Prayatna Shaithilya Ananta Samapattibhyam (Yoga Sutra 2.47)
प्रयत्नशैथिल्यानन्तसमापत्तिभ्याम्
Also known as: prayatna shaithilya ananta samapattibhyam · yoga sutra 2.47 · patanjali yoga sutra 2.47 · how to perfect asana
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✦ Meaning
This sutra reveals how the steady, comfortable posture defined in 2.46 is perfected. It names two means: relaxing all unnecessary effort (prayatna-shaithilya) and absorbing the mind in the infinite (ananta-samapatti). When striving is released and awareness rests in the boundless, the body becomes naturally still and at ease, and the posture is mastered — fit for deep meditation.
Origin & Story
Patanjali Yoga Sutras 2.47 · Patanjali · Classical (c. 2nd century BCE – 4th century CE)
This aphorism appears in the Sadhana Pada of Maharshi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, immediately following the definition of asana as steady and comfortable. Here Patanjali gives the method by which such a posture is perfected — relaxation of effort and absorption in the infinite. Traditional commentators link 'ananta' to the cosmic serpent Ananta-Shesha who effortlessly bears the earth, a perfect image of steadiness without strain.
✦ As told in scripture
Meditators report that the moment they stop fighting the posture and let the mind dissolve into boundless space, the body settles into a stillness that can last for hours — light, effortless and forgotten — exactly the steadiness and ease Patanjali promised.
The Mantra
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प्रयत्नशैथिल्यानन्तसमापत्तिभ्याम् ॥ २.४७ ॥ (पदपाठ — प्रयत्न-शैथिल्य-अनन्त-समापत्तिभ्याम्)
Prayatna-shaithilya-ananta-samapattibhyam || 2.47 || (pada-patha — prayatna-shaithilya-ananta-samapattibhyam)
Meaning:Posture is mastered by relaxing effort and by absorbing the mind in the infinite.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Prayatna Shaithilya Ananta Samapattibhyam (Yoga Sutra 2.47)
Reveals the secret of perfecting any posture: relax the effort and absorb the mind in the infinite.
Teaches that ease in asana comes not from forcing but from letting go of unnecessary tension.
Turns physical posture into a doorway to meditation by resting awareness in the boundless.
Reduces strain and struggle in practice, bringing effortless steadiness and comfort.
Completes Patanjali's teaching on asana (with 2.46), uniting body and mind in stillness.
Cultivates inner expansiveness, calm and one-pointed absorption.
How to Chant Prayatna Shaithilya Ananta Samapattibhyam (Yoga Sutra 2.47)
Recite the sutra as you settle into your seat, then apply its two keys: gently release every unnecessary effort in the body, and let the mind rest in something boundless — the infinite sky, vast space, or the limitless Self. As striving dissolves and awareness expands, the posture grows steady and comfortable of its own accord. It is to be practiced directly in the body and mind.