Introduction

No one knows the age of the Patanjali writings although they are estimated to be 2500 years old. The philosophy they describe must have originated as an even earlier oral tradition and certainly antedates the teachings of Jesus by many centuries. In fact many historians believe that Jesus used many of the same basic tenets in his teachings. The ancient philosophy is called Samkhya which means complete knowledge. Samkhya is always associated with the term 'yoga' which means 'union'. This can be compared with the Western term 'religious' which comes from a root meaning to be tied together again. Patanjali used the term yoga in this ancient meaning rather the modern connotation of a system of exercises or contemplation.

To a modern reader familiar with scientific methodology, Patanjali writes as a scientist and philosopher even though the science he describes is undoubtedly over 2500 years old. It appears quite obvious that the basis of the ancient science was a study of exceptional people from many professions, skills and backgrounds in order to find common characteristics which allowed them to evolve beyond the norm. Patanjali based his observations on experiences of living life fully and zestfully, and organized his conclusions into a practical philosophy rather than an academic treatise on what a philosophy of life should be. He dealt with the vital questions of " Who am I?, How is my life controlled? and Is it possible for me to take control of my life?"

At the present time it would be impossible for Patanjali to publish such a study in the formal academic presses since the social pressure is for 'normality' and equality. Modern psychology prefers to explain man in mechanistic terms rather than as having spiritual or truly creative powers.

The Sanskrit language in which Patanjali wrote is long dead and remains known primarily through religious usage and tradition. However, if the writings of Patanjali are approached as being based on verifiable scientific observations and it is assumed that he describes his science in a sound philosophical methodology, the limitations of a dead language can be overcome to a great degree. The translator, being a research physicist, approached Sanskrit as a scientific language and the writings as a technical dissertation. The translator had also worked several decades in the same field of science as Patanjali, delving into the applicability of Eastern practices to the modern Western man. The commonality of interest and experience and the logical development of Patanjali's definitions and conclusions allowed the information to flow freely despite the lack of a common language.

The Samkhya philosophy is based directly upon personal observation, recognition, analysis and experience and is only indirectly related to logic. Patanjali uses a very systematic approach to his philosophy as he starts with carefully defined terms and then compares them to experience and uses the result for the next sloka. The development of the philosophy starts with observation of the inner self and interactions with brain thoughts. Patanjali points the way toward this observation with his short descriptive statements or slokas. Patanjali then leads the reader into methods of controlling the brain, and hence the self, with steps well founded on separate experiences. The writings then proceed to describe the world in relation to the self in such a manner that the reader is led to realize how the external world and the self have been controlled by societal conditioning and then finally to techniques which open the doors to controlling and mastering the self and the outer world. The practices of yoga, which Patanjali describes but does not elaborate, lead the practitioner to union with the Divine as well as union of the body, mind and spirit. When this union is found, a new panorama of self and world is experienced which is very foreign to the concept of self as taught within modern institutions or social structures. Patanjali writes from this 'higher' viewpoint of self, world and Divine and offers a comprehensive philosophy or explanation of them.

Patanjali wrote in Sanskrit which requires the integration of the reader's experience with the particular words and phrases used by the writer. Many of the ancient religious writings contain teachings at different levels depending upon the experience of the reader and Patanjali's philosophy is no different. At the first level one encounters excellent advice and explanation for the integration of the self into a society. At the next level, one encounters descriptions of practices which can be used to increase social skills. Another level deals with the exploration of the inner self followed by the exploration of the interaction of the self with a higher or Divine power. The full teachings of Patanjali allow the reader to experience the inner self in a continuing and timeless dimension in which the inner self chooses, defines, and creates different worlds or lives. Patanjali then describes the method whereby the inner self manifests a chosen world while trusting the Divine to provide the unknown and evolutionary elements.

Return to Table of Contents     Purchase Book