Which is the Golden Sutra?

Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras are a compilation of sutras (aphorisms) about the theory and practice of yoga as a way of life – 195 sutras (according to Vyasa and Krishnamacharya) and 196 sutras (according to other scholars including BKS Iyengar).

One of these is the Golden Sutra.

Which one?

Why?

How?

The first sutra.

Atha Yoga Anushasanam means “now, the practice of yoga begins”

It means, “Now, the teachings of Yoga” ~Yoga Sutras 1.1

Why is this Golden Sutra?

“Now, the practice of yoga begins”

This Sutra stands true for everybody. Irrespective of the age, experience, wisdom, duration of practice or any other qualification, the person who has read and understood this sutra automatically is ready to learn, accept, adapt and live Yoga from this moment.

What is Atha?

NOW

What is Yoga?

UNION

What is Anushasanam?

ANU is an ATOM.

SHASANAM is the DISCIPLINE.

It means that this moment is willing to help you to experience the union of the innermost atom within your core and teach you something extraordinary because you are disciplined enough to stay in this present moment.

Every day, every moment, when you do something new, like when you sit on your mat, or you are contemplating in solitude, or you are working on a project, or you are engaged in a deep conversation with someone… if you are fully conscious and aware of your existence and what you are doing right now, if you are dwelling in this moment, if you are only present here, now within this interaction, then you are bringing new and fresh energy to this interaction. You are beginning a new chapter with this new energy that you are infusing into this interaction. It is only you who understands why this nurturing is important for the interaction. This nourishment that you are providing to this interaction compels the universe to take note of your interaction and manifest what you intend. This is the way of life… keep being here, now and every moment. Be there fully and wholly and execute the will of your soul through the teachings of this Golden Sutra, “Now, the teachings of Yoga: Atha Yoga Anushasanam.”

Let me make it simpler for you…

There are millions of yogis on this planet. There could be billions of yogis in this universe. These are the souls who keep guiding gullible and vulnerable Sadhakas like you and me on how to move ahead in our passage called life. One moves ahead, with the help of adhering to the disciplines of the Laws of nature, the Laws of Karma, the Laws of Mercy, Forgiveness and Compassion.  

Atha is the most auspicious word. It means “now.” It calls our attention to the fact that something very important is about to be taught — right now — not “once upon a time” in the past, or sometime in the future — but now in this present moment.

This is so inviting, because when anyone opens this book and reads that first word, automatically yoga is teaching the most important aspect of life to that person; it’s about them — it has association with the life they are living right at that moment. Atha makes yoga a live form of teaching, not something archaic that was studied by ancients at some point in history, but an invitation to Be Here Now.

The person in question may be the greatest yogi on earth, he may be a simple sadhaka, trying to learn something from its nascent stages or he may be an actor like most of the modern-day mystics and yogis. If this person says that he is teaching you something, just be assured that today he is going to learn something from you. If he has an open mind, is aware and conscious, he will learn something very important, because he will be fully present there in that moment. Being there in the moment is what this sutra is trying to teach us. “Now, the teachings of Yoga”… Atha Yoga Anushasanam.

What can be the Yogic Way to Attain Academic Excellence?
I will answer this question in my next post on this blog. 
Keep reading. Be in touch. Take care.

Lots of Love and Hugs