The Intersection of the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
When modern students look into the ethical principles of Yoga, they usually start with the Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances) detailed in the Yoga Sutras of . These ten foundational disciplines—including non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), and self-control (Brahmacharya)—are often seen as the beginning of a structured lifestyle.
However, textual analysis reveals that these core values were detailed by the sage Vyasa in the Bhagavad Gita centuries before Patanjali organized them into short aphorisms.
This study, featuring translations and commentaries by Pedro Nonell, looks closely at how the Gita provides the narrative and philosophical groundwork for these disciplines. Rather than treating them as separate systems, viewing these texts together shows that they share a unified vision for character development, balancing inner focus with mindful, everyday action.
The Ethical Framework: Yamas, Niyamas, and the Gita
In the world of yoga, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are much better known than the Bhagavad Gita.
The Bhagavad Gita was compiled by the sage Vyasa long before Patanjali's work (perhaps 200 years); The eight-limbed system of Raja Yoga, compiled by Patanjali, organizes the primary ethical disciplines: Ahimsa, truthfulness, non-stealing, pure life and non-coveting.
All of this is widely recorded in the Bhagavad Gita.
Subject Syllabus:
- Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Structure of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Abstentions (Yamas)
- Observances (Niyamas)
- The eight limbs of the Yoga of Patanjali (Philosophy of Yoga)
- Raja Yoga
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by
- The Yoga of B. K. S. Iyengar
Comparison between the Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita:
- Yoga Shastra: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita
- Aphorisms (Sutras) / verses (Shlokas, Bhagavad Gita)
- Bhagavad Gita (Shruti), Yoga Sutras (Smriti)
- Philosophy of Yoga and Vedanta (Bhagavad Gita)
- Science and the Philosophy of Yoga (according to the Bhagavad Gita)
- Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras: Spiritual Science (Para-vidya)
- Style: Yoga Sutras (formal), Bhagavad Gita (poetry)
- Bhagavad Gita (dialogue), Yoga Sutras (scientific text)
- Repetition technique of the Bhagavad Gita, Non-repetition of the Yoga Sutras
- Length of the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
Bhagavad Gita y Yoga Sutras de Patanjali 
Bhagavad-Gita e Iogassutras de Patanjali.
Although many people believe that Patanjali was the creator of yoga, he was not, since the pillars of yoga are found in the Puranas and the Upanishads, of which the Bhagavad Gita is a part, as well as in the Sankhya doctrine.
The Yoga Sutras, or “Aphorisms on Yoga” of Patanjali are composed of four chapters or books (Padas), containing 196 aphorisms.
For :
The new variants of yoga, such as Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga (the yoga of the eight elements) or Vinyasa Yoga (Vi means positioning of the body, Nyasa is one of the meditative states to achieve concentration on one point and achieve liberation), They are based on the principles enunciated by Patanjali.
Several pillars stated in the Bhagavad Gita such as tolerance or truthfulness, are part of the five Yamas (restrictions or abstentions) and the five Niyamas (observances or rules, “nor” means “no”), proposed by Patanjali.
In Chapter 5- The Yoga of Renunciation of Action of the Bhagavad Gita we find:
Gandhi observed about this verse:
“These verses refer to some of the yogic practices established in the Yoga Sutras (of Patanjali).. The prince of the yogis, Patanjali, gave first place to the Yamas (fundamental vows) and the Niyamas (voluntary vows), and kept as eligible for yoga practices only those who had passed the preliminary discipline.” .
The five Yamas (abstentions) are:
- Nonviolence (Ahimsa)
- Truthfulness (Satya)
- Do not steal (Asteya)
- Absolute control of the senses (Brahmacharya)
- Possess what is necessary (Aparigraha)
“Abstentions are: abstaining from causing harm, lying, stealing, sensual pleasures and wealth.” Patanjali PYS II.30.
As we can see below, these five Yamas (abstentions) are all present in the Bhagavad Gita.
As a summarized example:
Nonviolence (Ahimsa).
“When the abstention from causing harm is firmly established in the yogi, all hostility in his presence is abandoned.” Patanjali PYS II.35.
Truthfulness (Satya).
“When the abstention from lying is firmly established in the yogi, actions and their fruits align naturally.” Patanjali PYS II.30.
As we see, it is also a clear statement of Karma Yoga.
Do not steal (Asteya) / Possess what is necessary (Aparigraha).
