The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a collection of 196 sutras on the theory and practice of yoga. These are considered one of the most sacred core texts of traditional yoga.
The second sutra “Yogas citta vritti nirodhah” is often translated as “Yoga leads to the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.” A modern understanding is that the practice of yoga helps us to manage our agitated minds.
The sutras define yoga, obstacles to achieving yoga, and the purpose of yoga. Only three of these sutras refer to asana. What's interesting is that Patanjali's eightfold system of yoga contains many elements used in modern treatments for anxiety: cognitive reframing, behavioral recommendations, relaxation, mindfulness of sensory input, as well as methods for greater cognitive flexibility, concentration, and downregulation of distress.
