I am studying this lately, and I made a personal version for reference that I'd like to share. It includes references that help me to remember. Some of them may be hard to understand, or some may be unfamiliar. If this is the case, I apologize, and also welcome peoples' own interpretations and questions.
---
1. Yamas:
Ahimsa: Consideration for all living things
Impeccable word (The Four Agreements)
Harm none (Wicca)
Satya: Right communication
Honesty
No hypocrisy
Asteya: Non-covetousness
Pay debts
Use only what's yours
Give credit where due
Brahmacharya: Moderation
The Middle Way (Buddhism)
Aparigraha: Non-greediness
Take only what you need
Non-attachment
Don't waste
2. Niyamas
Saucha: Purity
Cleanliness
Good food
Law of Attraction
Santosha: Contentment
Gratitude
Optimism
Tapas: Burning enthusiasm
Enthusiasm
All action is practice
Swadhyaya: Self-study
Taste emotions
Observe
Ishvarapranidhana: Celebration of the spiritual
Bhakti
Love
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses
One thing at a time
6. Dharana: Concentration
7. Dhyana: Meditation
8. Samadhi: The bliss state
Replies
I'm too lazy to learn Sansript so a few years back I read 6 different English translations of Panatanjali's Sutras and commentairies on them.
The one that made the most sense to me was by Osho (Bagwan Shree Rashneesh),
Which version do you have?
At the time I was interested in the Siddhis--the special abilities like walking on water, making stuff disappear, being in
several locations simultaneously etc.
If I recall correctly, book 4 of the Sutras outlines meditations for accomplishing all these miraculous powers. But then Pantanjali warns about getting stuck in the Siddhis as they are merely side effects and will not get you to self-realization.
I then went on to read about 50 books by Osho and forgot about Pantanjali.
I believe Pantanhali is the Grandaddy of all Yoga.
Have fun.
Love, B