Book Description
This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. This new deluxe printing of these timeless teachings is a treasure to be read and referred to again and again by seekers treading the spiritual path. The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000 years old, cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, and physical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situations in daily life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

A classic book that is necessary for any yogi's library.
This book is a wonderful introduction to the yoga sutras.Other interpretations on the sutras should be compared to this in my opinion.

Patanjali's yoga sutras brought to life by a modern master
The collection of concise yoga sutras, put together by Patanjali are an important read for any yoga practitioner--teacher or enthusiast.Swami Satchidananda has translated the ancient text into meaningful and practical explanations which really apply to modern living.This is not just a one time read, but rather a wonderful guide to reflect upon often.The text is organized into four books geared to inspire and teach a yogic way of life.Yoga is not a religion of any sorts but rather an eight limbed path leading us from suffering to freedom.The details of how we develop this peace are all included in the book. I highly recommend this book in particular because of its clear and thoughtful translations.

easy reading, great comprehension
I love this book! Easy to read, simple explanations from Sri Swami Satchidananda, allows you to dive deeply on the true meaning of each Sutra. Truly a book commented by an enlightened soul.

Wonderful book!
I enjoy reading this book! The author quite obviously knows what he is talking about. He gives wonderful explanations and provides insights to the Yoga Sutras. I am learning a great deal from his commentaries on Pantanjali's humanity-benefiting work.
Thank you, Swami Satchinananda!

Could it be more condescending?
I have two other versions/interpretations of the yoga sutras.I was actually quit surpised by sutra 2 of this book.He refers to the "chitta vritti" as "mind stuff."Mind stuff?Please.How about a real explanation.Definately written for an American audience whom he regards as very simple.I read a couple more sutras but really couldn't take it as it was just ridiculous.

If you are the type of person who would be happy being told that there is "mind stuff" taking place inside your brain and it is far too complicated for you to understand then by all means buy this book.Otherwise, try the Four Chapters of Freedom.It offers much more thorough explainations and it treats its audience with respect. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

My favorite interpretaion of the sutras.
This interpretation of the sutras is one that touches me deeply.I can't imagine ever being done with this book.I get new insights from it every time I pick it one.It is a nice size to carry around, but it generally stays on my night stand.It would make a nice gift for any yogi. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Pocket Book for the Yoga Sutras
I've read the Yoga Sutras of Patajali by Sri Swami Satchidananda and found that book to be a much more detailed description of sutras.This book is very brief, which may a good introduction but I've found it to be much less useful.If you are looking for a deep understanding of the sutras, I'd recommend a book with more content.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali....translated by Alistair Shearer
This is an enlightening translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
This book is easy to read and contemplate on.The English word choices are
thoughtful and consistent.Mr. Shearer also writes a wonderful introduction
to the translated text.I once attended a philosophy lecture on Yoga by a college professor who claimed mastery of Tantric Yoga and theSanskrit language.During lecture, he commented that the Sutras of Patanjali were difficult and "certainly not bed time reading material."I couldn't have disagreed more with the Professor knowing that Mr. Shearer's translation is easy to read, assimilate, and makes wonderful reading anytime night or day, as I have done many, many times.
I recommend this translation to my Yoga students and I also give it as gifts.Enjoy!

Eastern Wisdom
Great translation of the timeless and pricelss wisdom of the Yoga Sutra.Yoga seems to be very popular in the physical senses of society today, however the Yoga Sutras speak of the holism of yoga and not just the posture and breathing that yoga is thought of in the popular circles.Great book and application of it will allow you to find peace and tranquility by detaching from the chaotic mind(ego).

Excellent source for non-yoginis
This is my favorite translation of this book, although I think for someone who has never read about them other translations might be the place to start.

In this book the introduction is more from a world literature view not just Hindu.His text is peppered with quotes from all traditions.One of my favorites was:

Every morning put your mind into your heart and stand in the presence of God all day long -
anon Eastern Orthodox monk.

His description of the sutras is elegant:

"Texts like the Yoga Sutras are views from the mountaintop.Their purpose is to encourage and guide us, the climbers, to share their panoramic view.But the climb can only be accomplished in stages.Realizing this, teachers have often clothed their wisdom in parable, analogy, and provisional truth.Panatela's style however, displays neither the charming blend of courtly naturalistic imagery that characterizes the writings of the Taoists in China, nor the imaginative richness of Sufi poetry and fable.It is altogether more austere.Like some pure crystal, his message reveals its facets one by one.The whole picture is unfolded stage by stage and the teaching emerges gradually.In this way what is a complex and unfamiliar subject, the mechanics of consciousness, is broken down into easily manageable sections.Each section is self-sufficient yet part of a greater whole.It is particularly important that the truth be unfolded gradually when what is being conveyed is not knowledge in the normal sense but the transformation of consciousness itself.The teacher must apply upaya - `the skillful method' - he must teach on the level of the student's ability to understand.Otherwise his words will not be grasped.Yoga confirms Blake's observation: "The fool sees not the same tree the wise man sees".

He also inserts a lot of quantum physics type comparisons and quotes by Niels Bohr.In the conclusion of the introduction he states:

"One last word:DO, whenever possible, read the Yoga Sutras outloud.The teaching of yoga is an aural tradition, which knows the ability of sound to transform the hearer.We live in a cacophonous age and have forgotten the power of the right sound to heal and regenerate.But the sutras date from an age of preliterate innocence, when each word uttered by the bard or seer possessed a tremendous and mysterious creative power - the ability to penetrate deeply into consciousness and plant the seeds of fresh perception.It was a time when "the word was with God and the Word was God."so much so that even the timely hearing of certain of certain scriptures was said to confer liberation.The sutras were passed down by word of mouth for centuries before they were committed to writing.Like the Vedas and Upanishads before them, they have been chanted, sung and murmured for thousands of years, reverberating around cave sanctuaries, temple halls, and centers of learning and pilgrimage.Every sound has its effect, and a pure sound will carry the mind to that silence which is the source of all sounds.This ability to transport the listener is not wholly confined to the original Sanskrit, even in translation, some of the resonance can be transmitted.For all their restrained logic and classical praise, the Yoga Sutras are a hymn of praise, which should be recited far and wide for all to hear.We are in dire need of their wisdom, for it is in the understanding and utilization of the precious gift of human consciousness that our next evolutionary advance lies."

