Why doesn’t Patanjali’s yoga begin with the body? The rise of yoga in the West has emphasized the practice of postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama), but it has overlooked its original purpose: training the mind. This principle is fundamental in yoga because, if we cannot recognize our thoughts, the body remains an aimless tool.
The Yoga Sutras offer a different perspective: true transformation begins with the mind. Patanjali asserts that the mind is the bridge between the mortal and the immortal, between the body and the soul, and that to transcend physical limitations, training the mind is essential. This includes understanding how it functions, and its modifications, and learning to guide it with clarity.
The physical aspect of yoga, the asanas, is also essential, but they serve as a tool to achieve that connection with the mind—not as yoga’s ultimate goal.
The Yoga Sutras offer a different perspective: true transformation begins with the mind
Patanjali teaches us that the mind is the key to transformation. There are different forms of knowledge: the one acquired through the senses, the instinctive one, and the intuitive one. Yoga helps us develop the ability to access deeper knowledge through concentration and meditation.
What practices can you follow?
- Observe your thoughts and identify patterns that lead you away from well-being.
- Take time to meditate to direct your attention and cultivate mental clarity.
- Maintain the principle of self-discipline to strengthen willpower and avoid distractions.
Yoga is much more than a physical practice. It is a path of self-knowledge and mental transformation. Mastering the mind is the true goal; only then does the body become a harmonious instrument of that transformation.
