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Maharishi Patanjali, a sage from ancient India, is the father of Yoga. He lived around the 2nd century BCE, and it is believed that he was very influential. He is also the author of the Yoga Sutras, which are the foundation of yoga philosophy and practice. The Yoga Sutras introduced by Maharishi Patanjali include practices through asanas, breath control, and meditation. Read this blog to learn more about “Who Is The Father Of Yoga?”
Contents
The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are 196 short verses, and there are four parts of the text. The table below describes the four chapters:
| Name of The Chapters | Description |
| Samadhi Pada | This is a chapter on contemplation and introduces the basic concepts of Yoga to attain samadhi. |
| Sadhana Pada | This chapter is on the practice of yoga and tells the practitioner about the eight limbs of yoga, which are: ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas), physical postures (Asanas), breath control (Pranayama), sense withdrawal (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), ultimate absorption (Samadhi). |
| Vibhuti Pada | This chapter focuses on the accomplishments that one can achieve through practicing yoga. |
| Kaivalya Pada | This is the final chapter and focuses on the ultimate freedom that one can attain through the practice of Yoga. |
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Patanjali: The Sage Behind Classical Yoga
When we speak of the “Father of Classical Yoga,” Maharishi Patanjali is the name that stands out. He is most renowned for compiling the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that systematized yoga into a coherent philosophy and practice. Though the exact time of his life is debated, scholars estimate he lived between 200 BCE and 400 CE.
The Yoga Sutras
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali consist of 195 short aphorisms divided into four chapters:
- Samadhi Pada – Focuses on the nature and aim of yoga.
- Sadhana Pada – Outlines the practice path, introducing the Ashtanga Yoga (Eightfold Path).
- Vibhuti Pada – Describes the supernatural powers that may arise from deep practice.
- Kaivalya Pada – Deals with liberation and the nature of the self.
These sutras form the philosophical and ethical framework of Raja Yoga (the royal path), emphasizing mental discipline, ethical conduct, meditation, and self-realization. Patanjali did not invent yoga, but he gave it structure, clarity, and codification, making it accessible to future generations.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)
One of Patanjali’s most influential contributions is the Ashtanga Yoga system, which includes:
- Yama – Ethical restraints (e.g., non-violence, truthfulness)
- Niyama – Personal observances (e.g., discipline, contentment)
- Asana – Physical postures
- Pranayama – Breath control
- Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses
- Dharana – Concentration
- Dhyana – Meditation
- Samadhi – Absorption or enlightenment
These eight steps are not just physical practices but a comprehensive lifestyle and spiritual path.
Debates and Mystique
Despite his legendary status, little is known about Patanjali’s life. Some scholars believe the name refers to more than one historical figure, as Patanjali is also credited with important works on Sanskrit grammar (Mahabhashya) and Ayurveda, though it is unclear if all these contributions came from the same person.
He is often depicted in myth as a divine serpent incarnation (an avatar of Adisesha), suggesting his elevated spiritual status in Indian tradition.
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Maharishi Patanjali: Father of Yoga Biography
Below is the biography of Patanjali:
| Patanjali History | Details about him |
| 2nd century BCE to 4th century CE | Patanjali lived during this period |
| Work of Patanjali | Patanjali is credited as the author of the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of classical yoga. |
| Yoga Sutras | The principles and practices of yoga are outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, which offer a spiritual approach. |
| His Influence | Patanjali’s teachings have had a significant influence on the development and understanding of yoga. |
| Popularity | His work is still popular among Yogis worldwide |
| Legacy | Yoga practitioners and those searching for a spiritual path still refer to Patanjali’s writings for guidance. |
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The Contributions Of Patanjali to Yoga
There are a number of contributions that are very vital to the field of yoga, some of them are as follows:
- Yoga Sutra by Patanjali provides a systematic framework for understanding yoga.
- He also introduced the concept of the eight limbs of yoga.
- He explained the idea of vrittis, which are mental modifications, and emphasised the significance of developing a clear, calm mind in order to achieve spiritual realisation.
- Patanjali, through his work, introduced the concept of Samadhi.
- Patanjali defined ethical principles known as Yamas and Niyamas, which act as moral guidelines for yoga practitioners.
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FAQs
Maharishi Patanjali, a sage from ancient India, is the father of yoga due to his foundational text, the Yoga Sutras.
The Yoga Sutras are a collection of principles, practices, and ethical guidelines for yoga, outlining a systematic approach to spiritual realization and self-discovery.
Patanjali introduced the concept of the eight limbs of yoga, defined ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas), and emphasised the importance of mental clarity and spiritual realisation through practices like meditation and Samadhi.
In yogic tradition, Lord Shiva is revered as the Adiyogi, or the first yogi, who is said to have passed on the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis (seven sages).
Patanjali is called the Father of Yoga because his work, the Yoga Sutras, laid the foundation for the classical system of yoga still studied and practised today.
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