The name traditionally associated with the compilation or authorship of the Yoga Sutras, an influential text in classical yoga philosophy.
How the term is used
Historical questions about authorship and dating are complex, so Patanjali is best described carefully rather than as the founder of all yoga.
Why it matters
Patanjali is frequently mentioned in modern yoga education, especially in discussions of the Eight Limbs.
Read the guide Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Guide to Yoga Philosophy for Everyday Life
Where this comes up
- Guide Yoga for Beginners: What Yoga Is, How It Works, and Where to Start
- Guide Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Guide to Yoga Philosophy for Everyday Life
- Guide Meditation for Beginners: How to Start Without Trying to Empty Your Mind
- Blog post What Is Yoga? The Difference Between Yoga and Exercise
- Blog post Yoga vs Stretching: What's Actually Different?
- Blog post What Does Ahimsa Mean in Everyday Life?
Where this fits in a practice
The guides explain the idea in context; the service pathways are there when reading is not enough. Educational content only — nothing here is medical or mental-health care.