Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s7.t9.7

v1.c7.s7.t9.7

*Saamkhya-yoga* formed the independent school in about 200 BCE. According to legend, its founder was Patanjali at that time. The basic classic of this school was the *Yoga Sutra* of Patanjali. The existing *Yoga Sutra* included contents which were added in later generations and it was finally formed in 300-500 BCE. After *Yoga Sutra*, books of saamkhya-yoga were mainly an explanation and note on *Yoga Sutra*. The appearance of saamkhya-yoga has a theoretical systematisation on the ancient yoga practice in the Indus Civilisation period. It also had important influences on the formation of cultivation theories of philosophy schools of religion in India. *Saamkhya-Yoga* devotes to restrain the role of the heart to reach the samadhi state. Its specific cultivation method is the so called "eight steps of Raja yoga", eg Yom, niyam, asan, pranayama, pratyahar, dharana, dhyan, samadhi. The later three steps of the eight steps are called "general restrain". Through it, people can gain various magical powers, distinguish Prakrti and Purusha and finally reach the "Dharma Megha samadhi". In this samadhi, various samsara seeds can be destroyed to achieve final release.