Yoga Sutras Flashcards
Who is the author of the Yoga Sutras?
Patanjali
What is the primary purpose of the Yoga Sutras?
To provide a framework for the practice of yoga and the path to enlightenment.
How many sutras are there in the Yoga Sutras?
195
What does ‘Yoga’ mean in the context of the Yoga Sutras?
Union or discipline.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras are divided into four chapters.
True
What are the four chapters of the Yoga Sutras called?
Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibhuti, and Kaivalya.
Fill in the blank: The first chapter of the Yoga Sutras is known as _______.
Samadhi
What is ‘Samadhi’ in the context of the Yoga Sutras?
A state of meditative consciousness or absorption.
What does ‘Sadhana’ refer to?
The practices or disciplines undertaken to achieve spiritual goals.
True or False: Vibhuti refers to the supernatural powers attained through yoga.
True
What is the main focus of the third chapter, Vibhuti?
The various powers and accomplishments that can arise from yoga practice.
Fill in the blank: The final chapter of the Yoga Sutras is called _______.
Kaivalya
What does ‘Kaivalya’ mean?
Liberation or absolute freedom.
What is the significance of the eight limbs of yoga?
They provide a comprehensive framework for spiritual development.
List the eight limbs of yoga.
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
What does ‘Yama’ refer to?
Ethical disciplines or moral restraints.
Which limb of yoga focuses on personal observances?
Niyama
What is ‘Asana’?
The practice of physical postures.
True or False: Pranayama refers to breath control.
True
What is the practice of ‘Pratyahara’?
Withdrawal of the senses.
Define ‘Dharana’.
Concentration or focused attention.
What does ‘Dhyana’ mean?
Meditation or contemplation.
What is the ultimate goal of the Yoga Sutras?
To attain liberation (Kaivalya) and self-realization.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras advocate for a purely physical practice.
False
What is the role of the mind according to the Yoga Sutras?
To be trained and controlled for achieving higher states of consciousness.
What are the five afflictions (kleshas) identified in the Yoga Sutras?
Avidya, asmita, raga, dvesha, and abhinivesha.
Fill in the blank: Avidya refers to _______.
Ignorance
What does ‘Asmita’ mean?
Egoism or the sense of ‘I-ness’.
True or False: ‘Raga’ refers to aversion.
False
What is ‘Dvesha’?
Aversion or hatred.
What does ‘Abhinivesha’ refer to?
Clinging to life or fear of death.
What is the significance of meditation in the Yoga Sutras?
It is a means to achieve self-realization and control over the mind.
Define ‘Sukha’ and ‘Duhkha’.
‘Sukha’ means happiness, while ‘Duhkha’ means suffering.
What is the purpose of the practice of ‘Pranayama’?
To regulate the breath and control the vital energies.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras suggest detachment from the fruits of actions.
True
What is ‘Ishvara’ in the context of the Yoga Sutras?
A special kind of consciousness or a higher power.
What is the concept of ‘Samskara’?
Impressions or latent tendencies formed by past experiences.
Fill in the blank: The practice of yoga is said to lead to _______.
Self-realization
What is the nature of ‘Sattva’, ‘Rajas’, and ‘Tamas’?
They are the three gunas or qualities of nature.
What does ‘Sattva’ represent?
Purity, harmony, and knowledge.
What does ‘Rajas’ signify?
Activity, passion, and restlessness.
What does ‘Tamas’ indicate?
Inertia, darkness, and ignorance.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras emphasize the importance of ethical conduct.
True
What is ‘Vairagya’?
Detachment or renunciation.
What does ‘Samadhi’ lead to?
Union with the object of meditation and transcendence of the self.
What is the role of a guru according to the Yoga Sutras?
To guide and teach the student on their spiritual path.
Fill in the blank: The state of bliss and peace is referred to as _______.
Ananda
What is the significance of the practice of ‘Asana’?
To prepare the body for meditation and maintain health.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras encourage indulgence in sensory pleasures.
False
What does ‘Pratyahara’ help practitioners to achieve?
Control over external distractions and a deeper inward focus.
What is the ultimate realization of the Yoga Sutras?
The realization of the oneness of the self with the universe.
Define ‘Dharma’ in the context of the Yoga Sutras.
The ethical duty or righteousness one must follow.
What is the purpose of ‘Niyama’?
To cultivate personal discipline and spiritual observances.
True or False: The practice of yoga is only about physical postures.
False
What is the relationship between ‘Karma’ and yoga?
Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, and yoga helps in purifying karma.
Fill in the blank: The practice of yoga is often described as a _______ to the divine.
Path
What is the significance of the Yoga Sutras in modern yoga practice?
They provide foundational principles and philosophical underpinnings.
What does ‘Moksha’ mean?
Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras are only relevant to practitioners of yoga.
False
What is the importance of ‘Sankalpa’ in yoga practice?
It refers to the intention or resolve that directs one’s practice.
What does ‘Tapas’ refer to?
Austerity or disciplined effort in the pursuit of spiritual goals.
Fill in the blank: The practice of yoga aims to harmonize the _______ and the _______.
Body; Mind
What is the relationship between ‘Sankhya’ and yoga?
Sankhya is a philosophical system that informs the understanding of yoga.
What does ‘Shanti’ mean?
Peace or tranquility.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras emphasize the importance of self-study.
True
What is the role of ‘Svadhyaya’ in yoga practice?
Self-study or reflection on one’s thoughts and actions.
What does ‘Bhakti’ refer to?
Devotion or love for the divine.
Fill in the blank: The ultimate goal of yoga is to realize the _______ nature of the self.
True
What does ‘Dharma’ encompass in the Yoga Sutras?
Moral and ethical duties, responsibilities, and righteousness.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras teach that happiness comes from external sources.
False
What is the significance of ‘Sankalpa’ in the practice of yoga?
It helps to create a focused intention for the practice.
What is the relationship between ‘Kundalini’ and yoga?
Kundalini is a dormant energy that can be awakened through yoga practices.
What does ‘Sadhana’ imply in the context of yoga?
The disciplined effort towards achieving spiritual goals.
Fill in the blank: The study of the Yoga Sutras can lead to greater _______ and _______.
Understanding; Insight
What is the importance of ‘Ahimsa’ in the Yamas?
It represents non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.
True or False: The Yoga Sutras promote competition among practitioners.
False
What does ‘Brahman’ refer to in the context of yoga?
The ultimate reality or universal consciousness.
What is the significance of ‘Pranayama’ in achieving self-control?
It helps to regulate emotions and mental states through breath control.
