Yoga Sutra 1.1: Atha Yoga Anushasanam

The opening aphorism of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras—"Atha Yoga Anushasanam"—embodies the profound essence of being here now. The word "atha" signifies a moment of readiness and intention, marking the beginning of a disciplined spiritual journey. It invites the seeker to approach yoga with full presence, awareness, and sincerity. Though simple and direct in wording, this sutra is a powerful call to action. It sets the foundation for the 195 sutras that follow, establishing a sense of structure, purpose, and commitment within the framework of yogic teachings.

What Does Yoga Sutra 1.1 Interpret?

The Sanskrit sutra "Atha Yoga Anushasanam" is commonly translated as “Now, the teachings of yoga begin.” This opening statement serves not only as an introduction to the remaining 195 sutras but also as a prerequisite for truly embracing yogic philosophy and practice. It signals that the seeker must come prepared—with sincerity, focus, and a willingness to engage deeply. Yoga Sutra 1.1 invites us to cultivate a disciplined, open, and dedicated state of mind—one that is ready to receive and embody the wisdom of yoga.

Yoga Sutra 1.1 Translation

Sanskrit: अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥

Translation: Atha Yogānuśāsanam 

Word-for-Word Translation:

• Atha = Now, the moment. Also prayer, or good omen.

• Yoga = oneness, concentration, and contemplation.

• anu = Following or teachings, in a sequential or disciplinary manner.

• śāsanam = Teaching or discipline.

Popular Translations

• "This is the teaching of yoga." — Barbara Miller

• "This is the beginning of instruction in yoga." — Swami Prabhavananda

• "Now concentration is explained." — Swami Vivekananda

• "With nine prayers for divine grace, here begins a description of the holy art of yoga." — B.K.S. Iyengar

• "Now the description of Yoga is being given." — Swami Satchidananda

Atha: The Power of Now

By uttering “Atha,” Patanjali calls the student into the present moment—to pause, reflect, and attune fully to now. It is an open invitation to enter the teachings of yoga with undivided attention, free from the distractions of the past or the worries of the future. The word "atha" marks a pivotal shift—from merely understanding yoga on a conceptual level to embodying it through personal experience and disciplined practice.

As Nicolai Bachman beautifully explains:

“‘Atha’ here refers to the start of the process of learning who we are, where we are, and how we can make small changes to our inner and outer world—so that we become less attached to material things and more conscious of how we feel and how our actions affect the people around us.”

The Teachings of Yoga

By introducing the word “yoga” in the very first sutra, Patanjali immediately establishes the purpose and scope of the Yoga Sutras: to present a structured path toward the ultimate goal of yoga—liberation (moksha) from suffering and the realization of one’s true nature. This choice of wording signifies that the teachings to follow are not merely philosophical, but deeply practical—meant to guide the reader through discipline and inner practice.

The term “yoga” originates from the Sanskrit root "yuj," meaning to yoke, join, or unite. It refers to the union of the individual self (jivatman) with the universal consciousness (paramatman), or the alignment of body, mind, and spirit with higher truth.

In Sutra 1.2, Patanjali offers his definition of yoga:

"Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ" – Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.

This statement reveals the method by which union is attained—by calming the restless movements of the mind, allowing clarity, presence, and true awareness to emerge. In essence, yoga is not something to achieve outwardly, but a state of stillness and unity to be uncovered within.

The Meaning of Anushasanam

The term “anushasanam” conveys the structured and disciplined nature of Patanjali’s teachings. It refers to a systematic method—a step-by-step path that builds logically from one sutra to the next, ultimately guiding the practitioner toward samadhi (enlightenment). This disciplined approach requires patience, persistence, and inner strength, as each stage demands deeper levels of awareness and commitment. It acknowledges that the path of yoga is not always easy and that challenges—both internal and external—are part of the journey.

Importantly, “anushasanam” also implies instruction based on prior tradition. Patanjali is not inventing something new; rather, he is continuing an ancient lineage of wisdom passed down from teacher to student. His role is that of a transmitter—organizing and articulating timeless truths in a way that is accessible, precise, and transformative.

How Sutra 1.1 Can Enrich Your Practice

Though brief, Patanjali’s first sutra holds powerful guidance for deepening your yoga journey. Here are four ways to apply its wisdom in daily life:

1. Be Here Now

Begin each practice with full presence. Whether through meditation, breathwork, or mindful movement, choose a method that helps you anchor into the moment. Let go of judgment, comparison, and self-criticism. At the start of your practice, gently remind yourself: “I am here now.”

2. Cultivate Readiness

Approach your practice with curiosity and receptivity. Set aside distractions, expectations, and to-do lists. Instead, arrive with a sense of openness—ready to learn, unlearn, and grow. True yoga begins when we are truly willing to receive.

3. Embrace the Process

While the sutras are presented in a sequence, your understanding of them may unfold non-linearly. Some teachings will resonate more strongly at certain times. Revisit earlier sutras often—you may find deeper meaning as your own perspective evolves.

4. Clarify Your Intentions

Before diving deeper into the Yoga Sutras, take a moment to reflect: What am I seeking? Are you casually exploring, or are you sincerely pursuing inner transformation? You don’t need rigid answers—but setting an intention provides a compass. It keeps you grounded, focused, and inspired as you navigate the teachings ahead.

Final Thoughts

"Atha Yoga Anushasanam" is more than an opening phrase—it's an invitation to begin your yogic journey with intention, presence, and commitment. The moment you step onto your mat with awareness, you enter a sacred space—a sanctuary away from the noise of daily life.

But the essence of this sutra extends far beyond the mat. The practice of being here now helps you pause, listen to your body and breath, and respond with clarity rather than reaction. It becomes a powerful tool for breaking through mental and emotional barriers.

By embracing the present moment, you open the door to inner transformation. You become more prepared, more conscious, and more aligned with the deeper purpose of yoga: ongoing self-discovery, growth, and liberation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does being receptive and open impact your study of yoga philosophy and practice?
Absolutely. Receptiveness allows you to absorb the deeper dimensions of yoga with humility and openness. It transforms yoga from a physical routine into a living, breathing philosophy that shapes your everyday experience.

2. What are the typical distractions that pull you away from the present moment? How can you manage them?
Common distractions include overthinking, constant phone use, and worrying about the future. To manage them, try incorporating simple techniques like mindful breathing, setting boundaries with digital devices, and gently guiding your awareness back to the here and now.

3. How does "Atha" apply to life, both on and off the mat?
Atha means “now”—a call to begin with full awareness and intention. Whether you’re stepping onto your yoga mat or moving through daily life, it reminds you to stay present, grounded, and open to growth in every moment.