Patanjali is a central figure in the history of yoga and is considered to be the author of the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text in the yoga tradition. The Yoga Sutras is a collection of 196 aphorisms (sutras) that outline the philosophy and practice of yoga. The sutras are written in a terse, aphoristic style and cover a wide range of topics, including the nature of the self, the purpose of yoga, and the stages of spiritual development.
Patanjali is traditionally considered to be the founder of the yoga system known as „Raja Yoga,“ which is focused on the cultivation of the mind and the attainment of spiritual realization. The Yoga Sutras outline a systematic approach to yoga practice that includes the eight limbs (also known as the „ashtanga“ or „eight-limbed“ yoga) of yama (ethical conduct), niyama (self-discipline), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (absorption).
In addition to the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali is also credited with writing the Mahabhashya, a commentary on the grammar text of Panini. Although little is known about Patanjali’s life and teachings, his works have had a significant influence on the development of yoga and continue to be widely studied and practiced to this day.