Great book.There is no cross-referencing and nothing in Sanskrit but it is a great place for non-yogini's to start.I loved it.I read it often and although it is small in comparison to some of the translations I find peace, tranquility and new wisdom in it every time I read it.

Engaging translation but not the best commentary
This book was first published in London in 1982 as Effortless Being: the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.I assume the translation of the sutras is the same while Shearer, who is a disciple of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, has updated his Introduction.The text is presented in a sky blue color that is easy on the eyes and does not distract from the meaning of the words.The design by Barbara Sturman is indeed very attractive while the small size of the book (4.75 by 6.25 by 0.75 inches) makes for easy portability.

The translation itself takes up about one-third of the book while Shearer's commentary takes up most of the rest.The translation is strikingly original and interpretative.Patanjali's famous first line, which I recall most agreeably as "Now, instruction in yoga" (which I have from Ernest Egerton Wood's Practical Yoga, 1948) is presented as "And now the teaching on yoga begins."B.K.S. Iyengar, in his Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (1993), which I highly recommend in addition to this book, has "With prayers for divine blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred art of yoga."

Clearly the differences with this first line are mainly stylistic with Iyengar emphasizing a spiritual and religious tone while Wood's aim was to reflect Patanjali's succinct style, with Shearer looking for lucidity and an affinity with the modern English expression.But let's look at the second sutra.Shearer's "Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence" is very pretty, and when one realizes that "silence" to Shearer is akin to godliness (he quotes Meister Eckhart on page 24: "Nothing in all creation is so like God as silence"), it works in a symbolic sense as well.Professor Wood's "Yoga is the control of the ideas in the mind" places a very different emphasis.But in Shearer's understanding, the idea of "control" is inappropriate.He sees instead that "Once pointed in the right direction, the mind will begin to settle down of its own accord.It needs no control or forcible restraint." (p. 68)

From my experience (I began my practice of yoga in 1974) both of these ideas are correct; and indeed it is a synthesis of conscious control of the ideas of the mind along with a sense of falling away that leads to meditation and samadhi.It is a mistake to imagine that one makes no effort, since it is the very essence of yoga that one does indeed make an effort and uses technique in order to find liberation (rather than, say, faith or knowledge).Yoga is above all a practice and nothing in it can be fully appreciated without practice.But it is also a mistake to think that one can through force of will achieve samadhi.What is required is a controlled practice in which one leads the reluctant mind and body to a place of relaxed concentration in which meditation is allowed to take place.

But let's now look at how Iyengar translates this famous second aphorism: "Yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness."He adds, "This vital sutra contains the definition of yoga: the control or restraint of the movement of consciousness, leading to their complete cessation."(Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, p. 46)

While I think Shearer's translation is very much worthwhile, I am less enthusiastic about his interpretation.He devotes the last part of his Introduction to the famous "siddhas" (psychic powers).He attempts to justify and explain them in terms of quantum mechanics, averring that "the subatomic universe...reveals a reality that is every bit as strange as Patanjali's." (p. 79) He even compares the superfluidity of helium near absolute zero to what is possible in the "least excited state of awareness" (i.e., the self in samadhi).This sophistic suggestion, which has largely been discredited, at least in the scientific community, relies on the false belief that the human mind (a macro object all the way down to the molecular level) can in some way operate on the quantum level.This is"New Age" babble of the most annoying sort and does not in any way explain the so-called psychic powers.Anyone who has practiced yoga long enough and has become adept at meditation has experienced these psychic powers, but realizes that they are phenomena of the mind and have nothing to do with ordinary consciousness or ordinary experience.They are--and this is why they are valuable and why Patanjali mentions them--signposts on the way to samadhi.When one experiences a siddha, it is an indication that one has stilled the ordinary mind and is making progress.I don't think Shearer really understands this.

I could also take exception to his interpretation of some of the limbs of Patanjali's yoga, or express my appreciation of some of his insights.For example, I think his translation of shaucha (sauca) as "simplicity" instead of the usual "cleanliness" or "purity" is very agreeable.On the other hand, I could disagree with his interpretation of brahmacharya as something more than celibacy.I think brahmacharya means exactly that, celibacy.Or I could find his idea that pratyahara is akin to William Blake's "closing the doors of perception" (p. 68) interesting and worth adding to the regular meaning of "withdrawal of the senses."But these fine distinctions would be beside the point.Note well that the sole purpose of Patanjali's yoga is liberation from the pair of opposites (pleasure and pain) that dominate our lives.The word "samadhi" (the goal of yoga) means both the highest level of meditation and something akin to the Buddhist "satori," or enlightenment.All of yoga is a means to this end.

For anyone beginning their yoga practice this book can help, but it should be understood that reading this or any other translation and interpretation of Patanjali's yoga sutras is only the beginning and is actually worthless without the concomitant practice of yoga. ... Read more

Book Description
This book provided readers with a fresh and accessible translation of this ancient text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A living yogi
A true gift to mankind is found in this author -- I've been watching his serene face in weird, twisted poses, and have been following his instructions for breathing (pranayama) for a long breathless moment, and he still amazes me.

This book is one of dozens that reflect on the writing of patanjali, a bce period holy man that wrote three books about what he felt were important issues for society as a whole, and individuals one-at-a-time. The books were about Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, and the Sanskrit language. Each book was written like poetry, with each stanza talking about consciousness and the role that yoga (path, in Sanskrit) plays in that journey. A must have for anyone who considers yoga important to their existence and to mankind in general.

Shed your own Light....
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a simple, clear series of aphorisms designed to help a person realize that the human mind is controllable.
I read a portion of them daily. Thisfamous yoga author proves that too many words can muddy even the clearest water.
As Patanjali himself said, "There is knowledge of everything through intuition".
I feel there are too many books written on "how to" understand spiritual
teachings, and that this is another one.
There are many translations of the Sutras available. Buy one, and if, after reading it, you need someone elses opinion, buy this book.

