī

Or [steadiness of mind is gained when] the mind is pain free and luminous.

viśokā: free from grief, sorrowless effulgent light

vā: or

jyotiṣmatī: luminous, bright, shining, possessed of luminous bodies, a tranquil state of mind

viśokā: elimination of and freedom from misery, sorrowlessness

vā: or

jyotiṣmatī: luminosity, inner light, supreme or divine light

viśokā: painless

vā: or

jyotiṣmatī: effulgent, luminous

1.37

वीतरागविषयं वा चित्तम्॥३७॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

vītarāga viṣayaṁ vā cittam

Or, by contemplating on enlightened sages who are free from desires and attachments, calm and tranquil, or by contemplating divine objects.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

vīta-rāga-viṣayam vā cittam

Or contemplation on a divine being who has transcended the pairs of opposites will bring the mind of the seeker to stability and calm.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

vīta-rāga-viṣayam vā cittam

Or [the mind becomes steady when it has] one who is free from desire as its object.

vīta: devoid of, free from, devoid of, free from

rāga: desire, passion, love, affection

viṣayaṁ: an object

vā: or

cittam: consciousness

vīta: without, devoid of

rāga: attachment, desire

viṣaya: object

vā: or (this implies that there are different options available for calming the mind.)

citta: consciousness

vīta: without

rāga: desire

viṣayam: object

vā: or

cittam: mind

1.38

स्वप्ननिद्राज्ञानालम्बनं वा॥३८॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

svapna nidrā jñāna ālambanaṁ vā

Or, by recollecting and contemplating the experiences of dream-filled or dreamless sleep during a watchful, waking state.

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

svapna-nidrā-jñānālambanam vā

Or the mind will be calmed by contemplating the wisdom and images arising from the dream-state.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

svapna-nidrā-jñānālambanaṁ vā

Or [the mind can become steady when it has] the knowledge attained from dreams and sleep as its support.

svapna: dream state, a state of delusion

nidrā: sleep state

jñāna: wakeful state, awareness, intelligent state

ālambanaṁ: support, base, dependence or resting upon, assistance, help, distinguishing the gross from the eternal

vā: or

svapna: dream

nidrā: sleep

jñāna: knowledge (of a higher spiritual nature), insight

ālambana: support (here, a support for meditation)

vā: or

svapna: dream

nidrā: sleep

jñāna: knowledge

ālambanaṁ: support

vā: or

1.39

यथाभिमतध्यानाद्व॥३९॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

yathābhimata dhyānāt vā

Or, by meditating on any desired object conducive to steadiness of consciousness

The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Beschgaard

yathābhimata-dhyānād vā

Or by meditating on anything that appeals to the practitioner.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

yathābhimata-dhyānād vā

Or [steadiness of the mind is attained] from meditation upon anything of one's inclination.

yathābhimata: that which is desirable, a selected thing, a pleasing thing, according to one's wish or taste

dhyānāt: by meditation

vā: or

yathā: as, according to, whatever

abhimata: desired thought

dhyāna: meditation

vā: or

yathā: according to

abhimata: that which is agreeable

dhyānāt: from meditation

vā: or

2.1

तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः॥१॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

tapaḥ svādhyāya Īśvarapraṇidhānāni kiryāyogaḥ

Burning zeal in practice, self-study and study of scriptures, and surrender to God are the acts of yoga.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

tapaḥ-svādhyāyes'vara-praṇidhānāni kiryā-yogaḥ

Kriyā-yoga, the path of action, consists of self-discipline, study, and dedication to the Lord.

tapaḥ: heat, burning, shining, ascetic devotion, a burning desire to reach perfection, that which burns all impurities, self-discipline

svādhyāya: self-study, reflection of one's own self, understanding one-self from the outer sheath, the body, inwards towards the inner self

