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Patanjali Yoga Sutras

Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Surrender to Īśvara

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Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1.23 īśvara-praṇidhānād-vā

Verse Commentary – Surrender to the Divine by Joseph le Page

In the previous sutras, we see that deep samadhi requires faith in awakening, vitality for the journey, mindfulness and consistency in practice, gradually unfolding as wisdom and clarity. Sutra 1.23 presents another doorway to awakening through Īśvara praṇidhāna, surrender to the Divine Source, the intelligence at the heart of creation’s majesty, which is simultaneously our own true Being. This does not mean that the qualities that support samadhi are no longer necessary, but that through alignment with the source from which they spring, they unfold naturally from within our own Being.

For through surrender to the Divine, we become one with the source and seed of all things, one with the stream of spiritual awakening that naturally carries us home to reunite with our own true Being. And surrender to the Divine, far from being a spiritual fantasy, is simply the recognition of reality, for the scale of creation is so vast, beyond all fathoming, that our entire life journey is barely a flicker in eternity. But as we gradually transcend the conditioned personality, forever bound to “I” and “me,” we awaken to the essence of Divinity and begin to live and breathe through a vision of Unity. And in Unity we recognize ourselves as one with the whole of creation, one with the universal order of all things, one with the wisdom that allows us to clearly see that we are the very truth we seek.

Yet the journey is not easy, for surrender requires complete personal responsibility, the willingness to face life’s challenges honestly and release the limiting beliefs that veil our true nature as Unity. For Īśvara is also present as karma, the law of skillful and unskillful thoughts, words and deeds, through which we gradually discern the choices that deepen suffering and those that lead to awakening. Within the laws of creation, pleasure has its place, yet we cannot blame Divinity when we repeatedly grasp the thorns of attachment while seeking only the fragrance of the rose, which inevitably leads to suffering. But when we choose to open our eyes and see life clearly as a journey of learning and healing, Īśvara guides and supports us at each step of the way with the greatest blessing of all, the gift of Divine grace. And, we need not be perfect to live in Unity, only committed to transformation and learning, using every step to recognize the thoughts and beliefs that create suffering and those that lead toward awakening.

Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Unity and Simplicity

Within this vision of Unity, embodied in surrender to Divinity, our beliefs and priorities are transformed naturally, and the excessive focus on “I” and “me” gradually gives way to living for the good of all beings. And as we walk the path of Unity more steadily, a natural synchronicity unfolds, where the voice of the Divine quietly guides our choices and activities toward the unfolding of our unique gifts and possibilities. For living in Unity, all feelings of defectiveness and low self-esteem are released, for how can there be anything lacking when we are the whole, one with the Divine heart and essence of all that exists?

In alignment with Unity and our own inner Being, we discover a natural simplicity, so that instead of trying to fill ourselves up externally, we open to every moment of life as a gift and a blessing. Living in simplicity and synchronicity, stress, confusion and inner conflict are gradually released, allowing us to live with open hearts and open minds, every step an integral part of the journey of healing. And within this vision of Unity, samadhi, far from being a meditation method or technique, is a homecoming to who we truly are and have always been, one with the heart of Divinity which is our own true Being. As we embody this vision of Unity, suffering is gradually released, allowing us to recognize that the purpose and meaning of our entire life journey is to live and breathe in the ever-present embrace of Divinity. And even at death, nothing is lost, for it is only coming home to that which we have always been, a drop of water merging with the river of life, returning at last to Unity, the infinite ocean of Being, the Source of all things.

Reflection: What is the role of Īśvara in your life and Yoga practice? How do you conceive of surrender and what role does it play in your spiritual journey?

About Joseph Le Page, founder of Integrative Yoga

Joseph Le Page founded Integrative Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapy in 1993, and is a pioneer in the field of Yoga therapy training programs. He began teaching yoga therapy in hospital settings in 1995 and continues up to the present as Director of The Healthy Heart Program, which conducts Yoga Therapy group programs in public health settings in Brazil.