One of the Best translations of the Vedic Scriptures!!!!
This Translation of the Yoga sutras...is Superb!!! The only translation of this or any other vedic scripture that is on the same level is Swami Satchitandas yoga sutras, both are the jewels of all modern translations of the Vedas! I have been studying and practising the vedic religion since 1996 and both B.K.S Iyengar and Swami Satchitanandas translations are the most comprehensive, in-depth, intuitive, scholarly and truly Spiritual and Vedic, and not tinged with a particular cult/sect slant. I believe that the reason that both men have written such Great translations...is because they are generational Caste Brahmanas....period. That is why they have such an in-depth understanding of the Vedic sriptures and principles. Iyengars translation...to me, is Mind blowing!!! I could only read one or two pages at a time, just to really ingest and digest the information on an intuitive and intellectual levels. With this translation and Swami Satchitanandas translations....ALL OTHER TRANSLATIONS OF THE VEDAS PALE IN COMPARISION!...and are the scribblings of philosopical neophytes....period. This book has help me so much with dharana and other aspects of my daily Meditational practices. B.K.S Iyengar gives alot of scholarly, useful information.

even if you have never been to a yoga class ...
... this book will still be of great interest and value to you if you are spiritually inclined.

the top reviewers assertion that the yoga sutras represents the theory behind the practice of hatha yoga is not really correct.

hatha yoga (which is what 'yoga' normally stands for in the west) is actually only a minor part of the yoga sutras - i think it occurs in no more than a single verse in the text! one can infact say that to be a yogi as per patanjali one needn't even practice hatha yoga!

historically the most ancient philosophical school in india was the saamkya as taught by the sage kapila (even for the historical buddha circa 500 bc, kaplia was 'ancient'). patanjala yoga is traditionally considered the sister system of the saamkya. while saamkya taught metaphysics and the theory of enlightenment - about the eternal purusha (one's true self/soul), the transient praakriti (primal matter which includes the body and mind as well as the objects we experience), how the purusha is seduced by the 'dance' of praakriti and thus bound to a limited existence and how the seperation of the two effects enlightenment - yoga provided a practical path as to how such enlightenment can be effected. thus one of the traditional meanings of the sanskrit words 'saamkya' and 'yoga' itself is 'theory' and 'practice'.

the heart of the yoga sutra lies in the verse 'chitta vritti nirodah' - the cessation of mental modifications. ie when the mind is controlled and brought to stillness, you will know the true nature of your own self - enlightenment.

hatha yoga can be used as an aid to achieve this goal - that is what it was created for - but that doesn't make it indispensable. there're even more serious philosophical/spiritual/ethical/discipinary issues involved which is what this text mostly covers apart from the philosophy.

so this book is more for those who're looking for greater spiritual/philosophical depth behind/beyond the science of hatha yoga. or for anybody who is looking for greater depth and meaning and spirituality in life even if they have never been to a yoga class. this is a seriously deep spiritual text.

btw saamkya had no place for 'God' in its philosophy. even for patanjali, yoga does not mean union with god (as per the popular interpretation) - rather the seperation of purusha from praakriti, where god *can* help.

excellent, but only for professionals
This beautiful book from the world teacher Iyengar was difficult to read, and I am teaching yoga already for 25 years. So, for me it was marvellous, but not recommended for beginners.

Herman Gielen. Holland.
... Read more

Product Description
The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali is a major work on the practice of yoga and meditation. Through these ancient aphorisms you will learn how to control your mind and achieve inner peace and freedom. Although these methods were taught over 2,000 years ago, they are as alive and effective today as they have ever been. The 2008 edition has been reset and now has an extensive index for reference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Union with God
This book teaches yoga in its true form. Yoga in America is not the same; it is Hatha Yoga that is used solely to have a healthier body. It is godless yoga. The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali reminds us the goal of yoga. How did the Western world forget that yoga means union with God instead of extensive stretching and standing on your head? When people talk to me about yoga, they don't see it as union with God. Yoga is a way of life, and can be applied in all areas. Hatha Yoga is body preparation, Bhakti Yoga is devotion, Karma Yoga is dedicated work, Jnana Yoga is spiritual discrimination, and even though it is not talked about in this book much, Tantra Yoga is using sex to reach this union! As you can see how yoga falls into so many categories and different aspects, of our life, Patanjali has created his own yoga: Raja (or Royal) Yoga, which incorporates all other yogas. When reading this book, you will see how, through yoga, anything can be accomplished. The power of God is omnipotent, ans through this union with Him, you will also have this omnipotence. This book is the manual to true yoga.

YogicFlying
"How To Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali" (from my understanding)is required reading for anyone interested in beoming a Sidha and practicing Yogic Flying. The process of Samyama (concentration, meditation, and absorption) creates a clarity of mind that is highly focused. A fascinating study and is an essential reference for anyone who teaches and practices Yoga.

A Gem of a Book
The Yoga Sutras (thread of aphorisms) of Patanjali are one of the six darshanas of the Hindu or Vedic schools. "How to Know God" is a beautiful translation of those. The book is relatively short (pocket sized with just over 200 pages) and very readable. It offers one of the clearest explanations of the practice of yoga and meditation that I have read. It is surprisingly practical. I value it almost as much as I do "The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness: Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda" and Osho's "The Book of Secrets: 112 Keys to the Mystery Within" as a practical guide to specific meditation techniques. For those who have a Christian background, the book references familiar Christian concepts, making the book all the more readable for the typical Westerner. While one can read the entire book in one sitting (and maybe this is a useful strategy for its first reading), I prefer to digest it slowly, contemplating and savoring each aphorism. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to enter into a deeper level of spiritual consciousness.

Get it for Isherwood's commentary
Patanjali's Yogi Sutras are well known now in both east and west.For a western mind, the commentary of Christopher Isherwood is especially valuable in interpreting and explaining the Vedantic approach, which is somewhat obscure in the original Patanjali.

It's a very small book, easy to pack around, and is great for quick reference.

Beautiful Translation Captures the Essence of Yoga
Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood have collaborated to create this simple and yet poignant translation and commentary of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

The Yoga Sutras which were written approximately 2000 years ago and form the basis for the Yogic tradition. Originally, the Sutras were passed down orally (Sutra in Sanskrit means "thread")with commentary from the teacher or master. Isherwood is a masterful writer and clearly captures the essence of this tradition in both the cadence and style of the work. Much of the commentary is borrowed from greatly esteemed Vivekananda whose deep wisdom and honest razor sharp insight are true gift.

There are many translations of the Yoga Sutras, some arguably more literal, scholarly, and technically accurate. However, this work is one of the most accessible, and beautifully captures the essence and wisdom of the work.
... Read more

Book Description
Approximately two thousand years old, The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali is the landmark scripture on classical yoga. The translation and commentary provided here by Georg Feuerstein are outstanding for their accessibility and their insight into the essential meaning of this ancient and complex text.

