---
title: "Patañjali | Yoga philosophy | Thought Archive"
number: "032"
slug: "032-patanjali"
author: "Wenzi / 文子"
language: "en"
canonical: "https://tongzai.space/en/thought-archive/032-patanjali/"
is_primary_text: true
---

# Patañjali（Yoga philosophy）



## Common research question

**What does the cessation of mental fluctuations mean in Yoga?**

Patañjali's cessation of the fluctuations of mind concerns the relation between mental activity and the seer; it is neither coma nor ordinary relaxation. The eight limbs include ethical restraints, postures, breath, concentration, and meditative absorption. Its endpoint must be read in relation to the account of isolation or kaivalya.

## Interpretive boundary

Separate the Yoga Sūtras, classical commentaries, and contemporary posture-based yoga.

## Archive evidence

- [E-01 ｜ Yoga Sūtra 1.2](#E-01)
- [E-02 ｜ Yoga Sūtra 1.3](#E-02)