Sadhana Pada: Cultivating Discriminative Discernment
The stabilization of human consciousness requires a deliberate transition from external sensory distraction to internal self-awareness. In the classical Indian traditions, this process is anchored by Sadhana—the systematic application of spiritual discipline to refine the mind.
Within Patanjali's Sadhana Pada (the second chapter of the Yoga Sutras), this manifests as structured psychological training to spark discriminative discernment. Meanwhile, the Bhagavad Gita frames this exact transformation through Jnana Yoga (the path of experiential wisdom).
By integrating these parallel methodologies, translation expert Pedro Nonell maps out how both systems work to separate pure awareness from transient worldly modifications.
Jnana Yoga and the Mechanics of Discipline (Sadhana)
The Sadhana Pada of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali contains 55 Aphorisms or Sutras.
It focuses on the analysis of the constant practice or discipline (Sadhana) to follow to achieve the discriminative discernment (in the Bhagavad Gita it is called Discriminative knowledge - Jnana), that is, discerning the Seer (consciousness) from its objects and obstacles.
It is a common term throughout the philosophy of Yoga, Raja Yoga (Sankhya), Buddhism, Jainism... For the Dalai Lama, Sri Ramakrishna assimilated the Sadhanas of different religions:
In the Bhagavad Gita, Sadhana is understood as the practice that facilitates detachment, and that can be followed in any of the paths of yoga:
stated that Sadhana was the synthesis of the four Paths of Yoga.
- Impurities (Mala) can be removed by following the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga)
- Mental wanderings (Vikshepa) can be eliminated through devotional path (Bhakti Yoga)
- And the veil (Avarana) produced by ignorance can only be removed through the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga)
Sadhana (Sutras) práctica, discriminative discernment.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita (Samadhi Pada, Vibhuti Pada, Kaivalya Pada)
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
In the Sadhana Pada two systems of yoga are defined:
- Kriya Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga ('eight limbs of yoga')
The difference between Karma and Kriya is very subtle. From a point of view of the Yoga Sutras we could say that Kriya Yoga refers to those internal actions, that is, carried out with the mind.
In the Bhagavad Gita no distinction is made between external or internal actions, any activity that human being does, even breathing is Karma. Nishkama Karma means action performed without any expectation of fruits, it is the pillar of the path of Karma Yoga.
We could conclude that Karma Yoga includes Kriya Yoga.
Kriya Yoga in the Yoga Sutras is a preparation for Ashtanga (with three special elements of the Niyamas, second branch):
- Tapas: austerities
- Svadhyaya: means self-knowledge or self-study of the scriptures or Shastras. The Bhagavad Gita is a Gita-Shastra, a Moskha-Shastra and also a Yoga-Shastras. Therefore, the study of the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita or the Hatha Yoga Pradipika is recommended
- Ishvara Pranidhama: devotion to god or pure consciousness
These three elements are also widely explained in the Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagavad Gita is Yoga-Shastra
The Bhagavad Gita explains that there are three types of austerities or Tapas based on the Gunas: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas
For example, the concept of Tapas or austerity is found for example in verse 14 of Chapter 17 - The Yoga of the Threefold Faith:
"Homage to the gods, the Brahmins, the Gurus and the sages; purity, righteousness, Brahmacharya and Non-violence (Ahimsa), constitute the austerity (tapas) of the body." Bhagavad Gita 17.14
This chapter also explains those types of austerities (Tapas) contrary to the Shastras (rules). In Chapter 18 we see that we must not abandon the Tapas since they purify man:
In the first verse of Chapter 16 - The Yoga of Distinction of Divine and Demoniac Nature of the Bhagavad Gita both Tapas and the study of the Shastras are also mentioned:
“Courage, purity of heart, steadfastness in Jnana (knowledge) and in yoga: knowledge and action, charity, self-control, sacrifice, spiritual study (Shastras), austerity and righteousness” Bhagavad Gita 16.1
The philosophy of work applied in the Ramakrishna Mission founded by Swami Vivekananda is based on emphasizing work (Karma Yoga) rather than austerities (Tapas).
