Yoga Aphorisms

Yoga is one of the six classical schools of Hindu philosophy, collectively known as the Ṣaḍ-Darśanas. Like all other orthodox schools, Yoga upholds the authority of the Vedas. It is closely allied with Sāṅkhya philosophy and may, in many ways, be regarded as its practical counterpart. While Sāṅkhya presents a systematic metaphysical framework through theoretical exposition, Yoga guides the aspirant towards direct, experiential realisation of the same truths.

Despite their shared foundations, a significant doctrinal distinction separates the two systems. Classical Sāṅkhya does not acknowledge the existence of God, whereas Yoga does—though its conception of God differs markedly from conventional theistic views. The Īśvara of Yoga is not a creator deity in the familiar sense, but rather an eternally liberated, omniscient Puruṣa (soul)—the original teacher (Ādi Guru), forever untouched by the entanglements of material existence. According to both Sāṅkhya and Yoga, the material universe—real and not illusory—emerges from Prakṛti (unmanifest primordial matter) through a series of transformations. Liberation is attained by realising that the Puruṣa (soul) is entirely distinct from this material realm.

The foundational text of the Yoga school is the Yoga Sūtra, composed by the sage Patañjali. Over the centuries, it has been translated and commented upon by countless scholars. In this free EPUB edition, we present the renowned translation and commentary by one of the most revered modern mystics—Swami Vivekananda. His interpretation is of particular value, not only because he was a master of Sanskrit, but also because he was a realised Yogi. This rare combination offers readers a unique opportunity to explore the depths of Yoga through the insights of a true practitioner.

Swami Vivekananda’s translation originally appeared in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume I (under the title Raja Yoga), which is now in the public domain. We are honoured to present this timeless work as a standalone digital edition, freely accessible to all.

For the sake of readability, we have omitted the original Sanskrit sūtras in this edition. It is our view that readers proficient in Sanskrit are unlikely to require a translation, while those relying on the English text may find the presence of the original unnecessary or even distracting. This editorial choice has been made with the aim of ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted reading experience.

May this humble offering serve as a gateway to the profound teachings of Yoga, and may the words of Swami Vivekananda continue to inspire and uplift seekers on the path to self-realisation.