Is the Yoga Sutras a system of morals?
No, the Yoga Sutras are based on self realization via practice. It is not based on conceptual theory such as deciding correct or incorrect actions via ethics. Unlike many moral religions, such as the popular Middle Eastern religions, Yoga is not as simple as simply following various rules. There, if you follow/conform to a rule you are rewarded with heaven when you die, but if you break a rule you will become punished. Many people who have become intimidated, inhibited, alienated, and disenfranchised from their innate wisdom through negative conditioning may simply want to know what to do. They may say: “Just tell me what to do, and I will follow”. Tell me what to believe and I will believe it. That is not yoga. Real yoga is not blind belief, memorization, conformity, obedience, follow the leader, nor ideology, although charlatans try to play the role. In authentic yoga, practice leads to wisdom, insight, and direct perception (the cessation of the citta-vrtti). Then one sees directly
