The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Explained Simply

Yoga basics 3 illustrations Updated 2 Nov 2026

The Yoga Sutras are a short classical text of 196 terse statements, or sutras, compiled by Patanjali, that lay out the philosophy and practice of yoga. They define what yoga is, explain why the mind gets disturbed, and give a step by step path, the eight limbs, toward a steady and free mind. Most yoga teacher courses in India and abroad include them.

Below is a plain language summary of the four chapters, the definition of yoga by Patanjali, a few key sutras paraphrased in English, and tips for reading the text yourself.

Compiler: Patanjali
Length: 196 sutras (some editions 195)
Chapters: 4 padas
Core teaching: Yoga is stilling the movements of the mind
Practice path: Eight limbs, ashtanga
Also called: Yoga darshan, Patanjali yoga sutra

The four chapters of the Yoga Sutras

Chapter	Sutras	Theme
Samadhi pada	51	What yoga is, the states of the mind, absorption
Sadhana pada	55	Practice, the causes of suffering, the first five limbs
Vibhuti pada	56	Concentration, meditation, absorption and their effects
Kaivalya pada	34	Liberation and the nature of the mind

Yoga sutras in pictures

Reading the Yoga Sutras at a low desk by lamp light in the evening — Level
All levels
Hold
One sutra a day
Works on
Study
Read slowly. Each sutra is only a few words long and was meant to be explained by a teacher.
**Teacher's cue:** Read one line, then sit with it for a minute before moving on.

A figure seated by a still lake, the common image for a calm mind in yoga philosophy — Level
All levels
Hold
Reflection
Works on
Stillness
Commentaries compare the mind to a lake: when its waves settle, you can see clearly to the bottom.
**Teacher's cue:** Notice the gaps between thoughts, however short.

A figure balancing calmly in tree pose by a lake, symbolising practice and non-attachment — Level
Beginner
Hold
5 breaths
Works on
Effort and ease
Two pillars of the Sutras are abhyasa, steady practice, and vairagya, letting go. Balance poses teach both.
**Teacher's cue:** Make the effort steady and the attitude relaxed.

Definition of yoga by Patanjali

The second sutra gives the famous definition: yoga means bringing the mind’s constant churning to rest. The next sutra says that then the seer rests in its own nature. In plain words: when the restless activity of thought calms down, you experience yourself clearly, without the colouring of passing moods. Every practice in the text serves that aim.

Key yoga sutras paraphrased

On practice and letting go: the mind is steadied by consistent practice over a long time and by gradually loosening attachment.
On obstacles: illness, doubt, carelessness, laziness and distraction are named as common obstacles, and steady attention on one point helps overcome them.
On attitudes: meet the happy with friendliness, the suffering with compassion, the good with gladness and the harmful with equanimity.
On posture: the seat should be steady and comfortable.
On causes of suffering: ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion and fear of loss.

These are our own paraphrases; translations differ, and reading two or three versions side by side is helpful.

Patanjali yoga sutras list of practices

The Patanjali yoga sutras list of practices is best known as the eight limbs: ethical rules, personal disciplines, posture, breath, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation and absorption, each explained on the eight limbs guide. The second chapter also teaches kriya yoga, the yoga of action, made of discipline, self study and surrender; see kriya yoga.

How to read the Yoga Sutras

Choose a translation with a clear commentary.
Read one sutra a day, slowly.
Ask how it applies to your life and practice.
Discuss it with a teacher or study group if you can.

Old manuscripts were preserved with commentaries, and the same habit of reading with explanation still works best. Yoga darshan, a common Hindi name, refers to this text as one of India's six classical schools of philosophy.

Patanjali yoga sutras manuscript copies survive in many Indian libraries, usually with commentaries written around the original verses.

Why the Sutras still matter

The Yoga Sutras say almost nothing about specific poses, yet they explain why we practise. A home routine of asanas, breathing and meditation gains depth when you understand the aim behind it.

Practise on an empty stomach, move slowly into each position and stop at any sharp pain. If you have an injury, a health condition or are pregnant, check with a doctor or an experienced teacher first.