Through the practice of the limbs of yoga, when impurities are destroyed, the light of knowledge arises, culminating in discernment.

This sutra introduces aṣṭāṅga yoga, the eight limbs that will occupy the rest of the Sādhana Pāda.

Aṅga-anuṣṭhāna is the sustained practice of the limbs or parts of yoga.

Aśuddhi-kṣaya is the destruction of impurities—the kleśas and their manifestations.

Jñāna-dīpti is the light of knowledge that naturally arises when obstacles are removed.

Ā-viveka-khyāti means “up to discernment.” The process continues until viveka is firmly established.

Patañjali will now offer the practical method: the eight steps that purify and prepare for illumination.