Maharishi Patanjali
(The Great Seer Patanjali)
Patañjali (Sanskrit: पतञ्जलि) was a sage in India, thought to be the author of a number of Sanskrit works. The most well-known of these texts are are the Yoga Sutra, the authoritative classical yoga text on Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is the "royal" or highest and hardest path to yoga. It is yoga of the mind, but yoga of the mind also involves yoga of the body. Hatha Yoga is the yoga of the body which is meant to purify and condition the body and mind for Raja Yoga. Therefore Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga are one in the same. Where Hatha Yoga ends, Raja Yoga begins. As a matter of fact, another great yogi in India, Swami Svatmarama, author of the Hatha [Yoga] Pradipika mentions that Hatha Yoga is Raja Yoga.
Patanjali is also known for two other contributions to humanity. He authored two other texts under different names. One is a commentary on the Agnivasha Samhita called Charaka Samhita, or Charaka's Collection on balancing the body/mind, i.e. Ayurveda. He is sometimes known as the Father of Ayurveda, and even the Father of Indian Medicine. The other text is the Mahabhasya under the name Panini. The Mahabhasya is a text on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics.
While these three contributions are less known in the Western world, it is important for us to recognize the efforts this great yogi has offered for our benefit today and forever. Below you will find the invocation to Patanjali, much like the honoring an author of any historical work of great importance.
Patanjali is also known for two other contributions to humanity. He authored two other texts under different names. One is a commentary on the Agnivasha Samhita called Charaka Samhita, or Charaka's Collection on balancing the body/mind, i.e. Ayurveda. He is sometimes known as the Father of Ayurveda, and even the Father of Indian Medicine. The other text is the Mahabhasya under the name Panini. The Mahabhasya is a text on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics.
While these three contributions are less known in the Western world, it is important for us to recognize the efforts this great yogi has offered for our benefit today and forever. Below you will find the invocation to Patanjali, much like the honoring an author of any historical work of great importance.
Patanjali Invocation
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