Yoga Sutras of Patanjali The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali contain a collection of 196 Indian sutras on the theory and practice of yoga. The Yoga Sutras were compiled by sage Patanjali who synthesized and organized knowledge about yoga from older traditions. Hindu tradition holds the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to be the foundational text of classical Yoga philosophy. Maharishi Patanjali Maharishi Patanjali is a saint who is believed to have lived some time during the 2nd century BCE. Known for his Yoga Sutras work Patanjali was also a scientist and a doctor whose clarity and wisdom was remarkable.