अथ योगानुशासनमः ॥ १॥

1.1 atha yogānuśāsanamaḥ

atha – now

yogānuśāsanamaḥ - exposition (complete instruction) of Yoga

Now the exposition of Yoga.

Now, meaning this moment, not soon, not later, but now. When is your now? Whenever you are ready to take that first step toward realization of our eternal birthright is your now. Our eternal birthright is that which we already are, essentially perfect, we’ve just gotten confused. Why exposition? Because Patanjali is not introducing some new concept to be contemplated and discussed, he is exposing an eternal truth that ultimately deep down we are aware of. What are we aware of? Yoga/Union, that indescribable, non debatable fact that we are one with, and in fact, one and the same as the divine. And how do we attain this state of union? Pantanjali is about to direct us through specific practices in a very detailed practical manner that must be experienced to be understood.