Patanjali's Yoga: Controlling Human Nature Elements

Patanjali, a revered sage, defined yoga in a profound way. According to his teachings, yoga is not just about physical postures, but a structured and systematic approach aimed at achieving a state of perfection or mastery.

Understanding the Definition

The question highlights that this perfection is achieved through the careful control of different elements within us. Patanjali emphasized that human beings are complex, comprising multiple aspects that need management on the path of yoga.

Key Elements: Physical and Psychical

The definition points specifically to the control needed over the Physical and Psychical elements of human nature. Let's break this down:

• Physical Elements: This refers to the body – its health, strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. Yoga practices like Asana (postures) directly address the physical aspect, aiming to purify and strengthen the body.
• Psychical Elements: This encompasses the mind, intellect, emotions, consciousness, and subtle energies. Practices like Pranayama (breath control) and Dhyana (meditation) are crucial for managing and refining these inner aspects.

Why Control is Essential

Patanjali believed that true progress in yoga requires harmonizing and mastering both the body and the mind. Focusing only on the physical body (Option 2) would neglect the crucial mental and emotional aspects. Similarly, concentrating solely on the psychical (Option 3) without a stable physical foundation is incomplete. Karma (Option 4) is a concept related to actions and consequences, which is influenced by yoga but isn't the core element being controlled in this specific definition of yoga itself.

Conclusion

Therefore, Patanjali's concept of yoga as a methodical effort towards perfection hinges on the disciplined control of both the physical and psychical dimensions of our being.