Atha Yoga Anushasanam, a Sanskrit phrase, is encrypted in the opening sutra of Patanjali. This aphorism translates the importance of being present here now! This marks the very start of a disciplined yogic journey. The phrase is a serene invitation to invite a human to transform into a spiritual being using his or her readiness to learn the yogic discipline and principles. This is more like a call to action in the classical texts of Patanjali Yoga to call the human race to relish the healing benefits of this ancient practice of India- Yoga!
Meaning of Atha Yoga Anushasanam
Each word in the phrase holds a separate meaning. ‘Atha’ Yoga means Now, ‘Yoga’ means oneness of this ancient practice, ‘Anu’ means following the yoga in a disciplined way, and ‘Sasanam’ means Disciplined Learning. This sentence is an introduction to the further sutras, which are ninety-five in number.
This is the 1.1 Yogasutra, and it invites every aspiring yogi to cultivate a dedication towards yoga, accepting the principles it requires, abiding by the readiness it wants, preparing one’s mind, body, and soul, to walk on this path of Atha yoga, conquering every battle within and coming out as a powerful yogi. This sutra calls you to win over the adversities of modern health issues by embracing yoga from your soul.
Importance of the Word Atha
‘Atha’ Yoga here represents the very current moment. It also marks the beginning of Atha yoga Anushasanam as a prayer or a good omen in the practitioner’s or the learner’s life. Atha Yoga Anushasanam reflects the “Power of Now”. It is a word that means to start the process of learning yoga, getting aware of ourselves, our central root, the natural power within that needs to be activated to lead a holistically healthy life, and stay disease-free.
It calls to start learning yoga right from the very moment, by being prepared to face the inner and outer challenges. This is the voice of yoga, asking us to embark on a journey that takes us much above the material world and makes us consciously strong and disciplined. Simply order the power of the word-Atha Yoga Anushasanam means- “Buckle up to face challenging discipline in this practice of yoga to transform into a much healthier and conscious human being.”
Yoga – Union of Mind, Body & Spirit
Atha Yoga Anushasanam is a journey that harmonises the soul with the mind and the body. It is a path towards the ultimate goal of the soul and body, which is “Moksha”. He, re Moksha or liberation,n means getting free from suffering. Atha Yoga Anushasanam benefits the physical, mental, and emotional health of a human in multiple ways. We all have our own healing powers we are unaware of. The powers that immunise us and heal us against any ailments.
But the sedentary life has made us lose that. Atha Yoga Anushasanam helps in activating the energy centres and channelling the energy within the body very fruitfully, ensuring a healthier living, which is disease-free. Therefore, Yog reunites the mind, body, and soul, because our overall health depends on the balance of these three! Yoga awakens the soul, relaxes the mind, and heals the body!
Anushasanam – Discipline & Practice
Atha Yoga Anushasanam is just not an exercise; it is a way of living that demands discipline in following the yogic cultures and being a part of the yogic world. In return, it blesses the yogis with great inner balance and power to live a healthy and awakened life. “Anuhasanam” means discipline.
This word reminds the yogis of their duties towards maintaining the discipline of the practice. It reminds them of the routine they should follow, the modifications they need to make in their lifestyle, food and the whole way of living to enjoy the mystic benefits of Yoga. It recalls the requirement of persistence, consistency, and determination to lead the whole journey very successfully. Discipline is an ancient lineage. A treasure of yoga that is being passed down from gurus to the disciples (students)!
The Sutra as a Gateway to Yogic Philosophy
This sutra is a door to much deeper practices of yoga. The Yogic philosophy says that yoga is not only about practising the asana, but it is much more about awakening, self-discovery, and self-consciousness. With every breath, you rise high and meet your spiritual self. This sutra brings the three most powerful introductions to this journey:
Atha Yoga Anushasanam says to be present in the moment consciously and ready to live the discipline.
Yoga reminds you of the ancient, powerful journey you are aspiring to live.
And, Anushasanam, remind you of all the disciplines you need to follow at every step of this serene path.
Why Patanjali Starts With This
Patanjali started with this sutra to lay a solid and conscious foundation for the yogic journey upcoming! This is a strong statement that distinguishes yoga from other philosophies. The readiness this sutra demands shows that yoga is a method rather than just a belief system, it is much more than just theory. It requires body work that can be challenging, but with will and discipline, it can be learned and achieved. Next, Atha yoga Anushasanam is an experience that is instant and direct! These are the main reasons why one can say that Patanjali started the logic sutras with this thoughtful and in-depth quote! This ensures a wonderful beginning, preparing the seekers for the logical truths that are deeper!
Sutra Relevance in Modern Life
The stress clears any doubt in the mind and makes you embrace yoga for better mental health by winning over overthinking, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other such problems.
Anushasanam here means discipline. It does not mean perfection; therefore, the sutra prepares you to slowly and steadily live and learn yoga to ensure great physical health.
It works as a reset button in modern life, where the whole life is transformed to make you a healthier and happier being, possessing great yogic wisdom to lead this human life gracefully!
This sutra holds your hand and takes you on a voyage that is full of surprises and truths that your body and mind need to know to stay healthy and conscious. It awakens you and makes you wiser.
It starts as a living thing that blesses the practitioner with exceptional strength and power!
Read More: Yoga Poses for PCOS
Connection to Asana Practice
This sutra connects the practitioners to some of the most beneficial and prestigious poses in Yoga. The asanas that require full attention, like:
- Utthita Parsvakonasana is also known as the extended side angle.
- Next is the Gate Pose or Parighasana
- Another pose that uses this sutra as a motivation is Warrior II or Veerbhadrasana-II!
- Next is Extended Triangle -Utthita Trikonasana
Every asana in various Yoga forms requires readiness, discipline, awareness, self-consciousness, and focus. Therefore, this sutra is connected to every yoga one performs to be a real yogi!