Joseph has been a speaker at major conferences including Yoga Journal, the International Association of Yoga Therapists, the Kripalu Yoga Teacher’s Association, the International Association of Yoga and Ayurveda, and others. He is co-founder and director of the Enchanted Mountain Yoga Center in Garopaba, Brazil, one of the largest Yoga retreat centers in South America.

He is the co-author of the book Yoga Toolbox for Teacher and Students, one of the most widely used materials in teacher training programs in the US and in Brazil, published by Integrative Yoga. He is also co-author of the book Mudras for Healing and Transformation, also published by Integrative Yoga.

Patanjali Yoga Sutras: 5 qualities of Samadhi

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In the sutra 1.20, Patanjali describes five qualities that support the attainment of samadhi, deep meditative absorption. These qualities also apply to all other Yoga practices. These five qualities are: śraddhā, faith; vīrya, vitality; smṛtiḥ, mindfulness; samādhi, a consistent practice, and prajñā, wisdom. 

śraddhā-vīrya- smṛtiḥ samādhi-prajñā-pūrvaka itareṣām

Samādhi is preceded by faith, energy, mindfulness, regular meditation practice and wisdom. 

Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.20

The five qualities of Samadhi

Sutra 1.20 describes five qualities that support the attainment of samadhi, deep meditative absorption. These qualities also apply to all other Yoga practices. These five qualities are: śraddhā, faith; vīrya, vitality; smṛtiḥ, mindfulness; samādhi, a consistent practice, and prajñā, wisdom. 

Śraddhā, faith, is formed from the Sanskrit root dhā which means “to place” and śra which refers to the heart, so, śraddhā is literally to place in the heart, referring to an unshakable belief in our own ability to progress along the spiritual journey and recognize our true spiritual Being. Placing this faith in the heart emphasizes that it is a lived experience at the very core of our Being and not just a belief. 

Vīrya, vitality and enthusiasm, is a natural extension of śraddhā because, as we focus confidently and wholeheartedly on our spiritual journey, we release doubts, distractions, stress and anxiety, thereby naturally enhancing our level of vital energy. In turn, enhanced vital energy strengthens our ability to commit ourselves to the Yoga journey. 

Smṛtiḥ, memory, refers to continual awareness or remembering of who we are, spirit and material form and that the mind and body are vehicles  for learning leading to awakening. 

Samādhi refers to practicing meditation and all other Yogic practices continually which is absolutely essential for overcoming conditioning. 

 Prajñā, wisdom, is a clear vision of reality, which is the fruit of the other four qualities. The essence of this vision is a lived experience that we are spirit, together with absolute certainty that spiritual awakening is our life’s purpose, meaning and destiny. 

As these five qualities coalesce in meditation, yoga practices and in daily living, we cultivate the foundation needed for the recognition of our true Being. 

By Joseph Le Page.

About Joseph Le Page, founder of Integrative Yoga

Joseph Le Page founded Integrative Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapy in 1993, and is a pioneer in the field of Yoga therapy training programs. He began teaching yoga therapy in hospital settings in 1995 and continues up to the present as Director of The Healthy Heart Program, which conducts Yoga Therapy group programs in public health settings in Brazil.

Joseph has been a speaker at major conferences including Yoga Journal, the International Association of Yoga Therapists, the Kripalu Yoga Teacher’s Association, the International Association of Yoga and Ayurveda, and others. He is co-founder and director of the Enchanted Mountain Yoga Center in Garopaba, Brazil, one of the largest Yoga retreat centers in South America.

He is the co-author of the book Yoga Toolbox for Teacher and Students, one of the most widely used materials in teacher training programs in the US and in Brazil, published by Integrative Yoga. He is also co-author of the book Mudras for Healing and Transformation, also published by Integrative Yoga

Pranayama, Mudras, Bandhas: The Anatomy of the Subtle Body with Joseph Le Page

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Meets live virtually weekly on Tuesdays from 8:30-11:30 AM Mountain Time

November 4, 2025 – February 3, 2026
(No classes Dec 23 or 30 | 12 week, 36-hour course)

In the ancient texts of Hatha Yoga, which include instruction in asana and pranayama, the most important element of study is the understanding and experience of the body of subtle energy. This body is made up of energy centers (chakras), energy channels (nadis), and energy currents (prana vayus).