Swami Sivananda affirmed about Saddhana and austerities
“Unnecessary torture of the body in the name of Tapas (austerities) is very despicable. This is Asuric Tapas (demonic austerities), it is of ignorant people. He is condemned by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. The body is the mobile temple of the Lord. It is an instrument for self-realization. You cannot do any Sadhana if the body does not remain strong and healthy.” Sri Swami Sivananda.
Ishvara
In Chapter 11- The Yoga of the Universal Form of the Lord of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna tells Sri Krishna:
The concept of Ishvara as Creator God, Supreme Person or even personal God is also found in the Bhagavad Gita, for example in verses 9 and 11 of Chapter 11 - The Yoga of the Universal Form of the Lord
Universal Form as Ishvara, Yoga of the Supreme Person
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga, or the Yoga of the eight limbs. It is structured in Yamas (ethical rules), Niyamas (self-discipline), Asana (yoga postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal) and Dharana (concentration)
In Chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras, five “indirect aids” are described for the purification of the mind and understanding:
- Yamas (restrictions or ethics of behavior)
- Ahimsa (Nonviolence)
- Satya (truthfulness)
- Asteya (Do not steal)
- Brahmacharya (Chastity)
- Aparigraha (Non-possession)
- Niyamas (observances):
- Saucha (Cleaning)
- Santosha (happy)
- Tapas (Austerity)
- Svadhyaya (self-study)
- Ishvara Pranidhama (Devotion to the Lord)
- Asana: A physical posture in which one can be firm and comfortable
- Pranayama: control of Prana (breathing)
- Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the primary objective of Patanjali's Sadhana Pada?
The Sadhana Pada consists of 55 aphorisms focused on the practical implementation of discipline to realize discriminative discernment (Viveka-Khyati). It systematically outlines how to separate the Seer (pure consciousness, or Purusha) from the seen (the objects of perception and material nature, or Prakriti).
How do Kriya Yoga and the Bhagavad Gita's Karma Yoga intersect?
In the Yoga Sutras, Kriya Yoga represents the preliminary internal discipline of the mind, consisting of austerity (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), and devotion (Ishvara Pranidhama). In the Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga acts as a broader framework enveloping all human activities—both external actions and internal movements—transforming them into selfless execution (Nishkama Karma) without attachment to results.
What are the three types of mental defects addressed by the Yoga of Synthesis?
According to Swami Vivekananda, the mind suffers from three specific blockages: Mala (subconscious impurities), which is systematically eliminated by selfless action (Karma Yoga); Vikshepa (mental wandering), stabilized through devotional worship (Bhakti Yoga); and Avarana (the veil of spiritual ignorance), which is lifted by discriminating wisdom (Jnana Yoga).
Conclusion
Evaluating the technical steps of Patanjali’s eight limbs alongside the fluid devotion of the Bhagavad Gita shows the beautiful adaptability of Indian spirituality. Whether through the crisp, structural paths of Ashtanga Yoga or the balanced action of Nishkama Karma, the core goal remains completely identical: removing the mental modifications that mask the immortal Self.
Pedro Nonell’s cross-textual commentary emphasizes that practices like Tapas (mindful discipline) are not meant for physical torture, but serve as practical tools to clarify the mind. Ultimately, when internal doubt and egoic attachments are cleared through daily practice, the seeker achieves the highest state of steady wisdom.
- Non-repetition of the Yoga Sutras
- Length of the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras
- Bhagavad Gita (Shruti), Yoga Sutras (Smriti)
- Style: Yoga Sutras (formal), Bhagavad Gita (poetry)
- Bhagavad Gita (dialogue), Yoga Sutras (scientific text)
- Philosophy of Yoga and Vedanta
- Spiritual Science (Para-vidya)
- Science and the Philosophy of Yoga
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