Īśvara: God, Lord of all

praṇidhānāni: laying on, imposing, turning on, directing upon, profound religious meditation, surrender

kiryāyogaḥ: yoga of action

tapaḥ: austerity, self-discipline

svādhyāya: study/recitation

Īśvara: the Lord

praṇidhānāni: submission to

kiryā: action

yogaḥ: yoga

2.29

यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारणाध्यानसमाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि॥२९॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

yama niyama āsana prāṇāyāma pratyāhāra dhāraṇa dhyāna samādhyaḥ aṣṭau aṅgāni

Moral injunctions (yama), fixed observances (niyama), posture (āsana), regulation of breath (prāṇāyāma), internalization of the senses towards their source (pratyāhāra), concentration (dhāraṇā), meditation (dhyāna) and absorption of consciousness in the self (samādhi), are the eight constituents of yoga.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

yama-niyamāsana-prāṇāyāma-pratyāhāra-dhāraṇa-dhyāna-samādhayo 'ṣṭāv aṅgāni

The eight limbs are abstentions, observances, posture, breath control, disengagement of the senses, concentration, meditation, and absorption.

yama: self-restraint, vows of abstention, control

niyama: fixed observance, fixed rules, precepts, established order, law

āsana: sitting in various postures, seat in general, a posture

prāṇāyāma: regulation of breath, restraint of breath

pratyāhāra: retreat, withdrawal of the senses

dhāraṇa: the act of concentration, act of holding, keeping the mind collected

dhyāna: meditation, contemplation, reflection, attention

samādhyaḥ: putting together, collection, composition, profound meditation, absorption, superconsciousness

aṣṭau: eight

aṅgāni: constituent parts, members or divisions, limbs

yama:

niyama:

āsana:

prāṇāyāma:

pratyāhāra:

dhāraṇa:

dhyāna:

samādhayaḥ:

aṣṭāu:

aṅgāni:

2.30

अहिंसासत्यास्तेयब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहा यमाः॥३०॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

ahiṁsā satya asteya brahmacarya aparigrahāḥ yamāḥ

Non-violence, truth, abstention from stealing, continence, and absence of greed for possessions beyond one's need are the five pillars of yama.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

ahiṁsā-satyāsteya-brahmacaryāparigrahā yamāḥ

The yamas are nonviolence, truthfulness, refrainment from stealing, celibacy, and renunciation of [unnecessary] possessions.

ahiṁsā: harmlessness, non-violence

satya: real, genuine, honest, virtuous, truthful

asteya: non-stealing, non-misappropriating

brahmacarya: continence, chastity, religious studentship

aparigrahāḥ: without possessions, without belongings, non-acceptance of gifts

yamāḥ: self-restraint

ahiṁsā: nonviolence

satya: truthfulness

asteya: refraining from stealing

brahmacarya: celibacy

aparigrahāḥ: refrainment from acquisition or coveting

yamāḥ: the abstentions

2.31

जातिदेशकालसमयानवच्छिन्नाः सार्वभौमा महाव्रतम्॥३१॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

jāti deśa kāla samaya anavacchinnāḥ sārvabhaumāḥ mahāvratam

Yamas are the great, mighty, universal vows, unconditioned by place, time and class.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

jāti-deśa-kāla-samayānavacchinnāḥ sārva-bhaumā mahā-vratam

[These yamas] are considered the great vow. They are not exempted by one's class, place, time, or circumstance. They are universal.

jāti: class of birth, type of birth, rank, lineage

deśa: place, spot, country

kāla: time

samaya: condition, circumstance

anavacchinnāḥ: not limited, not bound

sārvabhaumāḥ: relating to or consisting of the whole world, universal

mahāvratam: mighty vow, great obligation

jāti: class, caste, occupation

deśa: place, country of origin

kāla: time

samaya: circumstance

anavacchinnāḥ: unconditioned, unlimited by

sārva: every

bhaumāḥ: place on earth

mahā-vratam: great vow

2.32

शौचसंतोषतपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः॥३२॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

śauca saṅtoṣa tapaḥ svādhyāya Īśvarapraṇidhānāni niyamāḥ

Cleanliness, contentment, religious zeal, self-study and surrender of the self to the supreme Self or God are the niyamas.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

śauca-santoṣa-tapaḥ-svādhyāyeśvara-praṇidhānāni niyamāḥ

The observances are cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study [of scripture], and devotion to God.