It is through the knowledge of this subtle body that Yoga postures and other practices are performed with ease and fluidity. This experiential understanding of the subtle body is also key in optimizing the health benefits of Yoga, including physical and psychological flexibility, equanimity and optimal functioning of all the physiological systems. The subtle body also serves as a bridge to our spiritual Being through understanding the intelligence and energy at the heart of creation.

The sciences of pranayama, mudra and bandha allow us to awaken and channel the energies of the subtle body and are therefore essential for receiving all of Yoga’s benefits. In this course, we will gain an in-depth understanding of pranayama, mudra and bandha, as well as pranic healing techniques, all of which serve to create a deep awakening of the subtle body, harmony in our physical being, psycho-emotional equanimity and an unfolding of the full potential of spirituality. 

The science of pranayama encompasses the traditional breathing practices that awaken the subtle body, optimize our physiology, balance the mind and emotions and serve as a doorway to our spiritual Being. This course presents 30 pranayamas along with their variations and therapeutic applications, allowing the teacher to instruct pranayama in therapeutic settings, within yoga classes, and to offer pranayama workshops at the beginning and intermediate levels. The pranayama material is supported by the soon to be released book, Pranayama for Healing and Transformation, by Joseph Le Page and Karin Silberberg.

Mudras are gestures of hands, face and body to balance our physical being, awaken subtle energy and serve as a bridge to spirituality. This course focuses on the use of mudras therapeutically and combining mudras and pranayamas in Yoga Therapy. The course also presents the use of mudras for meditation and spiritual transformation. The study of mudras is based on the book Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph Le Page and Lilian Aboim.

Bandhas play a key role within Asana practice and also in pranayama. Within the texts of Hatha Yoga, bandhas are included in the category of mudras. They have a special role in creating an energetic container within the physical body for the awakening and channeling of subtle energy and the unfolding of our spiritual Being. This course presents the various dimensions of bandha practice in pranayama, asana, and meditation.

This course also presents the therapeutic application of pranayama, mudra and bandha for individual and group Yoga Therapy sessions. Additionally, we learn how to channel the energy of the subtle body through pranic healing, an ancient Indian science that directs breath and prana to specific areas of the body to optimize physical health and remove energetic blockages. 

Through this course, you attain an in-depth understanding of the science of pranayama, mudra and bandha to heal the physical body, awaken and channel subtle energy, balance the mind and emotions and unite more deeply with your spiritual Being.

Fees, Eligibility and Continuing Education:

  • This course is open to all Inner Peace Yoga Therapy students as well as yoga teachers/yoga therapists from other schools
  • For those already certified as Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT), this course offers 36 hours of continuing education via Approved Professional Development
  • Tuition fee $500 payable below.

This 36-hour course will meet virtually each Tuesday from November 4, 2025 – February 3, 2026.

Class time is 8:30—11:30am MT each week, no class Dec 23 or 30. Students are encouraged to attend sessions live, but each session will be recorded and placed on our learning platform so that students can also participate via recording. Students are expected to listen to the recordings from any missed session before the next week’s session takes place.

Click here and learn more!

Forgiveness Meditation

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How do we release the pain of the past?

Releasing the pain of the past occurs through forgiveness, remembering that forgiveness has a special meaning within Yoga. We envision forgiveness in 5 steps:

First, we recognize that all beings seek happiness and avoid suffering. People don’t hurt others intentionally, but as a form of defense to avoid suffering.

Second, we recognize that the negative actions of others are reflections of their level of consciousness and has nothing to do with us personally. Anyone who came across that person at that time will receive the same treatment as a reflection of their level of awareness.

