School of thought
Yoga Philosophy
School
Classification
- Period
- c. 150-500 CE
- Regions
- south asia
- Domains
- Philosophy of Mind , Philosophy of Religion
Overview
Yoga Philosophy, systematized by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, defines yoga as 'the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind' (chitta vritti nirodha). Building on Samkhya metaphysics, it adds a practical path of eight limbs — from ethical precepts through meditation to the highest state of absorption (samadhi) — and introduces Ishvara (God) as a special, ever-free consciousness.
Key ideas
- Chitta Vritti Nirodha: Yoga is the stilling of mental fluctuations. When the mind ceases its restless activity, pure consciousness (purusha) is revealed in its own nature.
- Eight Limbs (Ashtanga): The path proceeds through: ethical restraints, observances, posture, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and finally samadhi (absorption).
- Samadhi: The highest state of consciousness — complete absorption in which the distinction between knower, known, and knowing dissolves, revealing the true Self.
Key figures
Patanjali · Vyasa
Methods used
Influenced by
References
- Edwin F. Bryant, The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali (North Point Press, 2009), Introduction
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Patanjali (trans. Edwin Bryant)
- The Yoga Tradition — Georg Feuerstein