śauca: cleanliness, purity

saṅtoṣa: contentment

tapaḥ: religious fervour, a burning desire

svādhyāya: study which leads to the knowledge of the self

Īśvarapraṇidhānāni: resignation to God, surrender to God (pra=fullness; ni=under, dhāna=placement), making God the target of concentration

niyamāḥ: established observance

śauca: cleanliness

santoṣa: contentment

tapaḥ: austerity

svādhyāya: study [of the scriptures]

Īśvara: God, the Lord

praṇidhānāni: devotion to

niyamāḥ: observances

2.33

वितर्कबाधने प्रतिपक्षभावनम्॥३३॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

vitarkabādhane pratipakṣabhāvanam

Principles which run contrary to yama and niyama are to be countered with the knowledge of discrimination.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

vitarka-bādhane pratipakṣa-bhāvanam

Upon being harassed by negative thoughts, one should cultivate counteracting thoughts.

vitarka: questionable or dubious matter, doubt, uncertainty, supposition

bādhane: pain, suffering, grief, obstruction, obstacles

pratipakṣa: the opposite side, to the contrary

bhāvanam: affecting, creating, promoting, manifesting, feeling

vitarka: negative thoughts

bādhane: on the harassing of

pratipakṣa: the opposite

bhāvanam: cultivation

2.34

वितर्का हिंसादयः कृतकारितानुमोदिता लोभक्रोधमोहपूर्वका मृदुमध्याधिमात्रा दुःखाज्ञानानन्तफला इति प्रतिपक्षभावनम्॥३४॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

vitarkaḥ hiṁsādayaḥ kṛta kārita anumoditāḥ lobha krodha moha pūrvakaḥ mṛdu madhya adhimātraḥ duḥkha ajñāna anantaphalāḥ iti pratipakṣabhāvanam

Uncertain knowledge giving rise to violence, whether done directly or indirectly, or condoned, is caused by greed, anger or delusion in mild, moderate or intense degree. It results in endless pain and ignorance. Through introspection comes the end of pain and ignorance.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

vitarkā hiṁsādayaḥ kṛta-kāritānumoditā lobha-krodha-moha-pūrvakā mṛdu-madhyādhi-mātrā duḥkhājñānānanta-phalā iti pratipakṣa-bhāvanam

Negative thoughts are violence, etc. They may be [personally] performed, performed on one's behalf by another, or authorized by oneself; they may be triggered by greed, anger, or delusion; and they may be slight, moderate, or extreme in intensity. One should cultivate counteracting thoughts, namely, that the end results [of negative thoughts] are ongoing suffering and ignorance.

vitarkaḥ: dubious knowledge

hiṁsa: of violence, injuries

ādayaḥ: and so forth

kṛta: done

kārita: caused to be done, induced, aroused

anumoditāḥ: abetted, permitted to be done

lobha: desire, greed

krodha: anger

moha: delusion, infatuation

pūrvakaḥ: preceded by, caused by

mṛdu: mild, slight

madhya: moderate, medium

adhimātraḥ: intense, sharp

duḥkha: pain, sorrow, grief

ajñāna: ignorance

ananta: endless, infinite

phalāḥ: fruit, result

iti: thus

pratipakṣa: contrary thoughts

bhāvanam: feeling, resting place

vitarkā: negative or perverse thoughts

hiṁsa: violence

ādayaḥ: etc.

kṛta: performed

kārita: caused to be done

ānumoditāḥ: allowed

lobha: greed

krodha: anger

moha: illusion

pūrvakāḥ: preceded by

mṛdu: slight

madhya: medium

adhi-mātrāḥ: intense

duḥkha: suffering

ajñāna: ignorance

ananta: never-ending

phalāḥ: end results

iti: thus

pratipakṣa: the opposite

bhāvanam: cultivation

2.35

अहिंसाप्रतिष्ठायां तत्सन्निधौ वैरत्यागः॥३५॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

ahiṁsāpratiṣṭhāyāṁ tatsannidhau vairatyāgaḥ

When non-violence in speech, thought and action is established, one's aggressive nature is relinquished and others abandon hostility in one's presence.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

ahiṁsā-pratiṣṭhāyām tat-sannidhau vaira-tyāgaḥ

In the presence of one who is established in nonviolence, enmity is abandoned.

