Yoga Shastras: The Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is Yoga-Shastra
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali / Bhagavad Gita
When modern students look into classical Yoga philosophy, they usually begin with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This text organizes spiritual practice into clear, concise aphorisms that explain how to systematically quiet and focus the mind. However, traditional scholars emphasize that the Bhagavad Gita holds an equally vital position as an authoritative scriptural text, or Yoga Shastra.
This analysis, based on translations and commentaries by Pedro Nonell, explores how these two masterworks support and balance each other. While Patanjali provides a analytical framework for internal meditation, the Bhagavad Gita expands these concepts into daily life, offering a complete science of the soul (Para-Vidya) and a practical guide to liberation (Moksha Shastra). Understanding how these texts connect helps practitioners bridge quiet internal contemplation with purposeful external action.
Two Pillars of Classical Yoga Shastra Scripture
Both Yoga Teachers and Asana (“Physical Yoga”) practitioners, especially in the West, know, in greater or lesser depth, the Yoga Sutras as an authoritative text on Shastra (Yoga Shastra) in the form of Aphorisms (Sutras), that is, concise statements of scientific principles about yoga, codified by Patanjali.
It is usually common to refer to the Yoga Sutras when talking about Philosophy of Yoga. We must not forget that it was who rescued them from history in the 19th century, through his essays on Raja Yoga and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
However, few know that there is another Yoga Shastra, that is, an authoritative scripture on yoga (Spiritual), and that many Swamis and experts consider the most sacred of the sacred Hindu scriptures. And this Yoga Shastra is the Bhagavad Gita, which also contains the essence of the Upanishads and Brahma Vidya (knowledge of Brahman, the supreme entity that pervades everything). In fact, all the chapters of the Bhagavad Gita end like this:
“Thus concludes the third chapter, entitled Karma Yoga in the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, on the Science of Yoga as part of the knowledge of Brahman in the Upanishad known as the Bhagavad Gita.”
The term Shastra appears in several verses of the Bhagavad Gita, but perhaps the most significant is the following:
“Therefore let Shastra be your authority to determine what should and should not be done…” Bhagavad Gita 16.24
The Yoga Sutras covers another part of Philosophy of Yoga, the Bhagavad Gita covers another part. Both complement each other, and are not exclusive.
But the Bhagavad Gita is considered in addition to a philosophy of Yoga as a Para-Vidya science or science of the soul and also as a Moksha Shastra (liberation and self-knowledge)
Did you know that both the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are authoritative texts on yoga (Yoga Shastra)?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are both the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita classified as Yoga Shastras?
A Shastra is an authoritative text that provides reliable guidance for spiritual and moral practice. Patanjali's work systematically outlines mental concentration and discipline, while the Bhagavad Gita offers a comprehensive lifestyle philosophy, exploring paths of unselfish action, wisdom, and devotion. Together, they form a complete foundation for practice.
What role did Swami Vivekananda play in the modern understanding of these texts?
In the late 19th century, Swami Vivekananda helped revive international interest in classical philosophy. Through his insightful essays and talks on Raja Yoga, he brought Patanjali's aphorisms back to the forefront of global spiritual study, showing how they connect with the universal teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
What is the difference between Shruti and Smriti classifications?
The Bhagavad Gita functions as Shruti (revealed wisdom) because it carries the core spiritual truths of the Upanishads, spoken directly by the Divine presence. The Yoga Sutras are classified as Smriti (remembered tradition), representing a structured, scientific compilation of practice written down by a human sage to guide steady meditation.
How does the Bhagavad Gita define its own chapters at the conclusion of each dialogue?
Every chapter concludes with a traditional dedication stating that the text is part of the Upanishads, serving as a guide to the knowledge of the Ultimate Reality (Brahma Vidya) and a definitive science of practice (Yoga Shastra) through the conversation between Sri Krishna and Arjuna.
Conclusion
To sum up, viewing the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita as complementary Yoga Shastras helps modern students build a deeper, more balanced practice. The detailed translations and commentaries of Pedro Nonell show that analytical study and active daily application work together on the spiritual path. Bringing together the insights of historical teachers like Swami Vivekananda helps remove the false division between quiet internal meditation and active external service.
Whether analyzing Patanjali's structured aphorisms or reflecting on the poetic wisdom of the Gita, we learn to cultivate a focused mind and a compassionate heart. This integrated approach helps clear away inner confusion, transforming our regular routines into a meaningful journey toward self-knowledge and lasting peace.
Yoga Shastra: Sutras de Patanjali y Bhagavad Gita.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
