The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali – A Visual Meditation. Book Two, Sādhana-Pādaḥ, On Practice
What does it mean – to practice Yoga? Book Two, Sādhana Pāda “On Practice” gets into the nuts-and-bolts. The second half of Book Two introduces the eight-limbed Yoga practice – probably the section of the text that is most well-known in the West – and describes the first five limbs of that practice, which includes āsana. The first half of Book Two introduces a basic practice (kriyā-yoga) and then segues into a discussion of the philosophical basis for Yoga from its “sister” philosophy, Sāṁkhya.
Sūtra 2.31, 2018. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. When observed universally, not limited by birth, place, time, or circumstance, these (the yamas/restrictions) constitute the Great Vow.
![Sūtra 2.25, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”.
From its absence (the absence of ignorance), the conjunction (saṁyoga) disappears. This is the end [of the pain inherent in existence] and the independence of the Seer.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/b2ce9e31-58b3-47fe-b7a5-fcf3cd1e4f7e/2_bk.2_2.25.Work_Townsend.jpg)
Sūtra 2.25, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From its absence (the absence of ignorance), the conjunction (saṁyoga) disappears. This is the end [of the pain inherent in existence] and the independence of the Seer.
Sūtra 2.08, 2018. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. For one established in non-possessiveness/non-grasping (aparigraha) there is knowledge of the “how-and-why” of existence (past lives).
![Sūtra 2.33, 2018. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”.
When one is plagued by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite [thoughts].](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ffc980c8-8db7-4cb7-b076-cd7f110913b7/4_bk.2_2.33.Work_Townsend.jpg)
Sūtra 2.33, 2018. Oil on Canvas. 16” x 20”. When one is plagued by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite [thoughts].
Sūtra 2.41, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. And from purity (śauca) there is purity of sattva (clarity of mind), cheerfulness, one-pointedness, mastery of the senses, and fitness for the vision and realization of the self.
Sūtra 2.42, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From contentment (santoṣa) the attainment of unparalleled happiness.
Sūtra 2.43, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From discipline (tapas), the destruction of impurity and perfect mastery of the body and sense organs.
Sūtra 2.44, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. From self-study (svādhyāya), union with one’s chosen deity
![Sūtra 2.49, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”.
That [posture/āsana] being achieved, breath regulation (prāṇāyāma), the interruption of the [normal] flow of inhalation and exhalation.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/1deda94d-f77a-4a42-b7bc-74650b4476f6/9_bk.2_2.49.Work_Townsend.jpg)
Sūtra 2.49, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. That [posture/āsana] being achieved, breath regulation (prāṇāyāma), the interruption of the [normal] flow of inhalation and exhalation.
![Sūtra 2.02, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”.
[Active yoga practice (kriyā-yoga)] serves to cultivate samādhi (state of transcendent unity) and to weaken the obstructions (kleśas).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/677dbb3375c7077642913d35/ddf1bae6-a244-4345-8973-9ce700b64171/10_bk.2_2.02.Work_Townsend.jpg)
Sūtra 2.02, 2018. Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas. 16” x 20”. [Active yoga practice (kriyā-yoga)] serves to cultivate samādhi (state of transcendent unity) and to weaken the obstructions (kleśas).