Yoga and Cognitive Science: Reinterpreting Pātañjali’s Aṣṭāṅga Yoga as a Framework for Cognitive Regulation

Abstract

The contemporary world is increasingly characterized by cognitive overload, emotional instability, attentional fragmentation, stress-related disorders, and declining psychological resilience. These concerns have encouraged interdisciplinary exploration of contemplative traditions capable of supporting cognitive regulation and mental well being. Among the classical Indian systems, Pātañjali’s Aṣṭāṅga Yoga presents a highly systematic psycho-cognitive framework aimed at regulating citta (mind-consciousness) through ethical discipline, bodily stabilization, breath regulation, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and samādhi. The present conceptual paper critically examines the relationship between Yoga and Cognitive Science through an interpretation of the Yogasūtra as a science of cognitive regulation and consciousness transformation. The study analyses important Yogic concepts such as citta, vṛtti, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna, and samādhi in relation to contemporary discussions concerning attention, emotional regulation, neurocognition, mindfulness, and consciousness studies. The paper argues that Pātañjali’s Yoga should not be understood merely as a physical or spiritual discipline, but as a comprehensive framework for restructuring cognition, regulating emotions, and transforming consciousness. The study further suggests that Yogic practices contribute significantly to attentional stability, emotional balance, behavioural self-regulation, and heightened self-awareness. The interdisciplinary dialogue between Yoga and Cognitive Science offers valuable implications for mental health research, contemplative neuroscience, educational psychology, and holistic human development.