Patanjali’s Metaphysical Schematic: Purusa and Prakrti in the Yogasutra

This monograph Patanjali’s Metaphysical Schematic: Purusa and Prakrti in the Yogasutra is a reprint from The Adyar Library Bulletin, volume 63, 1999. Ian Whicher is a well-known scholar of Indian philosophy who has been specializing in Patanjali’s Yoga. We have already published his monograph Cognitive Samadhi in the Yogasutra-s in The Adyar Library Pamphlet Series, no. 52. We have great pleasure in bringing out this monograph also in the same series as no. 55.. Patanjali’s Yogasutra aims at freedom from suffering as does Samkhya, but it is intended for those who are desirous of freedom, yet, who are subject to a mistaken identity ensconced within the subject-object duality of empirical existence (prakrti). The aim is not to get out of this world to an outer extrinsic world, but to turn within oneself, towards one’s core intrinsic being. Yoga expand, purifies and illuminates our understanding of self and world. Classical Yoga also offers the ideal of jivanmukta, one established in the true nature of purusa. The yogi is free while yet living and shows the potentiality for the transformation of consciousness and identity of all aspirants. In the Yogasutra a practical metaphysical schematic is abstracted from yogic experience, where-as in classical Samkhya experience are fitted into a metaphysical structure. This monograph is recommended to the serious students of Yoga.