patanjalis yoga sutras is in simple terms a guidebook for cultivating a sattvic
them. Yet non-dualism is not in intrinsic part of Yoga Philosophy. Samkhya describes all reality as having two components purusa, or consciousness, and prakriti, matter. Samkhya, being dualistic, states that these components are connected, but separate. In samkhya, as in yoga, the goal is not to dissolve all things into one whole. Instead, emphasis is placed on illuminating the individual parts, and clarifying their relationships. Relationship, as we shall see, is central to Yoga. Purusa is...
the yoga sutras of patanjali 1
Before learning something new, we should always begin by acknowledging and assimilating what we already know. This is ksema, and according to the legendary yogi T. Krishnamacharya, whether it is a new pose, insight, or behavior, all learning is deepened by review and repetition. Previously, we discussed the fundamental nature of reality according to samkhya, the dualistic philosophy darsana linked to Yoga. The first component of this ancient system is purusa, the seer, which is always watching,...