A scholar of international renown who has studied and practiced yoga since the age of fourteen, Feuerstein also brings to The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali his experience as a professional indologist. His faithful and informed rendering of the aphorisms (sutras) is based on extensive personal research into the Sanscrit sources. Each word is explained so that the entire text becomes readily available to the western reader and student of yoga.
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Customer Reviews (8)

The best modern translation
I had to reorder this book because I wore out my copy.Which, come to think of it, is a mark against the binding.It is glued. But to be fair I really used it a lot.
Feuerstein is a Sanskrit scholar and shows how he interprets each word or phrase into modern usage.He is a spiritual traveler himself and knows what is helpful. His emphasis is on how we can understand ourselves better.
The book is concise but he also gives an excellent overview of the philosophy and history of Raja Yoga.
This book is made especially for ease of use on a very difficult intellectual topic.Patanjali can be confusing and too brief in the sense that he only touches on extremely important topics.For the first time reader F. has made much more of Patanjali's work accessible in this fine book.

can't say good or bad, depends on your interest, who you are
what's so opaque about the aphorisms that writers start to pre-interpret them for you, invariably tinted with their own precepts and ideas? It's a little like somebody chewing your food for you. The aphorisms are not that opaque and its an enjoyable and useful excercise to read them in their simple, bare and clear form, until the understanding comes - your own realizations rather then someone elses. You could read a book like this over the weekend, but I'm not sure it's supposed to be read like that. It seems better you should do the mental work yourself, aphorism by aphorism. There is an effect to this, which could be lost if it's all been solved and explained for you. Therefore I prefer authors that appeared to be going to great lengths to avoid adding too much of their own coloring, like William Q. Judge's interpretation from 1914. That is regrettably only available from Kessinger in bound photocopy format. I wish somebody would make a decent new print of it.

Anyways, Patanjali's aphorisms are worth the time in any form and I shall thank any author who spent his time to bring them to more of us, different introductions will appeal to different people.

Not worth the time
Criticizing other's interpretations of the sutra is not the way to expound your own understanding (or lack of it) of this classic yoga text. Yoga is a practical science, not an academic exposition of your point of view. If you want to gain a working, practical understanding of the sutra to deepen your own personal practice, try a translation by one of the Indian interpreters such as I.K. Taimni.

Among the best - still missing somethings
I have looked at atleast 8 translations of Patanjali. Dr. Feurstein's is among the best. Particularly appealing is his defining Sanskrit roots, however, I wish he would have had the text in Sanskrit as well as transliteration. At times he gets overly pedantic and I believe misses the meaning of the sutra. It is the problem with all the available translations. Some of his translations don't make sense. Once again a common problem. At times he comes forth with very astute observations. It is not easy to get to Kaivalya from here.

A clear translation and worthwhile quide.
I am presently studying Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras with about sixteen other students. The fact that Patanjali's sutras are, by there very nature, briefto the extreme (sometimes only sentence fragments) presents a realchallenge and a dilemma for the student. What is the real meaning of thesesutras as intended by Patanjali and how is this meaning to be understood inthe larger context of yoga philosophy and practice? One has only to see thelarge number of translations available in the market, all differing on keypoints of philosophy and understanding, to experience this dilemma. InGeorg Feurstein's book "The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali" I found thetranslation and commentary to be straight to the point and very useful. Inhis book,, Feurstein first examines and exposes the philosophical ground ofYoga philosophy thus helping the student to build a basis on which tounderstand Patanjali's sutras. Then Feurstein, prior to beginning thetranslation of the sutras, presents an overview of the topics discussed byPatanjali. And then, in translating and commenting on the sutras, Feursteinfirst presents the sutra in transliterated Roman script and then gives aword by word translation along with the Sanskrit breakdown and derivation,if important. He then translates the sutra and offers a detailedcommentary. At the end of the book he offers two appendices which I foundquite useful; "Continuous translation" of the sutras; and WordIndex of the Yoga-Sutra. Feursteins understanding of the "language ofyoga" is apparent. With confidence, Feurstein easily guides us throughbumpy and difficult terrain which are the Yoga Sutras. His translations ofthe sutras were perceptive and understandable and his commentary wasillumined.I continue to find this book to be very helpful in my yogastudies and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interesting inunderstanding Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. ... Read more

Book Description
In just 196 short aphorisms, this classic work of Indian philosophy spells out succinctly how the mind works, and how it is possible to use the mind to attain liberation. Compiled in the second or third century CE, the Yoga-Sutra is a road map of human consciousness—and a particularly helpful guide to the mind states one encounters in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices. It expresses the truths of the human condition with great eloquence: how we know what we know, why we suffer, and how we can discover the way out of suffering. Chip Hartranft's fresh translation and extensive, lucid commentary bring the text beautifully to life. He also provides useful auxiliary materials, including an afterword on the legacy of the Yoga-Sutra and its relevance for us today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

I don't know the author, yet I love this book
I am no expert on the Sutras. I read parts of several versions of the sutras looking for one I could study without constantly questioning the commentary. Other versions add a lot in the commentary that arguably is not meant in the original. For example, a version by Satchidananda mentions "God" after just about every line in the Sutras. I don't know Sanskrit, but the word which is being translated as "God" may mean something more like an impersonal pure awareness, and whatever it means, it does not appear in the text nearly as often as Satchidananda brings it up. Hartranft's was the best translation I for my purposes; his commentary seems to take fewer liberties.

Succinct, lucid, palatable
I have been studying Hatha Yoga with an Iyengar teacher for a couple of years. Curious about yoga's philosophical underpinnings, I took Hartranft's book out of the library.

I have read the disputes about the authenticity of Hartranft's translation in other reviews on Amazon. I can't split hairs over fine points of translations from Sanskrit, or Hindu philosophy, but as a translator in other languages, I can say without reservation that Hartranft's translation is lucid and beautifully crafted. Also, I find Hartranft's commentaries accessible, palatable, informative, and refreshingly dispassionate. Hartranft frankly, openly, fairly and succinctly addresses the relationship of the Yoga-Sutra to the teachings of other Hindu philosophical systems and of Buddhism, and to modern scientific and historical findings.

