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An Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita & the Yoga Sutras

At Bamboo Garden Yoga, yoga is more than movement — it’s a way of living with awareness, purpose, and heart. Two of the most important texts behind the philosophy of yoga are The Bhagavad Gita and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. If you’ve ever wondered what these texts are, why yoga teachers talk about them, or how they apply to modern life, this gentle introduction is for you.

This guide keeps things simple, practical, and beginner‑friendly.

The Bhagavad Gita

Who wrote it?

The Bhagavad Gita is traditionally attributed to Vyasa, an ancient Indian sage. It appears as part of the larger epic, the Mahabharata.

What is it?

The Bhagavad Gita (often called the Gita) is a spiritual dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his guide Krishna. It explores life’s big questions: Why am I here? How should I live? How do I act without burning out or losing myself?

The text contains 700 verses, written in poetic form (called shlokas).

When was it written?

Scholars estimate it was composed between 400 BCE and 200 CE.

Where does it take place?

The conversation happens on a battlefield — a powerful metaphor for the inner conflicts we all face.

How is it used in yoga?

The Gita teaches yoga as a path of balance — blending action, devotion, and wisdom. Many yoga teachers draw from it to inspire mindful action and purposeful living.

How can it be used in modern life?

The Gita reminds us:

  • Do your best, without being attached to outcomes
  • Act with integrity
  • Stay grounded during stress and uncertainty

It’s especially relevant for busy modern lives where burnout, overthinking, and pressure are common.

Popular Bhagavad Gita Quotes

“Yoga is skill in action.” — Bhagavad Gita 2.50

“You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.” — Bhagavad Gita 2.47

Learn more

Recommended Books

  • The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran
  • The Living Gita by Swami Satchidananda
  • Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation by Stephen Mitchell

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Who wrote them?

The Yoga Sutras were compiled by Patanjali, a sage and scholar.

What are they?

The Yoga Sutras are a collection of 196 short aphorisms (sutras), or concise wisdom statements, that outline the path of yoga.

Rather than telling stories, the sutras give clear guidance on how the mind works and how to calm it.

When were they written?

They were composed around 200 BCE to 400 CE.

Where do they come from?

They come from the ancient Indian yogic tradition and were designed as a practical manual for self‑study and inner growth.

How are they used in yoga?

The Yoga Sutras describe the Eight Limbs of Yoga, including:

  • Ethical living (Yamas & Niyamas)
  • Physical postures (Asana)
  • Breath awareness (Pranayama)
  • Meditation and mindfulness

They form the philosophical backbone of many modern yoga practices.

How can they be used in modern life?

The sutras help us:

  • Manage stress and mental chatter
  • Build healthier habits
  • Cultivate focus, compassion, and clarity

They are especially useful for anyone interested in mindfulness, meditation, or emotional balance.

Popular Yoga Sutra Quotes

“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” — Yoga Sutra 1.2

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, all your thoughts break their bonds.” — Yoga Sutra 2.1 (paraphrased translation)

Learn more

Recommended Books

  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Swami Satchidananda
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Sivananda
  • The Secret of the Yoga Sutra by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

How These Texts Support Your Yoga Practice

  • The Bhagavad Gita teaches how to live yoga in everyday action
  • The Yoga Sutras teach how to understand and calm the mind

Together, they remind us that yoga is not about perfection — it’s about presence, awareness, and conscious choice.

At Bamboo Garden Yoga, these teachings quietly inform the way we move, breathe, and show up — on and off the mat.

✨ Yoga is not just something you do. It’s something you live. ✨