Patanjali - the author and collator of the Yoga Sutras.

Patanjali is the author and collator of the Yoga Sutras. One of the greatest and most influential works of all time and the basis of the yoga system known as Raja yoga (Royal Yoga). These sutras were compiled approximately around BC 200.

Not so much is known about his life and very little is recorded. It is estimated his date of birth to be between the sixth century B.C. and the second century A.D. Legend has it that he was born able to communicate fully, possessed with an intellect of the type associated with seers, sages and rishis. His mind is said to have been so sharp, that if he was disturbed or tallied with, he was able to reduce people to ashes with just the power of his mind and speech. It is thought he lived a fully and happy life.

Doubtless, his most famous work is the Yoga Sutras, dating approximately B.C. 200. The Yoga Sutras are the basis from which yoga started to become known and practiced, first in India and then throughout the world. This work is like a poem, written line by line and numbered, reaching 195 lines. Reading his sutras can be quite difficult but with translation, in a common spoken word, the everyday person can come to understand and follow his instructions. A quieter mind, happier soul and calmer existence can slowly and purposefully start to arrive at the practitioners door. What we all want and aspire to really.

Patanjali basically gives his idea of how to achieve liberation of the mind and soul and attain true happiness. He does not command the reader or practitioner to follow his lead but indeed following the instructions of the Yoga Sutras will lead to all the things he describes. A combination of asanas (physical postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) and mind control help the practitioner to achieve freedom on both a physiological and mental level. The body and mind working together really do free the soul from the entrapment of confusion.

Practitioners, followers have been using these sutras since B.C. 200 and they make up the basis for Ashtanga Yoga, very popular today world wide. Ashtanga Yoga is literally translated to mean the eight limbs of yoga. They are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

Patanjali was a simple soul, a physician who found a way to compile an instruction that has lasted thousands of years. Today, people the world over are still studying his works and living by his understanding. It is very rare that someone makes such a huge impact on this planet. Sometimes the simplest way can be the most breathtaking and workable way to change your life and achieve the simplest outcome, true happiness. Happiness with oneself , how delightful.