Patanjali: A Legendary Dance

For the group paper, my group and I researched Patanjali, the father of Yoga. A man of mysterious origin, his Yoga Sutras would carry the essence of Yoga and teach people for generations to come.

After reading the research assembled by the group I was impressed by the validity of yoga as a lifestyle. In my prior ignorance I’d always imagined yoga as a trend that soccer moms did on the weekends at their local gym. It was very refreshing to learn the history and to discover its impressive and esteemed lineage. Patanjali was clearly a learned man. I wish more was known about his birth and life, but perhaps it’s better to leave his origins a mystery, and maintain the illusion of ethereal creation versus a typical human birth.

Of the 8 sutra's, I could most relate to number 2, Niyama - the 5 observances, including cleanliness of body and mind, satisfaction, body discipline and mind control, greater awakening of the soul and God within, and worship of God. These are all things I try to incorporate into my daily life. I have described before my Christian faith and I may have mentioned my general attitude toward life as one of constant progression. One should never stop, but should always seek to see what they can improve for or about themselves. Practicing Niyama subscribes to all the goals I seek daily for my life.