I suspect that the breadth of Hartranft's perspective is, in part, what some readers find objectionable. Or maybe it's that he avoids loading down the discussion with references to polytheistic Hinduism. But after all, the Yoga-Sutra is not about that, any more than the writings of Aristotle are about Greek gods.

If you are looking to cloak yourself in devotional yoga culture, look elsewhere. But for a clear and concise introduction to the Yoga-Sutra, or to guide your way in a yoga practice, I highly recommend this book.

Misleading--Commentary purely Buddhist, not Yoga
If you want to learn about Buddhism and in particular vipassana meditation there are plenty of books out there that are great.But the Yoga Sutras are about Yoga and though there are some strong overlaps, in the final analysis the Yogic philosophy is about union with God whereas Buddhist is not.This commentator intentionally ignores this "elephant in the room" so he can promote Buddhism using a Yogic text.He explains the difference away with a wave of his hand by saying the Patanjali's Ishvara (the ultimate godhead) is impersonal.My reaction is that this is gross over simplification and even if it were so, Buddhism strictly denies any godhead, personal or impersonal.Since the point of the Yoga Sutras is to teach union with the transcendent godhead through stilling the mind and the purpose of Buddhist meditation is to achieve total equanimity through stilling the mind, the 2 overlap but are not the same thing.The fact that the commentator (Chip Hartranft), with every good intention, glosses over this makes this particular version more about Chip Hartranft's ideas that Patanjali's.You encounter this a lot in translations of Yogic texts, the most egregious example being "The Bhagavad Gita As it Is" which is nothing more than a distorted tract to indoctrinate the reader into the Hare Krishna movement and has little to do with accuracy.Having spent years as a vispassana meditator and now as a yogi, I can affirm that there are definite overlaps but one strong difference.The Yogi seeks God within himself, the Buddhist has nothing to do with such a quest.If you want a book on vipassa (Buddhist) meditation, try S.N. Goenka's book on Vipassana or perhaps on of the books by Joseph Goldstein.If you want an accurate commentary of the Yoga Sutra's, try Satchidananda's or Iyengar's.This book, though beautiful in it's explaination of Buddhism,is simply misleading because it does not address yoga acurately.

A consistent translation
If I may clear up any confusion...translations of ancient Indian languages (Sanskrit and Pali) are works in progress.It is my understanding that there is no direct translation of Sanskrit or Pali.I have seen citta translated as mind, consciousness, of the heart, and thought.It largely depends on the context of the entire passage and whether or not there is consistency throughout the text.This is why it is important to have a translator who possesses transcendental knowledge into what he or she is translating.



Here, the translator uses consciousness for citta which is the mind in general. One could use mind if one feels more comfortable...consciousness and mind are synonyms.

Brilliant, lucid and concise
I found this guide to the Yoga Sutra to be highly coherent, logical and easy to follow.The author's commentary "rings true" with my own experience as a meditator, and it is in practice that the worth of the translation is to be found.A particularly interesting implication of the translator is that the awakened state frees the meditator to leave behind the emotional baggage that obstructs a rational, clear view of life and the universe; to me, this is the Universe waking up to itself, a way for existence to know itself, a path for dropping the masks we wear through the sheer inertia of habitual living.This is the beginning of a logical, rational life, and meditation is the path that opens the way to the ideals that such thinkers as Zeno the Stoic conceived.This book is an invaluable resoure for anyone who seriously wishes to explore the fully-awakened life.If the student of meditation wishes to discover thebasis of logical, compassionate living, this book is a useful guide. ... Read more

Book Description
Inside the Yoga Sutras presents a clear, up-to-date perspective on the classic text of Yoga theory and practice: the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This comprehensive sourcebook includes: commentary for each sutra, extensive cross referencing, a study gu ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Not light reading
The book was kind of hard to get through initially, but the 2nd time through it was great.This is not fluff reading, or a let's-make-everybody-feel-good book.It's very informative and presents a whole new way for me to look at things.

A Field Manual for Life
At last, a straight-forward, easy to read manual for living without all the tedious layers of mythology and tradition that clutter many other books of like nature. Those cumbersome multi-volume texts can be enjoyable if one has the time for leisurely study and contemplation; but this book is designed for the field under combat conditions when inner struggles between reality and illusion can be extremely difficult without seasoned wisdom readily available. It's a love letter for humanity from one who truely cares.

Sutra review
Very comprehensive and understandable guide to help with
Pantanjali's complex sutra....I'd recommend for anyone
struggling to better understand sutras.I am using it in
a study group and is by far the best guide in the group!

very helpful in the study of the sutras
Carrera's sourcebook is helpful in this daunting task of unpacking the sutras of Patanjali.He has explained so nicely his well-organized work which is clearly influenced by his guru, Swami Satchitanada.His clarity and humor are real gems in making this text accessible for the modern day yogi (yogini).It is highly readable and can be used as a resource and reviewed countless times. I find something new each time I read it!

A Work of Peace
This reflective book is my peace in the morning.I start each day reading and re-reading one or two sutras.Rev. Jaganath has provided a text that directly relates to our modern day lives. This book has helped me pace my life and to encourage a mindful approach. Thank you for this lasting translation. ... Read more

Book Description
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a concise English rendering of the classical text on yoga and meditation.Patanjali is to Yoga what Buddha is to Buddhism.His sutras--defined literally as "the path to transcendence"--are a means to self-realization.

With over thirty years of spiritual yoga practice, Mukunda Stiles has written a translation and interpretation which is precise and insightful.He provides a clear understanding of Patanjali's works for students of yoga, Eastern philosophy, or psychology, who want to use the sutras for spiritual practice or further study.Also inlcuded is a complete Sanskrit/Englishe keyword section. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Concise and readable
This is a concise reading of the yoga sutras that offers practitioners of all levels information, insight, and inspiration. Many thanks to Mukunda for his efforts.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: With Great Respect and Love
Excellent interpretation of the sutras. It is a welcome addition to any yoga student's library.

Inspirational
The author gives us Patanjali's sutras with very little exposition allowing the reader the chance to consider them without clouding them with his personal interpretation.The book also has a word for word translation from Sanskrit to English.I feel that my study of the sutras is a personal journey, and I am very happy that Mukunda Stiles has offered me a clear path between myself and Patanjali's words.If there were to be any improvement in this book, I would like to have seen a pronunciation guide along with the word for word translation.There are many letters in the Sanskrit alphabet which do not translate easily into English.

great book
Very well written.Easy to understand.Gives english translation and sanskrit for all the sutras.

