Patañjali is Ptah + Añjali, and Ptah means “the opener” or “mouth” (having to do with the outpouring of a river) and Añjali means “divine offering.” It should also be noted that the etymology of open reveals its meaning as “not closed down, raised up” and “uncovered, bare, plain, evident”, so Ptahñjali (or Patañjali) may be interpreted as “he who uncovers the divine offering and makes it evident” OR “the mouth of the river from which pours divine offering.” That said, the yoga sūtras of Patañjali is ancient wisdom passed along through the ages, and has survived so that we may put it to practical use in living the highest quality life possible.
When it comes to KNOWING THYSELF, this chapter, Samādhi Pāda, is essential because it lets us know all we need to know regarding the mind and its relationship to the body, AND how we perceive reality, both of which encompass our WHOLE EXPERIENCE. Click on the image to the left to see all 51 sūtras of Samādhipādaḥ, and to access an audio recording to hear the sūtras being chanted.
When it comes to KNOWING THYSELF, this chapter, Samādhi Pāda, is essential because it lets us know all we need to know regarding the mind and its relationship to the body, AND how we perceive reality, both of which encompass our WHOLE EXPERIENCE. Click on the image to the left to see all 51 sūtras of Samādhipādaḥ, and to access an audio recording to hear the sūtras being chanted.
This PRAISE TO PATAÑJALI is a chant recited in appreciation to the divine wisdom we receive from Patañjali’s practical and philosophical body of work that gives supreme guidance to WHOLE LIFE IMPROVEMENT.
The Gāyatrī Mantraḥ, which can be found in the taittirīhopaniṣat (4.41.26), praises the Sun in a FEMININE FORM. In this mantra, we are asking for the darkness of our ignorance to be dispelled and to be supplied with strength and clarity so that we may find our way along the journey of Life toward the expression of our full spiritual potentiality. Generally, the gāyatrī mantraḥ may be taken to mean May the Most High impregnate our intellects with spiritual wisdom and inspire us ALL to advance heavenward. A more detailed, word-for-word, breakdown is offered when you click on mantra image to the left.
The Laghunyāsaḥ Mantraḥ, which can be found in the taittiriya brahmana, kathaka (10.3.8), asks for the human system to be nourished by the various elements of nature. This chant is often recited by those who are ill, or for the benefit of such, as well as those who aim to optimize their health.
