The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Patanjali first states the goal of yoga which is the cessation of the recurring biopsychic and energetic patterns that distort and limit the field of consciousness (citta-vrtti). Yoga as taught by Patanjali is union (samadhi). Since the word, yoga, means to yoke, join together, and interconnect, it is integrity personified -- an integrative non-dual-engagement in All Our Relations. That differs considerably from reductionist or dualist approaches (samkhya) which can be said to emphasize dissociation, isolation, aloneness, detachment, fragmentation, endless reductionism, alienation, nihilism, escapism, or dvesa (aversion) ending up in a over objectified fragmented disparate disintegration (a hopelessly corruptive state of mind). Although samkhya analytical philosophical systems share some of the same Sanskrit terms, their usage and meanings, goals, and context are very different from yoga, and produce very a different result. In contrast, yoga, as such, is an integrative state.