Ancient Wisdom Series
Patanjali
Yoga & Mental Liberation
- Revered as the father of classical Yoga through his authorship of the Yoga Sūtras
- Systematized the eight-limbed path of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) — now practiced globally as a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline
- Also credited (in later tradition) with contributions to Sanskrit grammar and Ayurveda
- A sage of discipline, clarity, mental mastery, and self-realization — Patanjali shaped how seekers understand and practice liberation
Lineage / Background
origin
Adi Shesha
Mythically said to have been incarnated from the cosmic serpent of Vishnu, descending to Earth in the palms ('pātañjali') of a woman in meditation
His origin is mythic yet grounded, making him accessible to rational minds and spiritual seekers alike
Key Texts Attributed to Patanjali
Yoga Sūtras
His most famous and foundational work. Consists of 196 sutras (aphorisms) across four chapters: Samadhi Pada (meditative absorption), Sadhana Pada (practice), Vibhuti Pada (powers), and Kaivalya Pada (liberation)
Mahabhashya
A grammatical treatise on Panini's Ashtadhyayi (disputed authorship)
Patanjali Tantra / Ayurveda Treatises
Attributed in Tamil Siddha tradition; focus on health and energy (not definitively proven)
Key Teachings and Philosophical Themes
The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)
Yama – Ethical restraints (non-violence, truth, non-stealing...)
Niyama – Personal observances (purity, contentment...)
Asana – Physical postures (only one verse in the Sutras!)
Pranayama – Control of breath/life-force
Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses
Dharana – Concentration
Dhyana – Meditation
Samadhi – Blissful absorption into the Self
Famous Quotes from the Yoga Sūtras
'Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah' – 'Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.'
'Tada drashtuh svarupe avasthanam' – 'Then the seer rests in their own true nature.'
Contributions and Legacy
Systematized Yoga as a philosophical and psychological science, not just a set of postures
Bridged Samkhya metaphysics with practical spiritual techniques
Influenced modern yoga, psychology, mindfulness, and meditative sciences
Respected by both orthodox philosophers and modern scientists for his clarity
Spiritual Symbolism
Represents the disciplined seeker, the observer of the mind, and the architect of inner liberation
His serpent imagery (Adi Shesha) symbolizes kundalini energy, balance, and cosmic wisdom
A timeless reminder that freedom lies within, through practice and awareness
Why is he 16th on the list?
After the luminous female philosophers Gargi and Maitreyi, Patanjali grounds your article in daily spiritual practice
He represents the inner laboratory of liberation — not just thought or devotion, but mindful action
In a modern context, he is perhaps the most globally recognized Rishi, making him essential in bridging ancient and contemporary seekers
Lineage & Timeline
Satya Yuga
~2.16 million years
The first and most virtuous age where dharma stood on all four legs. Many Rishis including Vashishtha and Vishwamitra lived during this time.