Philosophy of Yoga (Patanjali) versus Vedanta (Bhagavad Gita)
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Bhagavad Gita
Understanding Hindu philosophy requires a clear distinction between the various schools of thought, or Darshanas. While many in the West equate "Yoga" solely with the physical practices of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita introduces a broader Vedantic perspective.
This analysis, led by Pedro Nonell, explores the unique synergy and fundamental differences between these systems. We examine how Patanjali’s scientific focus on mind control compares to the Gita's flexible, four-fold path to liberation (Moksha), and how both are rooted in the dualistic Sankhya philosophy yet diverge on the nature of the Supreme Reality.
The six Darshanas of Sanatana Dharma
The ancient Hindu philosophical system is divided into six schools called “Shad-Darshanas":
- Vedanta (Veda Vyasa, the essence of which is the Bhagavad Gita)
- Philosophy of Yoga (Yoga Sutras of )
- Sankhya Philosophy (Kapila)
- Mimansa (Jaimini)
- Nyaya (Gotama)
- Vaisheshika (Kanada)
These six Darshanas are usually grouped into three pairs based on their similarities:
- Mimansa and Vedanta
- Sankhya and the Philosophy of Yoga
- Niaia and Vaisesika
In India, the most important is, and has been for centuries, Vedanta. Many Hindu philosophies or religions are based on Vedanta. However, to the West the best known is Patanjali's Philosophy of Yoga, especially since Swami Vivekananda introduced it to the West at the end of the 19th century
These six Darshanas generally address some, or all, the following four topics:
- Existence and nature of Brahman (God, Sat-Chit-Ananda, or whatever you want to call it)
- Nature of the Atman (Jiva) or individual soul (Self-knowledge)
- Creation of the Jagat (universe)
- Moksha or liberation from the cycle of Samsara (births and deaths) and the disciplines and paths of yoga that lead to it
Comparison: Vedanta (Bhagavad Gita) vs. Philosophy of Yoga (Patanjali)
Patanjali's Yoga system is based on achieving liberation through advanced stages of meditation (Dhyana Yoga)
The Bhagavad Gita, as the essence of Vedanta, define four Paths or yogas to achieve Moksha:
- Karma Yoga (Selfless Action to purify the mind, similar to Kriya Yoga)
- Dhyana Yoga (Meditation).
- Raja Yoga includes Dhyana
- Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)
- Jnana Yoga (Knowledge)
As we see, Patanjali marks a single (scientist) path to liberation, through mind control based on meditation. The Bhagavad Gita offers these four main paths, each seeker, depending on their profile, can choose one path or another, or a mixture of both.
And this is another difference between the two. Patanjali defines a single path, while the Bhagavad Gita defines four, thus reaffirming its harmonizing and flexible character that has always characterized it.
Religious Tolerance and the Harmonizing Nature of the Gita
“Sri Krishna: Whatever way men come to Me, I surrender to them. In every way, O Partha, the path that men follow is Mine.” Bhagavad Gita 4.11
"Any path” must be understood as “any religion”, affirming the principle of harmony between religions in Hinduism, whose most important prophet will be (“So many paths, so many religions”) in fact Ramakrishna stated that the different Hindu schools that they were valid.
Furthermore, this principle had already been announced in the Rig Veda:
“The Truth is only one, the wise call it differently”
The Role of Sankhya Philosophy in Both Systems
And it is important not to forget that Kapila's Sankhya philosophy is common to both, although slightly adapted, both in the Yoga Sutras and in the Bhagavad Gita (in fact Chapter 2 is called Sankhya Yoga). However, this common basis based on Sankhya also makes a fundamental difference.
Patanjali's system is based on the existence of many Purushas (individual Atmans), while Vedanta believes in a single Purusha (Purushottama or Supreme Purusha) who takes form as individual Atmans (Jivas). In verse 7 of Chapter 15, this is how we see it:
“Sri Krishna: Actually, a part of Myself has been the eternal Jiva in this World of life (of the Jivas), and attracts the mind and the five senses from their place in Prakriti.” Bhagavad Gita 15.7
In Shlokas (Verses) 17, 18 and 19 we find Purushottama (Supreme Person):
“Sri Krishna: The Supreme Person is surely another: called Paramatman, who is the imperishable Ishvara that pervades and sustains the three worlds.