Beautiful, Poetic, Accessible
This beautiful translation gets to the heart of the yoga sutras, and makes for beautiful, inspiring reading.Especially useful for anyone who has been intimidated by traditional translations which are not very readable.This book is a wonderful gift to anyone interested in yoga and inspirational reading regardless of whether you have been practice yoga for years, or are newly discovering this ancient tradition.Highly recommended!! ... Read more

Book Description
Four Chapters on Freedom contains the full Sanskrit text of Rishi patanjali's Yoga sutras as well as transliteration,translation and an extensive commentary.The Yoga Sutras,containing 196 epithets or threads of Yoga,is the most respected treatise on Yoga.In his commentary on each verse,Swami Satyananda Saraswati fully explains the text and the path of raja yoga.

Serious yogic aspirants and spiritual seekers will find invaluable guidance within these pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Very Thorough Translation & Interpretation
I have read more than one translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and this, by far, is the best one.Swami Satyananda Saraswati presents a very clear, direct explanation of each sutra in English.There is both a Sanskrit and English version of the Sutras before the English explanation.Each sutra is treated individually with Swami Satyananda Saraswati's insights which illuminate the text so that the most knowledge can be gained from reading about very ancient yet important yoga precepts.

I read a lot of ratings which mark a text down for its "complexity", and I don't know if that is necessary here.I would say the text is thorough, which is what you want when a yogi translates and interprets the text.You want to get both a context and a further foundation for further study, and this book provides both.This is definitely 5 stars, and if you enjoy it, try looking at other works by the same author.He's one of the most intelligent authors I have come across on the subject of yoga.

Soulfully satisfying
This is a great translation of the Sutras for the more advanced student.It takes you deeper into the meaning of the Sutras than others I've read but might be a little intimidating for a beginner.
Like Yoga itself it will take a lifetime (or more) of study to understand it fully.It is not something that can be learnedthrough intellectual study but rather through living the teachings. ... Read more

Book Description
This pocket edition offers a convenient format for this ageless guide and companion to the student on the Yogic path. Includes the full text of this classic Yoga work, along with brief commentary from a revered master of Raja Yoga. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great!
Seller was a pleasure to do business with.Quick delivery and excellant product!Would do business with again : ) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Only Real One
If you are really interested in Yoga-as a practitioner and not merely out of intellectual curiosity-this is one of the best books you will ever own. It is a thorough commentary on the Yoga Sutras from the viewpoint of a true Master practitioner, containing countless jewels of profound insight into Yoga practice. It gives hints, and even many outright disclosures, of the real techniques of Yoga. I have read a number of translations of the Yoga Sutras, and this is not merely the best, it is in my opinion the only real one.

If my house were on fire, and I had just a moment to grab a few things on my way out, this book would be one of them. Buy it and put it on the top shelf of your bookcase, where it belongs.

The Only Real One
If you are really interested in Yoga-as a practitioner and not merely out of intellectual curiosity-this is one of the best books you will ever own. It is a thorough commentary on the Yoga Sutras from the viewpoint of a true Master practitioner, containing countless jewels of profound insight into Yoga practice. It gives hints, and even many outright disclosures, of the real techniques of Yoga. I have read a number of translations of the Yoga Sutras, and this is not merely the best, it is in my opinion the only real one.

If my house were on fire, and I had just a moment to grab a few things on my way out, this book would be one of them. Buy it and put it on the top shelf of your bookcase, where it belongs.

The Book on Yoga and Samkhya
For both theoretical and practical study of Yoga Sutras and Samkhya philosophy this is the book to buy, read and keep reading. I don't know of any book on Patanjali's Yoga and Samkhya that comes even near the quality of Hariharananda's book!
It has the original texts of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and Vyasa's commentary in both Sanskrit and English and Swami Hariharananda's own Commentary translated into English from the original Bengali in which he wrote.
Although the introduction says that some of the esoteric exercises are not included in the English translation it does go deep into both practice and theory.
The book can be recommended to both beginners and other students alike as the translation of the Sutras to English is so clearly done that it makes some of the difficult text easier to understand.

IMHO, the best discussion of Patanjali
Having read the works of Georg Feuerstein and Swami Satchidananda, this is my third foray into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and I would have to rate this as the best of the lot.This is not to denegrate the fine works of Feuerstein and Satchidananda; I simply prefer the work by Swami Hariharananda and I highly recommend it.For someone new to the subject, Hariharananda is quite informative, with lots of background information.

Thorough Consideration
If you are looking at the Yoga Sutras this is the book you want read. His use of English is excellent and takes you to the top without ever losing his train of thought. Well organized, indexed, and thought out. Clearer than I.K. Taimni, goes well with Bouanchaud and Jaideva Singh's books. ... Read more

Book Description
Commentary on Patanjali's sutras. Updated edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Important but overlooked classic
It remains surprising that so few Westerners have translated or commented on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which play a significant role in the transition from a more primitive Hinduism to a mature Vedantaism. Translations are not difficult (these sutras are one-line aphorisms) but capturing the essence and understanding the context is essential. Of existing translations with commentary, Taimni's has the virtue of scholarship, even objectivity. He understands the highest achievements of his author and of the Vedanta tradition. Still, it is a large, even ponderous book, written in big block paragraphs that run to wordiness and repetition. There is no historical or bibliographical apparatus, and the novice will be quickly put off. But Patanjali is important enough to pursue, and this is, with all its shortcomings, the best available version.

