THE CONCEPT OF BAHIRANGA AND ANTARANGA YOGA ACCORDING TO PATANJALI YOGA SUTRA AND VASISHTHA SAMHITA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Patanjali compiled a collection of sutras known as Ashtanga Yoga, also known as the 8-fold Path of Yoga, for novice practitioners. It discusses the yogic philosophy of life and the self-realization journey. The eight folds are separated into two halves, with the first four limbs standing in for the Bahiranga, or exterior, element of yoga, and the following four for the Antaranga, or interior, side.

The Vasishta Samhita is an ancient Hindu text that contains the concept of yoga from the perspective of the sage Vasishta. The Yoga Kanda of the text is devoted to the practice of yoga and its benefits, and explains how to attain the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering. This section of the text outlines the eight limbs of yoga, including the practice of meditation, and the importance of cultivating a spiritual lifestyle. It also explains the importance of cultivating mindfulness and the self-discipline needed to achieve spiritual freedom. The Vasishta Samhita is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of yoga and its associated practices. But both the texts have referred exterior and interior limbs differently. So, this research paper will find out the parallels and variations of the texts and concept of Yoga according to both the yogis.