to a discussion of four distinct phases, namely, the nature of that from which release is sought (heya), its causes (heyahetu), the nature of actual release (hāna), and the means of such release (hānopāya) . The saṁsāra pervaded by suffering and torture is that from which release or emancipation is sought; the association of the seer and the seen (dṛsṭṛdṛśyasaṁyoga), in other words, the conjunction or identification of the subjective Self with the objective world is the cause of saṁsāra; the dawn of distinct discrimination between the two (aviplava vivekakhyāti') is the means of emancipation; and the end of avidyā, bringing in its train the complete end of the association of the seer and the seen, which is called Kaivalya, is the final emancipation. This in a nutshell, is the scope of the science of Yoga.
Contents of the Yogaśāstra
To give a more detailed analysis of its contents, the Yogaśāstra consists of four pādas, the samadhipāda consisting of 51 sūtras, the sādhanapāda having 55 sūtras, the vibhūtipāda also composed pf 55 sūtras and the kaivalyapādawith 34 sūtras.
The samādhipāda, so called, because samādhi is expounded in the main,, treats of the definition of Yoga; the different states of mind (cittavṛtti); the means of restraining the mind from assuming these vṛttis, namely constant practice (abhyāsa) and dispassion (vairāgya); some of the means of acquiring the stillness of the mind; the two types of samādhi called samprajñāta and asamprajñāta, along with their further subdivisions, the means of acquiring them and the benefits conferred by them; and lastly of Iśvara, His nature, proof, powers, worship and the fruits of worship.
The sādhanapāda, so called, as the various sādhanās or means of kaivalya, of right knowledge, and of yoga are mainly described, deals with kriyāyoga, which leads to Yoga through the annihilation of kleśas; the fruits of kleśa and karma; bonds from which emancipation is sought and their causes; emancipation and its causes; the four vyūhas; the five indirect limbs of Yoga, namely yama, niyama, āsana, prāṇāyāma and pratyāhāra, along with the incidental benefits conferred by them.
The vibhūtipāda, deriving its name from the various vibhūtis or superhuman powers acquired by the practising Yogin, which form the main subject of the pāda, is devoted to a discussion of the three direct limbs of Yoga, namely dhāraṇa,
