How are the Yoga Sutras organized?

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are organized into four distinct chapters, known as "Padas." Each Pada focuses on a specific aspect of yoga philosophy and practice. The first chapter, Samadhi Pada, addresses the nature of consciousness and the practice of meditation. The second chapter, Sadhana Pada, covers the practice of yoga itself, including the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The third chapter, Vibhuti Pada, discusses the various powers and accomplishments that can arise through dedicated practice. Finally, the fourth chapter, Kaivalya Pada, explores the ultimate goal of yoga, which is liberation or self-realization. This structure allows practitioners to systematically understand and integrate the teachings, making it suitable for both study and practice in their yoga journey.

The other options, such as chronological order, thematic sections, and alphabetical order, do not accurately describe the organization of the Sutras. The work is not arranged according to the historical timeline of events, nor does it categorize ideas thematically in a non-linear fashion, and it certainly is not presented in alphabetical order. Therefore, understanding the division into "Padas" is essential to grasping the foundational teachings of the Yoga Sutras.