Sutras are like precise formulae – unambiguous, highly meaningful, applicable, irrefutable and cannot be understood without a commentary. The Patanjali Yoga Sutra is the oldest known text on the subject of Yoga and is the most renowned among his contributions The text establishes the practice and philosophy of yoga in short pithy and succinct statements known as aphorisms. Patanjali wrote three powerful scriptures to share an ocean of wisdom with mankind.Ī primordial source on Ayurveda about wellness, health and medicine for ailments.Īn elaborate commentary on ‘Ashtadhyayi” ( 8 chapters) – a treatise on every aspect of Samskritam grammar written in the 6th to 5th century BCE by the greatest grammarian Panini, about which linguists & litterateurs marvel the world over, even till today!Ĭompilation and systematisation of innumerable yoga practices that became the foundational text of Yoga practiced for eons. Incredible contribution of Maharishi Patanjali to humanity It is this disciple who later became Sri Govindapada, the Guru of Shri Adi Shankaracharya! It is said that Patanjali himself came as his student centuries later, and using his nail as a pen, blood as the ink, and dry leaves as paper, wrote down the teachings to preserve the knowledge.
Unfortunately, the BrahmaRakshas could not find a qualified student for many years. Since he had not abided by the condition of not getting up during the discourse, Patanjali had to turn him into a BrahmaRakshas – a ghost who has accumulated a lot of knowledge! He would be stuck to a tree but if he found a worthy student to whom he could pass on his learnings, the BrahmaRakshas would be released from the curse and liberated. Patanjali felt compassionate and transmitted all knowledge to him. The young boy returned and begged for forgiveness. Patanjali became sad that all efforts to impart knowledge were wasted. Soon after others became restless and when another student who got tempted out of curiosity lifted the curtain, all 999 disciples were reduced to ashes!The rules for learning were violated. Suddenly a young boy had a strong urge for nature’s call and left the class quietly hoping to return unnoticed. As Patanjali was teaching, each student was amazed they were taught personally and became engrossed in absorbing the knowledge. So a thousand students assembled to the South of Vindhya Mountains. He would teach only from behind a curtain that should not be lifted by anyone.None of the disciples must be distracted or get up while learning.He would not teach to less than 1000 students.Patanjali put 3 conditions for imparting his vast knowledge So Adisesha came down to earth as Patanjali to teach the science of Yoga for physical, emotional, socia, and spiritual wellness of the human community. Legend reveals that he fell into the palms of a pious, wise lady Gaunika who was praying to the Sun deity for a child, as a little snake which turned into a human form. Maharishi Patanjali is seen accompanying the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja at Chidambaram where he served as the Lord’s attendant