It is the best book on the yoga sutras
Taimni was a biochemist and his scientific viewpoint helps aid Westerners to understand the subtleties of Patanjali's yoga sutras. The author also starts each sutra with the Sanskrit and the translation before thecommentary. He even includes diagrams to help the reader. The yoga sutrasare a roadmap to spiritual progress. Taimni makes them exciting and usefulto yoga practitioners and meditators, no matter if they are beginners oradvanced. A sample set of quotes on pranayama are: "Deep breathing hasnothing to do with Pranayama", "Real Pranayama begins when thebreath is stopped for some time between inhalation and exhalation."For the advanced meditator who is interested in the last three stages ofthe eight fold path (dharana, dhyana, and samadhi), Taimni's commentaryshows he is well-versed in those states of mind. For example, "Inpracticing Dharana, it is found that as the depth of abstraction increasesand the grip over the mind becomes stronger, the frequency with which thedistractions appear becomes smaller." The last half of the yoga sutrasdwells on the advanced states of samadhi (including samyama) and hereTaimni shines with detailed advice, unlike most other authors of similiarcommentaries. "When the Yogi performs Samyama on any quality his mindbecomes one with that quality for the time being as has been explained inI-41. The positive qualities like courage, compassion, etc. are not vaguenebulous things as they appear to the lower mind but real, living, dynamicprinciples of unlimited power which cannot manifest fully in the lowerworlds for lack of adequate instruments." For me, Taimni's Science ofYoga has been a life-long companion and a handbook to higher consciousness. ... Read more

Book Description
1914. The ancient Hindu doctrine of concentration of mind embracing the mnemonic rules, called Yoga Sutras, of Patanjali and the comment, called Yoga Bhashya, attributed to Veda-Vyasa, and the explanation, called Tattva-Vaicaradi, of Vachaspati-Micra, translated from the original Sanskrit. The historical importance of these texts forms a bridge between the philosophy of ancient India and the fully developed Indian Buddhism and the religious thought of today in Eastern Asia. ... Read more

Book Description
Dating from about the third century A.D., the Yoga Sutra distills the essence of the physical and spiritual discipline of yoga into fewer than two hundred brief aphorisms. It is the core text for any study of meditative practice, revered for centuries for its brilliant analysis of mental states and of the process by which inner liberation is achieved. Yet its difficulties are legendary, and until now, no translation has made it fully accessible.



This new translation, hailed by Yoga Journal for its "unsurpassed readability," is by one of the leading Sanskrit scholars of our time, whose Bhagavad Gita has become a recognized classic. It includes an introduction to the philosophy and psychology underlying the Yoga Sutra, the full text with explanatory commentary, and a glossary of key terms in Sanskrit and English. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Worthy of reading.
The yoga sutras are a good beginning. Patanjali was a dualist, if you have monist tendencies, try the Shiva Sutras.

This translation is good.

Excellent for a first reading
The main strength of this book is in the late Professor Miller's Introduction which is lucid and insightful in identifying and placing Patanjali's Yoga Sutras for the general reader.The weakness is in Miller's use of certain non-yogic and sometimes misleading terms in her translation, usage which stems from her position as an academic of yoga and not a practitioner.Sometimes she translates words that probably should not be translated since there are no real English equivalents--for example, "samadhi" itself.And sometimes she uses what I would consider not the most agreeable English equivalent.

Her use of the word "spirit" in the third aphorism is an example: "When thought ceases, the spirit stands in its true identity as observer to the world."The Sanskrit word she is translating is "drashtri" which is usually "seer" although it can also mean "soul," according to B.K.S. Iyengar.When one reads the next aphorism, "Otherwise, the observer [seer] identifies with the turnings of thought" it becomes clear that the seer is not spirit; indeed "spirit" is a confusing word in this context since it has no clear cognate in the dualistic yoga philosophy.The closest equivalent would be "purusha" but that would be inappropriate since that refers to the entire non-material consciousness (as opposed to "prakriti," which is what is manifested).Perhaps I should simply say that "soul" in yogic philosophy is not the same thing as "spirit."

Another example would be her translation of vairagya in I.15as "dispassion" which is technically correct but misses the larger meaning of the non-attachment that comes from renunciation, which is the point of the aphorism.

I could also quibble with her use of the word "contemplation" as the equivalent of the Sanskrit "samadhi."But it is really impossible to translate the last three limbs of yoga: dharana, dhyana, and samadhi into English, and the contemporary practice is to simply use the Sanskrit terms themselves.And, at any rate, there is considerable controversy about the experience of these states.Miller follows the established practice of rendering them respectively as concentration, meditation, and contemplation.Yet it is clear that samadhi, especially "nirbija samadhi" or seedless samadhi, is beyond contemplation.Georg Feuerstein actually defines samadhi as "ecstasy."

Another strength of the book is the translation itself--once one puts aside the quibbles about some of the terms and looks at the forest, as it were, of the entire expression.Miller has worked hard to make the text readily accessible to the general reader by using familiar terms in familiar sentence structures.She also groups several related aphorisms together and comments on them as a whole, giving each group a title.For example, aphorisms I.17 - I.22 are labeled, "Ways of Stopping Thought."This organization works well in helping the reader to a good overall understanding of Patanjali with only a first reading.Miller has not simplified the text or dumbed it down in any sense.What she has done is to give the pithy statements a sort of liquidity that makes for easy reading.

Her subtitle: "Discipline of Freedom" is an apt description of Patanjali's yoga in the sense that this yoga employs technique and practice to reach liberation whereas other yogas might employ faith and devotion, selfless service, or knowledge as ways to transcend this earthly existence.

I would recommend that this text be studied in conjunction with Iyengar's Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (1993) since that book contains a more detailed exposition of Patanjali's text and has more extensive commentaries.

How Can Someone Know God?
This is a very condensed translation of the fundamental theological handbook for those who want to devote themselves to the austerities of the study of the details of the metaphysics of meditation on God (which transcend any particular religion). From the precision of the translation I can see that Dr. Barbara Miller had been studying this work for long time before she wrote this book. She has left out the details of the tranlations of the Sanskrit words. Of course, she would have had to a assume a fundmental knowledge of the Sanskrit language and its alphabet for this(Mr. Houston at the American Sanskrit Institute has published some very useful tapes and workbooks for this). Also, she leaves out translations of most of the very enlightening comments of the Hindu sage Vyasa (these are available in English in the book by Swami Hariharananda and also the book which she references in the Harvard Oriental series by Dr. Houghton Woods). Nevertheless, by giving us a concise translation of these important scriptures which are faithful to the original Sanskrit she has done good. Thank you Dr. Miller for your scholarly work in this area.

