The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
1.1. Atha yoganusasanam
1.2. Yogah chitta vritti nirodhah
1.3. Tada drastuh svarupe avasthanam
The first three sutras introduce the subject and tell us of the goal and meaning of yoga.
1.1. Now the auspicious exposition of yoga is being offered.
This is an auspicious occasion. The offering of yoga is made to the student at the right time, once the student has spent some time on an inner search, and therefore when it is likely to make sense and be useful.
1.2. Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations in the mind (citta vritti) or a calming in one's state of being.
The thoughts in the mind are calmed through the practice of postures, breath work, and concentration, leading to meditation. A mindful approach is required as meditation is interlinked with the physical side of yoga. As the nature of the mind is to fluctuate, so yoga ends up being a way of life.
1.3. Then the practitioner is able to see clearly and dwell joyfully in his/her true nature, which is the pure and eternal bliss of existence.
So, instead of associating himself/herself to the ever fluctuating thoughts in the mind, the yogi is able to look further inwards to realise that our true nature is stability, the joy of being alive and aware in this moment, a grounded feeling of balance and harmony. After looking inwards comes the realization of the unity in nature, i.e. the relationship and resemblance between the basic component of all things. Following this, comes the ability to look outwards with compassion, or Ahimsa, which is the first law of nature, in the Yamas, the first limb.
