Patanjali Yoga Sutras by Swami Vivekananda (Raja)

How to practice Dhyana Yoga (philosophy, meditation) according to the Bhagavad Gita?

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Vivekananda (translated into Spanish by Pedro Nonell)

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali stand as the foundational text of classical Raja Yoga, presenting a scientific map for quieting the fluctuations of the human mind.

While these aphorisms are ancient, their global revival was largely driven by Swami Vivekananda's late 19th-century translation and commentary. Vivekananda bridged the analytical philosophy of the Sutras with the practical spiritual insights of the Bhagavad Gita, making complex psychology accessible to the modern world.

This specific curriculum, translated and annotated by Pedro Nonell, explores the mechanics of concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and ultimate absorption (Samadhi). By learning to steady the internal instrument, or Antahkarana, practitioners can move beyond basic sensory limits and intellectual deduction to discover the true nature of the soul.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert on Swami Vivekananda, translator, and commentator of the Bhagavad Gita into Spanish)

Dhyana Yoga Course

Dhyana Yoga (Meditation) and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The human soul originates from the Divine, manifests within the material world, and ultimately returns to its source. This is the method to put it into dualistic form. the monistic perspective emphasizes that the inner self is identical to the Divine and returns to Him again. There are much higher states of existence beyond reasoning. It is really beyond the intellect that lies the first state of religious life.

The yogis say that man can go beyond his direct sensory perception and also beyond his reason.

The philosophy of Patanjali Yoga is based on Sankhya philosophy; only in the latter there is no place for God, while with the yogis God has a place.

Course Syllabus: Raja Yoga and the Aphorisms

1- Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Yoga Aphorisms)

Yogic theory of religion

2- Spiritual uses of concentration

Concentration and Yoga
Chitta (mind substance) and Vrittis (mental fluctuations)
Aptavakya: The direct evidence of the yogis
Terms and states of meditation according to Patanjali: Vikalpa, Smriti, Samskaras, Vairagya, Samprajnata Samadhi, Avyakta, Savitarka, Nirvitarka, Savichara, Nirvichara, Sananda, (Samadhi), Sasmita Samadhi, Asamprajnata Samadhi
The philosophy of Patanjali Patanjali Yoga based on the Sankhya Philosophy of Yoga, but with one God (unlimited knowledge)
OM: The primal sound
Meditation techniques

3- Practice of concentration

Kriya Yoga
The Samskaras asleep in Chitta
Sattva, Rajas and Tamas (Gunas)
The true nature of man: The soul (Purusha), which is beyond all laws of causality
Ignorance as a cause of pain and pleasure
Knowledge that turns off ignorance
Practice of the eight limbs of Yoga (Philosophy of Yoga)

4- The powers of Yoga

Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi, Samyana
Obstacles and powers to overcome Samadhi

5- The independence of the yogi

Establishing the power of knowledge in its own nature

Yogas Sutras of Patanjali (Swami Vivekananda) Course: Dhyana Yoga (Philosophy Gita)

Source: Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Volume 1, Raja Yoga.

Edited (several verses from the Bhagavad Gita have been added, the preface translated, etc.) by Pedro Nonell.

Differences and similarities among the Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita

The Yoga Sutras, or “Yoga Aphorisms” of Patanjali are composed of four chapters or Books (Padas), containing 196 aphorisms:

Padas Yoga Sutras, or Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali

The organs (Indriyas), together with the mind (Manas), the determinative faculty (Buddhi) and the egoism (Ahamkaara), form the group called Antahkarana (internal instrument). They are nothing more than various processes in the mental matter, called Chitta. Although Chitta is in all animals, from the lowest to the highest, only in the human form do we find it as intellect.

Obstructions to Yoga arise from lack of control and cause us pain. They can only be eliminated by denying the mind and keeping it under control, through Kriya Yoga.

Philosophy of Patanjali Yoga

Comments by Sri S. Satchidananda about the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Comments Sri Satchidananda sobre Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Bhagavad Gita according to Swami Vivekananda

Free e-book: Life of Swami Vivekananda (summary)

What is Yoga according to the Bhagavad Gita

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does Swami Vivekananda define the human journey in his Raja Yoga commentary?

Swami Vivekananda explains the spiritual journey from both dualistic and monistic viewpoints. In the dualistic model, the human soul comes from the Divine, experiences material life, and eventually journeys back to its source. The monistic perspective goes deeper, showing that the true inner self (Purusha) is already identical to the Divine, and spiritual practice simply removes the illusion of separation.

What is the connection between Patanjali's Yoga philosophy and Sankhya philosophy?

Patanjali’s psychological system builds directly upon the analytical foundations of Sankhya philosophy, which divides existence into spirit (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti). However, while classical Sankhya is non-theistic, Patanjali includes the concept of Ishvara (a supreme, unconditioned teacher or ideal) as a practical focus for steadying the mind.

What are Chitta and Vrittis in classical Yoga psychology?

Chitta represents the underlying mind-stuff or mental substance, while Vrittis are the waves, thoughts, and fluctuations that ripple across its surface. The primary goal of classical practice is to calm these mental waves so that the underlying awareness can rest clearly in its own true nature.

How do the four chapters (Padas) of the Yoga Sutras map out the practitioner's path?

The text is organized into four logical books: Samadhi Pada defines the nature and goals of mental absorption; Sadhana Pada outlines the daily disciplines and ethical practices; Vibhuti Pada discusses the internal clarity and insights gained from deep focus; and Kaivalya Pada describes final liberation and absolute freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali through the clear, practical guidance of Swami Vivekananda provides an invaluable map for navigating the human mind. The translated materials and course modules prepared by Pedro Nonell show that mental concentration is not about escaping reality, but about gaining clear, unshakeable insight. By understanding how our thoughts work and practicing the eight limbs of Yoga, we learn to calm daily mental noise and uncover a deep sense of inner stability.

Bridging Patanjali's precise psychology with the poetic wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita offers a balanced path for modern living. This integrated approach transforms ancient spiritual theory into a practical toolkit for everyday life, leading to greater mental clarity, self-mastery, and lasting peace.