Pilot entry: source checked; awaiting review by readers from this tradition.
Original source · Historical tradition
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Samadhi Pada (Book 1), sutras 1.12–1.14
“This becomes a firm resting-place, when followed long, persistently, with earnestness.”Translation: Charles Johnston (public domain, via Project Gutenberg)
The fluctuations of the mind are stilled through two complementary means, sustained practice (abhyasa) and non-attachment (vairagya). Practice is the steady effort to remain in that settled state, and it becomes firmly grounded when kept up over a long time, without interruption, and with devotion or earnestness.
Read the full passage at the source.
Edition: Quoted from Charles Johnston’s early twentieth-century English version (public domain). His wording is interpretive rather than literal.
Historical context
Historical context
The Yoga Sutras are usually dated somewhere between roughly the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE; many scholars favour c. 325–425 CE. Authorship is traditionally ascribed to Patanjali, whose historical identity is uncertain. The earliest surviving commentary is the Yoga Bhashya attributed to Vyasa.
Interpretations differ
Within the tradition
In classical Yoga these sutras give the twin method that underpins the system: disciplined, continuous effort balanced by letting go of craving. Modern lineages (e.g. Iyengar, Krishnamacharya-derived, Vedantic and devotional schools) gloss abhyasa and vairagya differently, and readings of 'devotion' (satkara) vary.
Respect and care
Cultural protocol
The Yoga Sutras belong to Hindu and wider Indic philosophy. We present them in that context rather than as generic wellness, and we use Sanskrit terms with care.
21 EFFECTS contemporary reflection · Empowerment
A practice inspired by this text
This practice is a 21 EFFECTS reflection. It is not the tradition’s own teaching or its only meaning, and you do not need to share its beliefs to use it.
- Choose one small discipline you can repeat daily.
- Practise it at the same time each day for a week.
- At the end of the week, assess your consistency honestly, without attachment to praise or blame.
Am I practising long, without interruption, and with sincerity, or only when I feel like it?
Does this speak to you?
Saved sources accompany your journey days as an extra reflection. Private, on this device only.
Further research
Go to the source
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Samadhi Pada (Book 1), sutras 1.12–1.14. Read the passage in full, in context, and with teachers from the tradition where possible. Spotted an error? Send a correction.