The Strong Case for Vegetarianism in Pātañjala Yoga

Since the early twentieth century the Yogasūtra of Patañjali has remained a prominent work of Indian Philosophy inside the Western academy and among modern practice communities. For this reason, the text’s stance on violence, the treatment of animals, and diet are all highly relevant for living yoga scholars and practitioners. This essay offers a textual study of the Pātañjalayogaśāstra (sūtras and bhāṣya) and ultimately concludes that nonviolence (ahiṃsā) in Pātañjala Yoga is exemplified by the unshakable resolve to refrain from any and all acts of animal slaughter and consumption.