Ashtanga yoga - Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra

I - Samadhi Pada

First chapter of SAMADHI PADA starts with first sutra -
Atha Yoga anushasanam ( I – 1 )
Atha means Now
anushasanam means discipline.
So the meaning is “Now is the discipline of yoga”.

Second sutra is definition of Yoga.
Yogaha chitta vritti nirodhah ( I – 2 )
chitta means mind,
vritti means modifications of mind 
nirodhah means to control
Yoga is to control the modifications of mind or functioning of the mind.

Third Sutra is about ultimate achievement of Yoga.
Tada drashtuh swarupe awasthanam( I – 3 )
Tada means - after that
drashtuh means – the seer
swarupe means – state of self or soul
awasthanam means - resides
After that (Control of functioning of mind) the seer establishes himself in to true state of being.

In first chapter Patanjali explains five types of vritties (types of modifications of mind)
Also Patanjali talks about seven paths to achieve the goal of control of mind. One of these is Omkar chanting.
In the first chapter Patanjali also explains the different types of Samadhi (ultimate state of achievement in yoga).
Sabija Samadhi & Nirbija Samadhi
Sabija is further subdivided in two
Sampradnayat & Asampradnayat

Sampradnayat is further subdivided in four types
Savitarka, Savichara, Sananda, Sasmita

Nirbija Samadhi is the ultimate state of achievement in Yoga.

II - Sadhana Pada

In the second chapter, Patanjali explains the tools and techniques to achieve the ultimate goal of Yoga. All eight parts of Ashtanga yoga are explained by Patanjali in this chapter. Yama – Social Discipline, Niyama – Self Discipline, Asana – Yoga poses, Pranayama – Breath control, Pratyahara – sense withdrawal, Dharana – concentration, Dhyana – meditation and Samadhi – self-realization are 8 steps to yoga. But in this chapter the focus is on first 5 steps.

III - Vibhuti Pada

Remaining 3 steps of Dharana – concentration, Dhyana – meditation and Samadhi – self-realization are discussed in details byt Patanjali. All three together is called Samyam. Samyam on different objects leads to different achievements which are called Siddhies (perfections).

IV – Kaivalya Pada

Janmaushadhimantratapaha samadhijah sidhayaha (IV – 1 )

Ways to achieve ultimate state of Samadhi

1. By birth
2. Mantra chanting
3. Practicing Tapa (Austerity)
4. Practice of Yoga

Hari Om !
- Guruji