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THE FIRST YOGA SUTRA
atha yoga anushasanam
The first yoga sutra, “atha yoga anushasanam,” marks the beginning of one of the most profound spiritual texts in the world – the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This opening sutra is not only significant because it initiates the collection but also because it lays the philosophical foundation for the entire path of yoga.
The Sanskrit word “atha” translates to “now” or “beginning,” while “yoga” means “to yoke” or “union.” “Anushasanam” can be interpreted as “teachings,” “instructions,” or “discipline.” Together, the sutra is often rendered as, “Now begins the instruction on yoga.”
However, its meaning runs far deeper than a simple announcement. In essence, Patanjali is inviting us to ground ourselves in the present moment, to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, and to unite with the life energy that flows within and around us.
The Profound Significance of “Now”
The word “atha” is far more than just an opening word or a temporal marker. It is a profound teaching in itself, encapsulating the essence of yoga philosophy. It signifies that the present moment – the “now” – is the ultimate doorway to self-realization and liberation. Yoga, at its core, is about being fully present, fully connected to the energy of life that is available to us in each moment.
By beginning with “atha,” Patanjali is reminding us that the teachings of yoga are not abstract concepts to be understood intellectually or postponed for the future. The essence of yoga lies in direct experience, here and now. The present moment is the deepest lecture in yoga philosophy because it allows us to step out of the mental chatter of past regrets and future anxieties. In the present, we find clarity, stillness, and connection to our true nature.
The word also carries a subtle implication of readiness. It suggests that we arrive at this moment of beginning not by chance but because we are prepared. The fact that we are seeking the teachings of yoga means we are already aligned with its energy. This readiness may have been cultivated through life experiences, prior practices, or an inner call to seek greater understanding. The sutra, therefore, acknowledges both the urgency of starting now and the inner preparedness that has led us to this point.
The Holistic Nature of Yoga
The first sutra also introduces the concept of “yoga”. While modern interpretations often reduce yoga to physical postures or stress relief, Patanjali’s yoga is far more expansive. It is a holistic path encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Yoga is a process of yoking or uniting – the self with the universal, the mind with the body, and the individual with the collective.
In this first sutra, Patanjali does not define yoga outright. Instead, he invites us to explore its meaning through practice and personal experience as we progress through the sutras. This deliberate omission reflects the essence of yoga itself – it is not something to be intellectually grasped but something to be lived and felt in the immediacy of the present.
A Call to Action
More than a philosophical statement, “atha yoga anushasanam” is a call to action. Patanjali is not merely offering theoretical teachings to be passively read or studied. Instead, he is inviting us to actively apply these teachings to our lives. The sutras are practical tools for transformation, and the first step is to embrace the present moment as the starting point of our journey.
The emphasis on the present moment – on the “now” – is at the heart of yoga philosophy. To practice yoga is to continually return to the present, where we can connect to the flow of life, observe our thoughts without attachment, and cultivate awareness. This return to presence is not a one-time event but a lifelong practice, a constant realignment with the energy of the here and now.
The Energy of Life in the Present Moment
The present moment is where the energy of life resides. It is where transformation happens, where insights arise, and where we meet ourselves fully. By anchoring us in the present, yoga helps us transcend the illusions of time and ego, allowing us to experience unity and harmony. The deeper teaching of “atha yoga anushasanam” is that the present moment contains everything we need for our spiritual evolution. It is both the journey and the destination.
Conclusion
The first yoga sutra, “atha yoga anushasanam,” is a profound opening statement that sets the tone for the entire Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, starting in the only moment that truly exists – the present. The sutra reminds us that the teachings of yoga are not merely intellectual concepts but practical tools for aligning with the flow of life, achieving balance, and uncovering our true nature.
Through this timeless wisdom, Patanjali urges us to embrace the “now,” to trust our readiness, and to begin the journey of yoga with open hearts and minds. For in the present moment, we find the deepest teaching of all – the infinite connection to life itself.