“When the abstention from stealing is firmly established in the yogi, all kinds of riches arise before him.” Patanjali PYS II.37.
“The firm establishment in Aparigraha results in full knowledge of the why and wherefore of our own existence.” Patanjali PYS II.39.
Absolute control of the senses, moderation (Brahmacharya).
“They say: “The World is devoid of absolute truth, without any moral basis and without God. It is caused by the union of man and woman, and only lust is its cause: what else is there?” Bhagavad Gita 16.8.
“When abstention from sensual pleasure is firmly established in the Yogi, great vitality is acquired.” Patanjali PYS II.30.
Three of the Yamas come directly from Ahimsa.
For Gandhi Ahimsa is our supreme duty and Satya (truthfulness) and Ahimsa are inseparable:
“Perhaps it is clear that without Ahimsa it is not possible to seek and find the Truth.” .
The third obligation, Asteya (not stealing), arises from Ahimsa in thoughts and actions. How can a non-violent thought generate theft?
The fifth, Aparigraha (non-possession), is a consequence of Ahimsa in thoughts controlling desires.
The fourth, Brahmacharya, is perhaps the only one that does not necessarily arise from Ahimsa, although without Ahimsa there could be no Brahmacharya; For Swami Yatiswarananda or BKS Iyengar, Brahmacharya must be practiced in thoughts, words and actions, like Ahimsa.
Niyamas (observances).
The five Niyamas (observances) are:
- Purity (Shaucha)
- Satisfaction (Santosa)
- Austerity / self-discipline (Tapas)
- Self-Knowledge (Svadhyaya)
- Surrender to God (IshvaraPranidhama)
“Likewise these Niyamas (observances) are also defined in the Bhagavad Gita.” Patanjali PYS II.32.
The Chilean yoga teacher and poet has recently published this wonderful book:
“Yoga Sutras of Patanjali”
“A poetic translation by René Espinoza.”
The book is a marvel that is worth reading and reflecting on this magnificent version of Patanjali's Sutras. Around the same time that René was finishing his book, I was also finishing mine: “The Yoga of Wisdom: Bhagavad Gita.” And we decided to collaborate each on the other's book. In the chapter “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” of my book René was kind enough to send me a beautiful text in verse and I included it in the book. Thanks Rene.
Taking advantage of a trip to Barcelona by Oscar Castillo, a friend of René, a yoga teacher, and a Barcelona native living in Chile, we met to exchange books.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the Yamas and Niyamas from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras found in the Bhagavad Gita?
Yes. While Patanjali organized these disciplines into a clear list of five restraints (Yamas) and five observances (Niyamas), the underlying principles are woven throughout the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Krishna treats values like non-violence, truthfulness, and control of the senses as essential traits of a wise person.
Which text was compiled first, the Bhagavad Gita or the Yoga Sutras?
Historical consensus indicates that the Bhagavad Gita, compiled by the sage Vyasa as part of the Mahabharata epic, was written down long before Patanjali structured the Yoga Sutras. This shows that the ethical pillars of practice were established well before the classic eight-limbed system was formulated.
How does Mahatma Gandhi explain the connection between non-violence (Ahimsa) and truthfulness (Satya) in these texts?
Mahatma Gandhi emphasized that Ahimsa and Satya are fundamentally connected. He noted that without practicing non-violence in our thoughts, speech, and actions, it is impossible to discover the ultimate Truth. These virtues serve as the dual foundation for genuine inner growth.
What is the meaning of Brahmacharya according to these classical commentaries?
In classical philosophy, Brahmacharya means the conscious control and redirection of our sensory energies toward self-knowledge, rather than over-indulging in temporary distractions. Scholars like Swami Vivekananda and B.K.S. Iyengar explain that this discipline builds the vitality needed for steady meditation.
Conclusion
To sum up, exploring the deep connections between the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali reminds us that the ethical practices of Yamas and Niyamas are timeless universal values.
The translations and commentaries of Pedro Nonell highlight that these guidelines are far more than rules for physical posture; they are practical steps for mental clarity and self-realization. Bringing together the insights of Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and traditional teachers shows that true transformation depends on our day-to-day choices.
By practicing non-violence, honesty, and mental balance, we align our lives with a deeper purpose. This integrated perspective bridges ancient wisdom with modern living, helping clear away old habits of confusion and bringing a lasting sense of inner stability and peace.
Pedro Nonell. Author of the Book: The Yoga of Wisdom (Bhagavad Gita).
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
