by Sattva Connect
1.1 Atha Yoganushasanam — Now, the Practice of Yoga Begins
At first glance, this opening line of the Yoga Sutras might seem like a mere preface—a formal beginning. But to rush past it is to miss the quiet brilliance of Patanjali's insight. In fact, this single word—atha—contains the essence of the entire path.
Now, yoga.
Now it begins.
Now it is explained.
Now it is realized.
Now it is lived.
Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Not when life calms down or when you feel more ready.
Now.
The Genius of “Atha”
Patanjali opens with atha—a word that marks an auspicious beginning, yes, but also a profound truth: Yoga only happens in the present moment. This isn't poetic metaphor—it’s experiential fact. You can only practice yoga now. You can only understand yoga now. You can only be in yoga now.
This first sutra is more than an introduction. It is a threshold. And as you step into it, time dissolves. There is no waiting. No preparation. No timeline for arrival. Patanjali meets you precisely where you are, in the only moment that has ever truly existed: now.
Yoga Is Always Now
Whenever you open the Yoga Sutras, whether in ancient India or in the noise of a modern city, it is atha. Now. This is not just the genius of language—it is the universality of truth. The relevance of yoga transcends time, place, and circumstance. Its door is always open, but only to the present.
By using atha, Patanjali shatters the illusion of linear time. He reminds us: awakening isn’t somewhere else. It’s not a future destination. It is here. It is now. That is the path. That is the practice. That is the invitation.
So When Will You Realize Yoga?
You ask:
When will I reach the state of yoga?
When will suffering end?
When will I taste bliss?
Patanjali answers, again and again:
Now.
This Is the Invitation:
Be in yoga —now.
Practice yoga —now.
Experience yoga —now.
And if you feel called to explore the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali more deeply, check out This Is That by Himalayan Master Yogi, Anand Mehrotra—a transformative guide to living this truth in the here and now.
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Your purpose here is to evolve, to transform, to experience your radical aliveness, to awaken to your true nature. You are the path. The path is you. The time is now.
