Early Understandings of Yoga in the Light of Three Aphorisms from the Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali
Early Understandings of Yoga in the Light of Three Aphorisms from the Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali

Summary/Abstract: In this study, I will interpret three sutras from the circa thirdcentury CE Yoga Sutras (YS) of Patañjali, in the light of which I will propose an alternative interpretation of what would have been “mainstream” understandings of yoga from the time of the Upaniðads down through the Tantras. These three sutras (YS 3.26, 38, 39) are found in the vibhuti-pada of the YS, which is nearly entirely devoted to the “extraordinary powers” gained through the practice of sanyama, “perfect discipline.” This discussion, which comprises over one-fourth of the entire work, focuses most particularly on the extraordinary powers in verses 16-53

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