ahiṁsā: non-violence, harmlessness, non-injury

pratiṣṭhāyāṁ: standing firmly, firmly established

tat: his

sannidhau: presence, vicinity

vaira: animosity, hostility

tyāgaḥ: forsaking, abandoning, deserting

ahiṁsā: nonviolence

pratiṣṭhāyām: upon the establishment

tat: his

sannidhau: in the presence

vaira: enmity

tyāgaḥ: giving up of

2.36

सत्यप्रतिष्ठायां क्रियाफलाश्रयत्वम्॥३६॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

satyapratiṣṭhāyāṁ kriyāphalāśrayatvam

When the sādhaka is firmly established in the practice of truth, his words become so potent that whatever he says comes to realization.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

satya-pratiṣṭhāyāṁ kriyā-phalāśrayatvam

When one is established in truthfulness, one ensures the fruition of actions.

satya: truth, sincerity, genuineness, honesty

pratiṣṭhāyāṁ: firmly established

kriyā: action

phalāḥ: results

āśrayatvam: substratum, foundation, dependence

satya: truth

pratiṣṭhāyāṁ: upon the establishment of

kriyā: activity, work

phala: fruits

āśrayatvam: the nature of being a support or basis

2.37

अस्तेयप्रतिष्ठायां सर्वरत्नोपस्थानम्॥३७॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

asteyapratiṣṭhāyāṁ sarvaratnopasthānam

When abstention from stealing is firmly established, precious jewels come.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

asteya-pratiṣṭhāyāṁ sarva-ratnopasthānam

When one is established in refrainment from stealing, all jewels manifest.

asteya: non-stealing, non-misappropriation, desirelessness, non-covetousness

pratiṣṭhāyāṁ: well established

sarva: all

ratna: gems, precious things

upasthānam: approaching, coming up

asteya: refrainment from stealing

pratiṣṭhāyāṁ: upon the establishment of

sarva: all

ratna: jewels

upasthānam: approach, come into the presence of

2.38

ब्रह्मचर्यप्रतिष्ठायां वीर्यलाभः॥३८॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

brahmacaryapratiṣṭhāyāṁ vīryalābhaḥ

When the sādhaka is firmly established in continence, knowledge, vigour, valour and energy flow to him.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

brahmacarya-pratiṣṭhāyām vīrya-lābhaḥ

Upon the establishment of celibacy, power is attained.

brahmacarya: continence, chastity

pratiṣṭhāyāṁ: well established

vīrya: energy, vigour, potency, valour

lābhaḥ: gained, obtained, acquired

brahmacarya: celibacy

pratiṣṭhāyām: on the establishment of

vīrya: potency, power

lābhaḥ: the gain

2.39

अपरिग्रहस्थैर्ये जन्मकथंतासंबोधः॥३९॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

aparigrahasthairye janmakathaṁtā saṁbodhaḥ

Knowledge of past and future lives unfolds when one is free from greed of possessions.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

aparigraha-sthairye janma-kathantā-sambodhaḥ

When refrainment from covetousness becomes firmly established, knowledge of the whys and wherefores of births manifests.

aparigraha: without possessions, without belongings, non-acceptance of gifts

sthairye: by becoming steady, stable

janma: birth

kathaṁtā: how, in what way, in what manner, whence

saṁbodhaḥ: knowledge, illusion

aparigraha: refrainment from covetousness

sthairye: on the steadfastness, constancy

janma: birth

kathantā: the howness

sambodhaḥ: knowledge

2.40

शौचात् स्वाङ्गजुगुप्सा परैरसंसर्गः॥४०॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

śaucāt svāṅgajugupsā paraiḥ asaṁsargaḥ

Cleanliness of body and mind develops disinterest in contact with others for self-gratification.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

śaucāt svāṅga-jugupsā parair asaṁsargaḥ

By cleanliness, one [develops] distaste for one's body and the cessation of contact with others.

