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The mention about the term 'Yoga' and yoga practices in various forms are found in several scriptures - Vedas, Gita. Brahmastura, Uttarmimansa, Vaiseshik, philosophy of Kanad, Nyaya of Gautama, Sankhya philosophy of Kapil, Upnishads and others. However, it will not be an exaggeration that it was sage Patanjali who around 200 B.C. was the first to collect, compile, systematize, condense and codify the scattered material on Yoga in 195 aphorisms (Stanzas) in his canonical work "Yoga Sutra". He is as a matter of fact father of systematic yoga. Subsequent developments are all off-shoots. Yoga sutra is in four parts.
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VEDIC STREAM OF YOGA
Samadhi Pada : This part contains 51 sutras (aphorisms) meant for those who have balanced mind. The emphasis is on stopping thought processes by practice and detachment.
"योगश्चित्रवृत्रि निरोध । 12 । ।"
"This is the every definition of Yoga by Patanjali Yoga is slopping of thought process. Instead of stopping the controlling a channelising properly will be better interpretation of the word "fr","
“अभ्यासवैराग्याम्याम् तन्निरोधः । । 12 । । ”
"By practice and detachment, it will be possible to channelise thought processes of mind in right direction."
Sadhna Pad: This section contains 55 stanzas (sutras), prescribing eight sequential steps of yoga for those who are at lower stage in their faculties of mind.
“यमनियमासनप्राणायानप्रत्याहार धारणाध्यानसमाधियोऽष्टावङग्नि । 1 29 ।। "
The eight steps of yoga are Yama (vows), Niyama (Rules), Asanas (Postures), Pranayam (Breathing regulation). Pratyahara (Austerity in activities of five senses), Dharna (Concentration), Dhyan (Contemplation) and Samadhi (Identification).
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