Timeless wisdom made available to the modern reader
The *Yoga Sutras* is an ancient Indian text attributed to the sage Patanjali.They discuss "yoga" in the deep spiritual sense-- not the physical exercises of Hatha Yoga, but the essential techniques ofstilling the mind and achieving spiritual illumination.The objective,almost scientific, treatment of *Yoga Sutras* presents the reader with ananatomy of consciousness itself, as well as an atlas of the highest humanpossibilities.Prof. Miller's translations make this esoteric text readilyavailable to the modern reader.Her translation is lucid and easy to read,without sacrificing any of the wisdom or precision of the text itself. Iwould recommend this book to any one who takes seriously the idea ofspiritual work and the goal of spiritual transformation. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

simply mind expanding
Rebeccasreads highly recommends GLIMPSES OF RAJA YOGA as a delightful & brief seminar into the origins of Veda, Sanskrit, the Rishis, Krsi, as well as what Sutras are, & how to think within their wisdom.

Quite simply, reading GLIMPSES OF RAJA YOGA is as if you are sitting at this wise teacher's knees, listening to her idiosyncratic take on the yogic wisdom of the ages. Just glimpses, mind you, each provocative, delectable, succinct &, dare I say it, occasionally hilarious.

A treasure for expanding your ideas about the Cosmos, & for the practice of your mind. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a two DVD set summary of a workshop given by Neel Kulkarni on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a classical work on the subject of Yoga which is considered as the standard text on the Yoga System called Yogadarshana, one of the six systems (Shatdarshana) of the Vedic Philosophy. Understanding the Yoga Sutras requires correct and contextual understanding of each word used in the Sutras. This summary lecture, used in conjunction with the book 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Proper Translation & Chanting' by the author will provide any level student with a solid understanding of the sutras and also provide a basis for further in depth study of the Yoga Sutras.A proper translation of each word provided in the book is essential reference for both study and instruction, for students as well as teachers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent, though somewhat academic, intro to Patanjali
I read this book on a beach in southern France in the summer of 1984.It sparked many years of subsequent reading ... Read more

Product Description
Yoga is the science of joining together the individual lower self with the universal higher Self. Yoga is not a belief system or a religion nor even a philosophy: it is an extremely practical methodology for systematically expanding the conscious mind. Said another way, Yoga is the Science of overcoming the self-destructive and limiting beliefs and internal programs that keep individual life bound to the experiences of the Waking State of Consciousness, the state in which life is alternately happy and sad, loving and hating, healthy and sick. Yoga provides a systematic ladder for climbing beyond the often painful experiences of the Waking State of duality into the state of non-changing Unified Consciousness known as full Enlightenment.MSI has done a masterful job of shining new light on the ancient teaching of Yoga contained in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. MSI provides an incredible translation, utilizing a mastery of Sanscrit and a conscious understanding of the growth to Enlightenment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Best of all MSI's books and a magnificent translation
This is that rare translation that gives you insight into the essence of a text. MSI was obviously partial to his (excellent and highly effective) ascension techniques. But this does not intrude on an impartial and manifold interpretation of this marvellous scripture that brings the text to new life.

It has the spark that I look for in a translation of an ancient scripture, which I find in Pierre Ryckman's translation of Confucius' Analogs, and which I have not found in any translation of Plato so far. When Plato sounds fake and wooden, MSI's Patanjali and Ryckman's Confucius are infused with loving care by their translators that takes the book from the level of a re-recording to a rendition.

Those who dislike re-invention may find his take on the Yoga Sutras unkindly, but that would be to do a disservice to the luminous intention to inspire and uplift that this translation represents.

I highly recommend this book, the sole published fruits of MSI's scholarly efforts that I know of, and a marvellous translation.

For the more downbeat and cultish aspects of MSI's work, plus the Praise Ascension technique he talks about please refer to my review of 'First Thunder'.

Consciousness always recognizes Consciousness
This translation of the yoga sutras have been an invaluable tool for me as I have tread the path of enlightenment.I've owned my copy for five years and every time I pick up to read, I am blown away by the way it always explains to me in the exact way my heart is ready to listen.MSI treats the legacy of Pantaljali's work which such reverence and for the exact meaning intented for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.

one of the best translations with good commentary
I have read five different translations of Patanjali's yoga sutras so far and I have appreciated all of them. This one is beautifully written and lacks outright erroneous translations or commentaries I have found in some others.Yes, the author mentions some of his other books containing "his" techniques to use, since Patanjali's sutras do not offer any techniques but are more like a compass or roadmap, without telling you what to use as transportation on these roads.

I saw that one previous reviewer ranted about "new age pyramid scheme" which I find is an unfair and unfounded accusation against MSI.MSI is giving a high quality translation and commentary and has every right to offer up what he believes will get you there. I have not bought his book called Ascension yet, but having found a compass to the ocean of the soul in the Yoga Sutras, I wouldn't mind finding a rudder for my boat as well. I'll certainly spend [more] without worrying about a "pyramid scheme". I wonder what that reviewer would say about my Osho books, what with all the ugly media-hype about that guy! But after all, Osho was the one who reverendly pointed me to Patanjali in the first place.

I read one or two sutras every night before I turn out the light and this book just keeps pointing true north. It will be one of just a few books to be in my suitcase to anywhere.

Good luck to all seekers and fellow travelers!

An Unenlightening Book
You don't need a degree in quantum electrodynamics to see this book for what it is--the author tacking his misconceived and self-promoting commentary on the verses of a thousand-year old sutra.Seek answers elsewhere.

MSI: A New Age Pyramid Scheme
I ordered this book from Amazon.com but immediately returned it as it is essentially a reworking of classical Kundalini yoga material disguised with New Age terminology such as "Ascension," "Thunder" and "Spheres." The author is clearly trying to sell the reader on his self-proclaimed "enlightenment."

It may make sense for an enlightened person to comment on another enlightened person's work, but then using that logic the reader would have to be enlightened as well to ever understand such a commentary.Think about it.

A truly 'enlightened' person would not be so interested in convincing others of their enlightenment, let alone charging people money for the information.

If you want the practical truth on yoga and Patanjali's sutras then stick to the definitive works on the subject such as "Raja Yoga" by Vivekananda and "How to Know God" by Prabhavandanda. Though their language style may be older, their books contain all one needs to know and practice. Or try "Ashtanga Yoga Primer" by Baba Hari Dass if you want the essential core practices with pictures and diagrams.

These MSI people are just another new age pyramid scheme trying to get you to pay them hundreds of dollars for a weekend workshop where they 'initiate' you and reveal the so-called 'secrets' that can be found in the books I just mentioned. ... Read more