Top 3 Patanjali Yoga Sutras for Balanced Life (With Meaning & Examples)

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Patanjali Yoga Sutras

In the midst of our fast-paced and chaotic modern world, finding balance has become an elusive pursuit for many individuals. We strive to juggle multiple responsibilities, manage personal relationships, and navigate the constant barrage of information and distractions that surround us. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of daily life, there exists a profound ancient wisdom that can guide us towards a more harmonious existence – the Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

Compiled over 2,000 years ago by Patanjali, these yoga sutras serve as a timeless guidebook for achieving balance and inner peace. These sutras offer profound insights and practical techniques that help individuals find equilibrium in body, mind, and spirit. 

We will go through the top 3 Patanjali Yoga Sutras that can transform your life! These verses are timeless and hold the key to leading a purposeful existence. 

From the past to the present, their fundamental truths continue to inspire and motivate generations. Carefully selected from the ancient text, these 3 yoga sutras by Patanjali offer guidance on the path to fulfillment. Let them guide you toward a more meaningful existence today and for years to come.

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1. Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.3

Sutra

Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe avasthānam

Meaning

Then in a state of yoga, the seer rests in its true nature.

Explanation

Ah, the eternal struggle of controlling our thoughts in today’s fast-paced world! It’s a familiar feeling: the pressure and chaos of our modern world can throw off our balance and leave us feeling perpetually scattered. 

One of the biggest contributors to this is digital noise – the constant barrage of emails, notifications, and other distractions that seem to hijack our attention and keep us from focusing on what matters. Even worse, we often don’t even realize how much of an impact it’s having.

The mind is designed to think but it can be overwhelming when it is constantly jumping from one thing to another, leaving you feeling distracted and reactive. Known as Kshipt in Yoga Sutra, when your mind is in its lowest state, it’s like a restless monkey, jumping between emotions and struggling to focus. With constant love-hate fluctuations and pleasure-pain extremes, even simple tasks become arduous. Unfortunately, this is all too common in today’s fast-paced, high-stress world.

The ancient yogis understood that to reach Cosmic Consciousness or Absolute Reality, they needed to take control of their thoughts. By doing so, they were able to elevate their level of awareness and tap into their God-consciousness, or Atman.

Yoga is therapy in motion. With regular yoga practice, external distractions and racing thoughts no longer take hold. You become more mindful of the present moment, grounded in the sensations of the body and breath. Trust in the process and find a sense of peace that lingers within you. This Patanjali yoga sutra is about letting yoga guide you back to the here and now, where all that matters is your inner stillness.

Example

hellomyyoga finds the renowned Zen Buddhist monk, poet, and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh, a strong example of this Sutra. 

His tireless efforts led Western leaders to end the devastating war and work towards building a world of brotherhood and compassion reflecting the above sutra and its meaning. Despite the conflict, he chose to share his message of peace and harmony far and wide.

Also read: Different Definitions of Yoga (From 15+ Scriptures & Roots of Yoga)

2. Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.33 

Sutra

maitrī-karuṇā-muditopekṣāṇāṁ sukha-duḥkha-punyāpunya-viṣayāṇāṁ

bhāvanātaś citta-prasādanam

Meaning

The cultivation of positive qualities such as friendliness, compassion, cheerfulness, and detached observation towards those living happy, miserable, virtuous, and non-virtuous lives respectively, can lead to the restoration of a pure and clear state of mind.

Explanation

As our society continues to evolve, so does our aggression! The prevalence of crime, road rage, and gruesome murders can indicate a societal increase in aggression and a decrease in empathy. 

In a world that seems to prioritize individual success above all else, it’s easy to forget the importance of compassion and celebrating the achievements of those around us. But what if we shifted our focus to kindness and empathy instead? This is what this beautiful Patanjali sutra reminds us of!

To be happy and peaceful, use the “friendliness” key when you see happy people and the “compassion” key when you see unhappy people. Share in someone’s happiness instead of being jealous, and help or comfort someone upset instead of taking pleasure in their suffering. By doing this, you will maintain your peace of mind and remember that all human beings are alike.

And when encountering a virtuous person, feel delighted instead of envying them. Try to cultivate similar qualities in your own life. On the other hand, those who act wickedly, develop equanimity and indifference. We should not turn a blind eye to harmful behavior, but speak up when necessary.

Example

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, is viewed by hellomyyoga as a true embodiment of this Sutra. In a world where success often leads to egotism, Tata’s contribution to creating a better humanity sets him apart. 

Through his incredible generosity, Tata has not only made substantial donations but has also established educational scholarships and provided support to talented individuals who lack the necessary resources.

Also read: 18 Life-Changing Bhagavad Gita Shlokas (Verses) With Meaning and Lessons

3. Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.14

Sutra

sa tu dīrgha kāla nairantarya satkārā ”sevito dṛḍhabhūmiḥ

Meaning

A sincere, dedicated, and unrelenting commitment to long-term practice breeds a strong, solid, and unshakeable foundation.

Explanation

What separates entrepreneurs from others? Successful entrepreneurs possess a fierce determination that sets them apart from the rest. Many businesses fail due to a lack of grit and persistence. These individuals are quick to jump ship when faced with obstacles, never fully executing their ideas. 

To truly achieve perfection in your practice, it takes more than simply going through the motions. The key lies in perfect practice, and this sutra outlines the three essential elements required for success. 

Practicing regularly over a prolonged period is crucial, as is not allowing interruptions to derail your efforts. Lastly, approaching your practice with love and respect reinforces your commitment to the pursuit of excellence. 

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Example

hellomyyoga thinks Steve Jobs is the embodiment of this Sutra. He was forced out of Apple in 1985 and after that he spearheaded the PIXAR journey with a single-minded ambition to produce exceptional films. 

His unwavering commitment to excellence can be seen in every detail of each picture. Pixar’s philosophy of consistent excellence, as championed by Steve Jobs, is a valuable lesson for businesses and individuals to adopt in order to achieve their goals. 

Delivering exceptional products and providing unparalleled services while maintaining high standards is critical for success.

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Conclusion

As humans, we are prone to abandon our endeavors when we fail to observe desired outcomes on time. This is precisely why the recollection of this sutra is so important. It serves as a reminder that persistence and patience are the keystones to achieving success.

By embodying the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the level of mastery you seek.

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