We will focus on the essence of Yoga, which can be found in the first 4 sutra’s of Patanjali’s writings on Yoga:

1. अथ योगानुशासनम् (Atha yoga-anuśāsanam)

Translation: Now, the discipline of yoga begins.

• Atha (अथ):
  The word atha is often used in Sanskrit to denote an auspicious beginning. It signifies readiness and a moment of transition. In this context, it implies that the student has reached a stage where they are prepared to embark on the path of yoga, having cultivated the necessary maturity and commitment. So you have heard the calling from beyond and understand you are ready to receive teachings.
• Yoga (योग):
  Derived from the root yuj, meaning “to yoke” or “to unite,” yoga signifies the union of the individual self (jivatman) with the universal self (paramatman). It also represents the discipline that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. Yoga to be performed needs commitment like internal motivation, persistence not to give up or become sloppy and awareness, being centred in what is and is to come.
• Anuśāsanam (अनुशासनम्):
  This word can be translated as “teaching” or “discipline.” It indicates that the teachings of yoga are systematic and rooted in tradition. It also emphasizes the disciplined effort required to follow this path. You clearly will develop willpower as well as insignt via the yoga path. That is, if you understand yoga is not the same as gym. All asanas for instance are invitations to learn to be present in the Here and Now.

It is all about a structured and disciplined exploration of yoga:
This sutra serves as the opening declaration, marking the beginning of a structured and disciplined exploration of yoga. It invites the student to step into the teachings with an open and focused mind, ready to absorb the wisdom and practices outlined by Patanjali. The word now suggests a ripeness in the seeker’s journey, where past preparation culminates in readiness for yoga.

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2. योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः (Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ)

Translation: Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

• Yoga (योग):
  In this sutra, yoga is defined as a state rather than a practice. It is the stilling of the mind that leads to self-realization and liberation. Yoga is even not a state, that seems static, but s a dynamic happening enfolding in the here and now in full awareness/presence. It is always a flow of being without identifications.
• Citta (चित्त):
  Citta refers to the mind-stuff or consciousness, encompassing thought, memory, perception, and based on the rising of the ego. It is the instrument through which we experience the world and ourselves.
• Vṛtti (वृत्ति):
  Vṛtti means modifications, fluctuations, or patterns. These are the mental activities or waves that constantly arise in the mind, such as thoughts, emotions, and imaginations. This is the result of our brain’s default network, you can welcome these actions but in yoga do not follow them or feed them.
• Nirodhaḥ (निरोधः):
  Nirodhaḥ means cessation, restraint, or control. It implies bringing these mental activities to a state of stillness or equanimity. That can be done by watching.

Expanded Meaning:
This sutra defines yoga in its essence: as the ability to quiet the mind. The goal is to transcend the constant chatter and disturbances of the mind to reach a state of clarity and peace. By restraining the fluctuations, one uncovers the still and unchanging core of consciousness. This sutra encapsulates the entire philosophy and aim of yoga.

3. तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम् (Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam)

Translation: Then, the seer rests in its true nature.

• Tadā (तदा):
  This word means “then,” indicating the result of the practice mentioned in the previous sutra. When the mental fluctuations are stilled, something profound occurs.
• Draṣṭuḥ (द्रष्टुः):
  Draṣṭuḥ means “the seer” or “the observer.” It refers to the true self or the pure consciousness (purusha) that witnesses all experiences.
• Svarūpa (स्वरूप):
  Svarūpa translates to “one’s own form” or “true nature.” It signifies the pure essence of the self, untainted by thoughts or external identifications. This is at the end the clear pure light you can witness if you go forth on the path of inner light Yoga, you will see that clear light which is your essence.
• Avasthānam (अवस्थानम्):
  Avasthānam means “abiding” or “remaining.” It describes a state of being rooted in one’s essential nature. In stead of wavering and being all over the place in thoughts and emotion identifications, you are the quite witness of all.

State of self-realization:
When the mind becomes still, the individual no longer identifies with the mind’s fluctuations but rests in their true, unchanging nature. This is the state of self-realization, where the seer (draṣṭuḥ) recognizes itself as pure consciousness, free from the illusions and distortions created by the mind. It is the ultimate goal of yoga.

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4. वृत्तिसारूप्यमितरत्र (Vṛtti-sārūpyam itaratra)

Translation: At other times, the seer identifies with the fluctuations of the mind.

• Vṛtti (वृत्ति):
  As in the second sutra, vṛtti refers to the mental fluctuations or modifications.
• Sārūpyam (सारूप्यम्):
  Sārūpyam means “identification” or “conformity.” It describes the state where the self mistakenly identifies with the patterns and activities of the mind.
• Itaratra (इतरत्र):
  This word means “at other times” or “otherwise,” referring to moments when the mind is not stilled.

Expanded Meaning:
In the absence of yoga—when the mind is not quiet—the seer (the true self) becomes entangled in the fluctuations of the mind. Thoughts, emotions, and perceptions are mistakenly seen as one’s identity, leading to confusion and suffering. This sutra highlights the default state of most individuals, where the self is obscured by the ever-changing mind. Yoga offers a path to transcend this state and return to one’s essence.

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Foundation for the entire philosophy of the Yoga Sutras.onclusion

These four sutras lay the foundation for the entire philosophy of the Yoga Sutras. They define yoga as a practice and a state of being, describe the goal of self-realization, and contrast it with the common condition of identifying with the mind. Together, they create a roadmap for spiritual liberation, guiding practitioners toward clarity, peace, and their true nature.

At the end when you understand Yoga and it is part of your existence you will acquire the superpowers of a Yogi, but these are so different as all people on Youtube tell you…