I am known in the world and in the
Vedas as Purushottama (Supreme Person) because I transcend Kshara (perishable) and I am also superior to Akshara
(imperishable).
Whoever without lying knows Me as Purushottama knows everything, worships Me with all his heart, O Bharata.”
As we see, the concept of Ishvara, although with nuances, is common in both systems.
On the other hand, Sankhya philosophy is considered dualistic, although there are also experts who claim that it is an atheistic system. Swami Vivekananda claimed that the Sankhya did not need any God.
Advaita Vedanta: Moving from Self-Knowledge to the Absolute
In Vedanta, there is both dualistic Dvaita Vedanta and non-dualistic Advaita Vedanta. We could say that in general terms the Bhakti Marga of the Bhagavad Gita is based mainly on the dualistic conception, while the Jnana Marga on the non-dualistic one.
Despite these differences, the goal of Vedanta, as described in the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras (both are Yoga Shastra), is Atman-Jnana, or knowledge of the true Self.
The Bhagavad Gita is Yoga-Shastra
But the Bhagavad Gita takes a very important step further; Once Atman-Jnana has been achieved, proposes to realize Brahma-Jnana, or knowledge of Brahman, mainly through Bhakti or Jnana Yoga.
This knowledge leads to the concept of Advaita Vedanta: All is One. And this difference is fundamental, and what marks the great difference between both systems.
Key Comparisons: Yoga vs. Vedanta
1. The Path to Liberation (Moksha)
Patanjali (Yoga Sutras): Focuses on a single, scientific path. It is a manual for the mind, emphasizing the eight-fold path (Ashtanga) to silence the fluctuations of consciousness.
Bhagavad Gita (Vedanta): Offers four paths (Yogas) tailored to different human temperaments:
- Karma Yoga: The path of action (for the active).
- Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion (for the emotional).
- Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge (for the intellectual).
- Dhyana Yoga: The path of meditation (for the disciplined).
2. The Nature of the Soul (Purusha)
Yoga Sutras: Rooted in classic Sankhya, it believes in plurality—that there are many individual souls (Purushas) achieving isolation from matter.
Bhagavad Gita: While using Sankhya terms, it moves toward Non-dualism (Advaita). It teaches that there is one Supreme Purusha (Purushottama), and all individual souls (Jivas) are eternal parts of that one Divine Essence.
3. The Goal of Knowledge
Yoga Sutras: The goal is Atman-Jnana (Self-Knowledge)—realizing the soul is separate from the mind and body.
Bhagavad Gita: Takes it a step further to Brahman-Jnana. It is not enough to know the "Self"; one must realize that the "Self" and the "Absolute" are one. "All is One."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which school is more popular in India?
Vedanta is the most dominant and influential school in India today. While Patanjali's Yoga is highly respected, most religious and philosophical practices in India are rooted in Vedantic principles.
Did Swami Vivekananda prefer one over the other?
Vivekananda was a master of both. He introduced Raja Yoga (Patanjali) to the West to provide a scientific method for mental discipline, but his core philosophy was Advaita Vedanta, which he saw as the ultimate truth of the unity of all existence.
Is the Bhagavad Gita a religious or a philosophical text?
It is both. As a Yoga Shastra, it provides philosophical maps for life; as a dialogue between Krishna (God) and Arjuna (Man), it is a central scripture for Bhakti (devotion).
Does Patanjali believe in God?
Yes, but with a different emphasis. Patanjali introduces Ishvara as a "special Purusha" who can help the practitioner on their path, but Ishvara is not the creator or the absolute source in the same way Krishna is depicted in the Gita.
Conclusion
The "Philosophy of Yoga" and "Vedanta" are not contradictory; they are complementary stages of spiritual evolution. Patanjali provides the how—the technical discipline to quiet the mind—while the Bhagavad Gita provides the why and the whither—the ultimate realization of our unity with the Absolute.
Whether through the silent meditation of the Sutras or the active devotion of the Gita, both Darshanas point toward the same sun: the liberation of the human spirit.
Filosofía del Yoga (Patanjali) Vedanta (Bhagavad Gita).
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