Third, we recognize that we place ourselves in contact with difficult people or situations person as part of our own process of Self-understanding. We give ourselves the lessons we need to reveal limiting beliefs \calling for release. An example of a limiting belief is: “I can only experience love if someone else loves me”. We repeat these until we finally see the limiting pattern that needs to be released.

Fourth, with this understanding of how pain and misunderstanding occur, we recognize that, at times, others have felt hurt by us. For our part, it was not our intention to hurt anyone, but to be happy and avoid suffering by protecting ourselves. Our words and actions reflected our consciousness at that time, which was the result of conditioning which we received unconsciously. Now, as our level of consciousness expands, we wouldn’t speak or act in the same way. Embracing our own process of transformation, we offer forgiveness to ourselves.

Finally, we recognize that there were situations in the past when we feel hurt by others, and we may still feel the pain of those situations. Through our own process of Self-growth, we see that others were not trying to hurt us, but only to be happy and avoid suffering by protecting themselves. Their attitudes, words and deeds reflected their own limiting beliefs, which they may now be releasing. We also see that we placed ourselves in those situations to see and release our own limiting beliefs.

With this understanding, we offer forgiveness to others and thereby release the pain of the past. For a deeper understanding of the process of forgiveness, let’s experience a guided meditation by Joseph Le Page.

What is perfect health from the Yoga Perspective?

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From the Yoga perspective, perfect health is the integration of the five bodies, the five facets of our being called the five koshas. 

These facets are your physical being, your energetic being, comprised of breath and subtle energy, your psyche-motional being, your body of wisdom and clarity, and your spiritual being, comprised of all your innate positive qualities.

We experience this integration of these five bodies with the following gesture and affirmation: 

Place your hands in Hakini mudra and repeat three times aloud or silently:

“I experience complete health and healing through integrating all the dimensions of my being.”

Meditation for the perfect Health


We experience this integration through meditating on these five levels with the support of Hakini mudra. 

Learn more: Mudras for Healing and Transformation

Mudra Book and Card Combo

The Future of Humanity: Survival of the Most Spiritual through Meditation

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I relate to you the means to be employed for the destruction of dis-ease;
Without the practice of yoga, how could knowledge set the Atman free?
Inversely, how could the practice of yoga alone, devoid of knowledge, succeed in the task?
The seeker of Liberation must direct his energies to both simultaneously.

– Yogatattva Upanishad verses 14–15

Human evolutionary history is characterized by ever increasing cognitive abilities that provide an evolutionary advantage in terms of survival, success, and procreation. These advances have made us the dominant species on the planet today. Evolution as we know it has always focused on competing and succeeding for resources, procreation and social hierarchy. From the spiritual perspective, the ultimate intention of evolution is more than just fulfilling basic survival needs. This can be seen by the fact that the problems and risks presented by our focus on material evolution now outweigh the benefits because our drive to expand, compete, conquer and succeed seem to be taking us toward the extinction of the planet and the human race as a species. Evolution is now heading into a new phase which can be called survival of the most spiritual. The levels of stress and stress-related illness have become so high that success now needs to be seen in terms of quality of life, self-knowledge and the ability to live in cooperation and community.

Some neurological research supports this through the changes observed in the brain structure of meditators. Research has shown that meditators’ brains lose less gray matter with aging (UCLA Florian Kurth). Research also found that meditation increases the cortical thickness of the hippocampus related to regulation of emotion while decreasing the cell volume in the amygdala which is related to the fight or flight response. In the traditional model of survival of the fittest, this could be a disadvantage, but in an environment in which the true threat is chronic stress and not the saber-toothed tiger, it becomes an advantage.

