National Workshop on Patanjali Yoga Sutras Kicks Off at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga

New Delhi, October 26 (Daily Kiran) : The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) in New Delhi has launched a five-day national workshop titled “Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Vibhuti Pada (in the light of Vyasa’s commentary)” today. The event, running from October 26 to 30, 2026, aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the Vibhuti Pada through a systematic study of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and their traditional interpretations.

Professor Krishna Kant Sharma, a former faculty member of Vedic Philosophy at Banaras Hindu University, participated as a subject expert. He emphasized the importance of integrating classical knowledge with practical education. According to him, MDNIY is committed to providing a profound understanding of classical yoga texts alongside practical insights. The teachings of Maharishi Patanjali offer significant insights into understanding and managing human suffering through yoga.

Dr. Jyoti Keswani, Director of MDNIY, highlighted the relevance of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras in personal development, discipline, and awareness. She noted that this classical text inspires individuals to become better human beings by developing discipline and awareness while learning to control ego. Each study presents a new perspective. The Vibhuti Pada describes profound concepts that stimulate philosophical discussions and further scientific exploration. It encourages an open-minded approach to understanding this traditional knowledge and underscores the need for systematic research to grasp its significance and potential applications.

Mohammad Tayyab Alam, MDNIY’s Communication and Documentation Officer, stressed the importance of incorporating yoga teachings into daily life. He pointed out that the essence of yoga lies not merely in memorizing the sutras but in applying their teachings in everyday situations. The philosophical depth of Vibhuti Pada offers profound insights into the discipline and purpose of yoga. Alam expressed confidence that this workshop would promote dialogue, learning, and the dissemination of India’s classical yoga tradition.

Dr. I.N. Acharya, a program officer at MDNIY, discussed the contemporary relevance of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, particularly regarding understanding and controlling the human mind. He stated that in today’s world, where access to information is increasingly easy and life has become more complex, the Patanjali Yoga Sutras provide valuable guidance for understanding and managing the mind while promoting mindfulness and awareness.

The third chapter of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Vibhuti Pada, describes advanced dimensions of yoga practice, including perception, meditation, and samadhi, collectively known as restraint. It elaborates on various siddhis (yogic accomplishments), their implications, and the necessity of discernment to understand their significance in spiritual progress.

This workshop offers an academic platform for a thorough exploration of these concepts through the systematic study of the sutras and Vyasa’s traditional commentaries. It also aims to examine the relevance of classical yoga teachings in understanding the philosophical foundations of Patanjali Yoga and higher states of yogic discipline and consciousness.

Dr. Indu Sharma, an assistant professor in the Yoga Education Department at MDNIY, is coordinating the workshop. Through such academic initiatives, MDNIY is promoting the systematic study of classical yoga texts, strengthening the understanding of India’s rich yogic and philosophical heritage.