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What is God According to Patanjali?

Published in Patanjali Yoga God 2 mins read

According to Maharishi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, God, often referred to as Ishvara, is a unique and supreme consciousness characterized by distinct divine attributes, serving as a powerful aid in the yogic journey towards liberation.

Patanjali's conception of God is not necessarily a creator deity in the traditional sense, but rather a special, unconditioned Purusha (pure consciousness) who has never been affected by suffering or karma. This Ishvara acts as an ideal for the practitioner and a means to overcome obstacles on the path to self-realization.

Key Attributes of God (Ishvara) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Patanjali describes God with several profound qualities that set Him apart from ordinary beings or even other Purushas. These attributes highlight His perfection and unwavering nature:

Attribute Description
Omniscient (All-knowing) God possesses infinite knowledge and is aware of everything.
Omnipresent God is present everywhere at all times, encompassing all existence.
Eternally Free from Maya God is perpetually unconditioned by illusion, ignorance, or the cycles of karma and suffering (kleśas).
All-powerful God holds infinite power and capability.
All-merciful God embodies boundless compassion and kindness.

These characteristics underscore Ishvara's purity, wisdom, and unblemished nature, making Him a perfect object for meditation and surrender.

The Role of Ishvara in Yoga Practice

For a yogi, understanding God according to Patanjali is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical tool for spiritual progress. Ishvara plays a crucial role in the yogic path, particularly through the practice of Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to God).

  • Path to Liberation: Patanjali emphasizes that by surrendering to this all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-merciful God, one can achieve liberation from Maya (illusion) and the binding effects of karma. This surrender helps in transcending the ego and dissolving mental afflictions.
  • Aid to Concentration: Contemplation on Ishvara, who is seen as the ultimate teacher and guru of all gurus, can deeply assist in achieving one-pointed concentration and overcoming obstacles (antarayas) like sickness, doubt, and laziness that hinder spiritual progress.
  • Source of Grace: Ishvara's mercy and perfection serve as a guiding light, offering grace and clarity to the sincere practitioner.

In essence, Patanjali's God is a perfect, eternal, and compassionate consciousness whose remembrance and surrender can accelerate the yogi's journey towards ultimate freedom and spiritual insight.

[[Patanjali's Conception of God]]