Again... such clear exposition of Patanjali's sutras. Clarity, groundedness, compassion: these imbue and give such life to your exposition, James. You share a great and transformational gift here. Thank you, thank you!!

You give so much clarity, and kindness . A deep clear understanding is being conveyed . Thank you so much  James. 

After sūtra 1.2 we have another definition of yoga in 1.13 "the effort to foster steadiness".  Would sūtra 1.2 be a higher level definition, being earlier in the text, and 1.13 an elaboration of that definition after we have considered the Vṛtti-s?  Because the Vṛtti-s may or may not get in the way of yoga?  It seems to me 1.13 to be a fuller definition of yoga that 1.2 which is well known and often quoted by many..

Hi Caroline, thanks for this good question. The way I think of this is that 1.2 is the definition of yoga and 1.13-14 the definition of yoga practice. However, as the sūtra-s are woven with the same, continuous thread, we can think of 13-14, as you say, as elaborating the initial definition, as giving greater shape to it/as helping contextualise that over-arching/all layers/all levels definition in relation to our lives and practice.

Is there any mention or suggestion in the sutras of the idea that it is important to fully recognize and experience the emotions we are "run through" by, on a day to day basis, so that do not stagnate within us, generating all sorts of side effects?

I got my answer in the summary... in the next video

Hi Marie B, This is something that I have experienced again and again when working with the Sūtra-s and the Bhagavad Gītā, how the teachings invite questions and inquiry which they then go on to address. Every time I come back to these texts, they amaze me afresh with how practical and supportive they are. I hope you will find the same