It was also found that these changes in the brain are associated with improved mood and well-being, which in a stressful environment, promotes not only health but also success in any area of activity.  Meditation also improves concentration and attention, essential skills for success and achievement in any area (Michael D. Mrazek). Additionally, a study found that meditators live longer and have a much lower risk of heart disease and cancer.  These benefits are not limited to meditation but are also true of those who practice any type of spirituality. A study from Duke University showed that for those with any form of spiritual support, rates of serious illness can be up to 40% less. (Harold G. Koenig, M.D)

These studies point to the possibility that the future of evolution, traditionally understood as survival of the fittest, may, in the modern context, mean survival of the healthiest, which, can be translated as those best able to cope with stress. As we have seen, spirituality is one of the best supports for coping with stress.

Spirituality also instills a sense of oneness with creation and a sense of respect for and unity with the natural world. Therefore, if evolution takes us to greater levels of success as a species, spirituality may now be its truest expression and perhaps the only solution for the future of our planet and humanity. 

 Reflection: Is there any other alternative for the evolution of the human species if not through recognition of our inherent wholeness in oneness with all of creation?

Joseph Le Page
Integrative Yoga Therapy

 Get to Know: Mudras for Healing and Transformation

 

 

The Art and Science of Yoga Therapy and the Five Koshas

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On February 26th, Joseph Le Page will be presenting the twelve-week course, the Art and Science of Yoga Therapy, for Inner Peace Yoga Therapy.

“Within this course, we use the model of the Five Koshas, the five dimensions of our being as a framework for the theory and practice of Yoga Therapy. The objective of the model of the Five Koshas is essentially spiritual; to provide a clear path to union with our true Being.

Along this journey however, as we traverse each of the koshas, we gain an in-depth awareness of each of the dimensions of our being, allowing us to cultivate integration and harmony which supports our overall health and the process of healing. Along this journey of awareness, we also cultivate health and healing which both support our journey and reflect our growing approximation to the source and essence of health.

Through an in depth understanding of the model of the Five Koshas, we create a foundation for the Art and Science of Yoga Therapy, serving three main functions:

  • The Koshas form a framework for healing at each level of our being; each facet of our lives requires consciousness, care, and evolution cultivated through Yoga practices specifically designed for each person’s individual needs.
  • Secondly, the koshas function as a framework for developing competencies at each level of being, allowing the Yoga Therapist to master an understanding of health at physical, energetic, psycho-emotional, intuitive, and spiritual levels.
  • The third function of the koshas is to remind that that the purpose of all of Yoga, including Yoga Therapy is the recognition of our true Being, whose very nature is wholeness and peace, and that health and healing are ultimately reflections of our union with the one source energy.

On the video, we review each of the koshas briefly and meditate on them!

Get to know more about the Art and Science of Yogatherapy!

 

A Yoga New Year’s Resolution

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Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1.1 is “atha yoga anuśāsanam”

Therefore, (when the student is prepared), instruction in Yoga (begins).

The decision to begin the Yoga journey is a crossroads where we choose consciously between ways of doing and being that cause limitation and suffering and the journey of Yoga that leads to greater joy, equanimity and clarity.

Along this journey, we also open to receive enhanced levels of health and vitality that are an essential support for our journey.

This crossroads is even more important as we enter the New Year which is traditionally a time for affirmations, resolutions and new beginnings.

In order to create positive affirmations for the new year, you will explore four different facets of daily living.

Within each one, you will reflect on your attitudes and tendencies before you begin practicing Yoga, and how they have evolved since Yoga practice began.

With this clarity, you will then create an intention for further growth and transformation in the new year.

Watch the video and let’s meditate together! 

Happy 2023!

Joseph Le Page and Integrative Yoga Therapy Team

Let’s Meditate!

 

5 Elements Meditation

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Within the Yoga philosophy, all creation is composed of the FIVE elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.

Our bodies and minds are also composed of these FIVE elements.

Each element is located in a specific area of the body and is also related to one or more body systems.

Each element has a symbol, a mantra or sacred sound, and is also related to a facet of the natural world.

Through meditation on the 5 elements and their various attributes, we cultivate perfect balance of our bodies and minds as doorway to absolute health in the form of recognition of our spiritual being.

Let’s meditate in the 5 elements with the professor Joseph LePage!