A letter from Patanjali to a Yoga Student

Dear Yoga Student,

I'm delighted to know that you’ve chosen to walk the path of Yoga. In a world full of distractions, the very desire to know yourself is a rare and sacred spark.

It may have taken a while to arrive here, but trust me — this is the real beginning. And I’ve been where you are. The questions, the excitement, the uncertainty — I know them well.

So, let me share a few reflections with you. Not as commandments, but as gentle reminders to help you stay anchored on this path.

“I want to start Yoga... but I don’t know anything!”

Let me stop you right there.

Yoga isn’t about how much you know — it’s about how much you are willing to explore. You don't need to arrive with flexibility, knowledge, or even calmness. Just curiosity.

Let go of the idea that Yoga is about achieving something.The postures, the breathwork, the meditation — they’re not trophies to be won.They’re tools. The process itself is the reward.

So yes, set goals. Maybe you want open hips or a calm mind. That’s perfectly okay.But don’t chase results so hard that you lose the joy of the practice.When you enjoy the journey, the results quietly follow.

It’s not what you do. It’s who you are when you do it.

Whether you're practising Sun Salutations or simply sitting with your breath, the most important question is:

“Who am I in this moment?”

Be a witness to yourself. Observe without judgement.This witnessing brings understanding. Understanding leads to refinement. And through refinement, the Yogi within begins to emerge — not just in your posture, but in your presence.

Being a Yogi has no ‘type’.

There’s no hairstyle, no dress code, and no pose that makes you a Yogi. In fact, true Yoga should free you from labels — not trap you in new ones.

So don’t get caught in creating another identity out of the one you’re trying to shed.The path to freedom shouldn't turn into a new kind of bondage.

Be humble. Not special. Just aware.

Yoga isn’t permission to feel superior. You are different, yes — but so is everyone else. No one is “above” anyone.

If Yoga is truly working, it shows first in how you treat others — with kindness, humility, and quiet strength.

What you do daily shapes who you are.

Yoga isn’t confined to the mat. It's in your words, your actions, your attitude.

Be regular with your practice — but not just asana. Be regular with compassion, awareness, truthfulness, and patience.

What you are on the mat reflects who you are off it. And what you cultivate off the mat, subtly shapes your experience on it.

If you bring frustration onto the mat, it may echo in your life.If you bring softness into your life, it will whisper into your postures.

“Where do I find a teacher like you?”

Ah, a question every sincere seeker eventually asks.

Look within.

Open your inner eyes — and you’ll find the teacher everywhere.

In the rustling of trees.

In the smile of a stranger.

In every challenge that tests you.

In silence. In stillness.

In joy. In pain.

The Guru is not always outside in robes and malas.

Sometimes the Guru is within - whispering softly when the noise fades.

Take time. Sit with your eyes closed.

I will always be here. Quiet, but ready to guide.

Until then, let me remain in your heart.Yours always,

— Patanjali

This is an imaginary letter from Sage Patanjali to the modern Yoga student — a humble attempt to share timeless wisdom in a heartfelt way.