śaucāt: by cleanliness, by purity

sva: self

aṅga: limbs, body

jugupsā: censure, dislike, aversion, being on one's guard, abhorrence, disgust

paraiḥ: with others

asaṁsargaḥ: non-contact, non-intercourse

śaucāt: from cleanliness

svāṅga: one's body

jugupsā: distaste

paraiḥ: with others

asaṁsargaḥ: cessation of union, intercourse, or contact

2.41

सत्त्वशुद्धिसौमनस्यैकाग्र्येन्द्रियजयात्मदर्शनयोग्यत्वानि च॥४१॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

sattvaśuddhi saumanasya aikāgrya indriyajaya ātmadarśana yogyatvāni ca

When the body is cleansed, the mind purified and the senses controlled, joyful awareness needed to realize the inner self, also comes.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

sattva-śuddhi-saumanasyaikāgryendriya-jayātma-darśana-yogyatvāni ca

Upon the purification of the mind, [one attains] cheerfulness, one-pointedness, sense control, and fitness to perceive the self.

sattvaśuddhi: purity in the essence of consciousness

sau: cheerful, pleasing, benevolent

manasya: mind

ekāgra: concentration, fixity

indriya: senses of perception and organs of action

jaya: controlled, conquered

ātma: self, soul

darśana: knowledge, vision

yogyatvāni: fitness to see

ca: and also

sattva: the guṇa of sattva

śuddhi: purification

saumanasya: cheerfulness

ekāgrya: one-pointedness

indriya: senses

jaya: control

ātma: self

darśana: direct seeing

yogyatvāni: qualification, fitness

ca: and

2.42

संतोषादनुत्तमसुखलाभः॥४२॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

saṅtoṣāt anuttamaḥ sukhalābhaḥ

From contentment and benevolence of consciousness comes supreme happiness.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

saṅtoṣād anuttamaḥ sukha-lābhaḥ

From contentment, the highest happiness is attained.

saṅtosāt: from contentment

anuttamaḥ: unexcelled, unsurpassed, supreme, excellent

sukha: delight, happiness

lābhaḥ: gain

saṅtoṣāt: from contentment

anuttamaḥ: the highest

sukha: happiness

lābhaḥ: the attainment

2.43

कायेन्द्रियसिद्धिरशुद्धिक्षयात्तपसः॥४३॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

kāya indriya siddhiḥ aśuddhikṣayāt tapasaḥ

Self-discipline (tapas) burns away impurities and kindles the sparks of divinity.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

kāyendriya-siddhir aśuddhi-kṣayāt tapasaḥ

From austerity, on account of the removal of impurities, the perfection of the senses and body manifests.

kāya: body

indriya: senses

siddhiḥ: attainment, power

aśuddhi: impurities

kṣayāt: destruction

tapasaḥ: ascetic devotion, a burning desire to reach perfection, that which burns all impurities, self-discipline

kāya: the body

indriya: senses

siddhiḥ: perfection

aśuddhi: impurities

kṣayāt: from the removal

tapasaḥ: from austerity

2.44

स्वाध्यायादिष्टदेवतासंप्रयोगः॥४४॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

svādhyāyāt iṣṭadevatā saṁprayogaḥ

Self-study leads towards the realization of God or communion with one's desired deity.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

svādhyāyād iṣṭa-devatā-samprayogaḥ

From study [of scripture], a connection with one's deity of choice is established.

svādhyāyāt: by study which leads to the knowledge of the Self, Self-study or reading the scriptures

iṣṭadevatā: the desired deity

saṁprayogaḥ: union, communion, coming in contact with the divine

svādhyāyāt: study of scripture

iṣṭa: desired, preferred

devatā: with the deity

samprayogaḥ: connection

2.45

समाधिसिद्धिरीश्वरप्रणिधानात्॥४५॥

Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by B.K.S. Iyengar

samādhisiddhiḥ Īśvarapraṇidhānāt

Surrender to God brings perfection in samādhi.

The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin Bryant

samādhi-siddhir Īśvara-praṇidhānāt

From submission to God comes the perfection of samādhi.

samādhi: absorption, profound meditation, superconsciousness

siddhiḥ: accomplishment, success

Īśvara: God

praṇidhānāt: by surrender, by resignation, by application

samādhi: ultimate meditative state

siddhiḥ: perfection

Īśvara: the Lord, God

praṇidhānāt: from submission, surrender