Book Description
An attempt to interpret the Yogasutras based on some special criteria: (1) To use the traditional commentaries as auxiliaries, not as guides, (2) To interpret those sutras which Patanjali anaysis real phenomena, (3) To adhere to a unitary and singular meaning for the technical terms of Patanjali, and (4) To adhere also to the definitions given by Patanjali. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Yoga scholarship/Yoga history
Yoga history is often written by those with strong ties to a particular guru or yogic system.Only recently has truly scholarly attention been focused on this subject.Elizabeth De Michelis has done a meticulous job of presenting her thesis.She shows how a typical Modern Postural Yoga class, her terminology to differentiate modern yoga from classical yoga, is a type of healing ritual of modern secular religion.We gain historical insight in to the development of yoga in the West that explains why many are more interested in postural yoga as an end in itself.I recommend this book as essential to anyone interested in the history of modern yoga.

An InsightfulAnalysis of the East/West Dialogue in Yoga
I highly recommend this book.It is clearly written, the scholarship is in depth and any serious scholar of modern Indian religions should read it.She clearly demonstrates that eastern and western ideas were fusing in India (particularly in Bengal)during the British Raj, and she shows how this contributed to the development of modern yoga movements.Included are profiles of some of the most influential thinkers and religious leaders in yoga (Vivekananda, Keshab Chandra Sen, Ramakrishna etc.) and detailed analysis of their contributions and influences.This book is a veritable gold mine of information for the religious scholar. Unfortunately, even such a great book has a flaw and I would be remiss not to point it out.She oversetimated the influence that western esotericism had on the formation of the modern yoga traditions and underestimates the influence that already existing Indian philosophies had on the development of yoga.What I think she failed to see was that western esoteric ideas were not transposed onto exisiting Indian religions, but were points of articulation with almost identical strands of mystical thinking in the indigenouse yoga traditions and the philosophy of advaita vedanta. They contained many elements in common, as most mystical traditions do. The crossover of ideas was an act of translation of perspectives between cultures at a level that there were already almost identical metaphysical ideas, namely in the mystical traditions of both.Other than this overstimation, the work is brilliant and should be read by anyone attempting to understand the roots of not only modern yoga, but of new age spirituality and modern Hinduism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Clear, concise and to the point
The author tells me it is being reprinted and will be available in October 1999 kali yuga. Details from London 0171-835-1636 (tel & fax).

Beautiful photography, excellent translation, deep philosoph
Beautiful photography, excellent translation, and the deepest philosophy make this the essential "how-to" for the sutras that the TM movement wouldn't give you on your CIC course.The introduction is phenomenally well-written and explanatory.The best translation of these sutras that I have ever read ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Looks like a consistent framework for finding your Self
My first commented version on The Yoga Sutras.
I enjoyed it very much. It gives a very structured overview of the process of "Union with the Soul". Your Soul.

Yes, I guess it is from a western point of view only using someHindu terms. Yes, I guess it is from a "Theosophy" source.
But frankly, up till now I am not worried by that.

For one, Ms. Bailey gives quotes from several other (probablyold) commented translations mentioned in her bibliography. This paints a picture consistent with my earlier experiences: "who the hell are we to say which one is the right one"? Among Hindu you also have numerous "sects" with very subtle differences of opinion. Can you tell? I can't. By all means: read multiple versions if you want to get in and pick the one that gives you the best feeling.

I am not worried by the Theosophy part.
Yes, it's in there, but I don't think it is substantial.
I can read and I am not stupid. Several statements refer to Theosophy internal history (or when reference is made to "Christian Science") and I am sorry to say I just skip these as "irrelevant". There are statements in there about "Atlantis" and the like, but again I am not worried yet. My "Inconsistent!" bells have not started ringing yet, so I take these as "a statement" and I go on. But again, this is not substantial.

There is plenty of value in the Sutras, but don't expect a checklist with steps numbered 1 - 51. Work has to be done.
This is the only thing that counts: work done by you.

Respect for Patanjali.
And for Alice Bailey and D.K.

The Light of the Soul: Truly

Brilliant and enlightening.

This version of translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is by far the most profound, contradicting none of the other commentaries but is further clarifying the timeless teaching of this extraordinary scripture.

Both the paraphrasing and commentary is geared toward a form of presentation of the teaching's inherent meaning that is clearly understandable to western minds, as much in terms of abstract knowledge as in pointing out its practical usefulness in everyday living.

The book presupposes some basic understanding of the eightfold path of yoga along with some esoteric insight or at least serious interest but even without the former it can be deeply enlightening to the earnest student as it can supply ample food for thought to those who are as yet at the stage of genuine curiosity.

Raja yoga is both the science and the path of the higher mind, leading one progressively onward and inward toward a deeper realization of one's self, a better understanding of reality, toward peace, contentment and a more harmonious relationship with other members of the human family.

This book is a deep study and reference material for advanced students but it can also inform the beginner and enlighten the seeker of truth at any stage in between.

Clearly Theosophy Garbage
It was SHOCKING to me when I saw the rating of this book at Amazon.This is the worst book I have come across concerning the Yogasutras of Pantanjali so far.The writer (Alice) puts it in a Theosophy framework and as such, the end result is full of garbage.Consider...

"All the various Yogas have had their place in the unfoldment of the human being.In the first purely physical race, which is called the Lemurian, the Yoga at that time imposed upon infant humanity was Hatha Yoga, ....

etc. ...

In Atlantean days, the progress of the sons of men was procured through the imposition of two Yogas....

etc. ....

1. Belief.On his own plane the soul rehearses a condition analogous to the belief of the aspirant in the soul or Christ aspect, only in this case the objective is the realisation of that which the Christ or soul is seeking to reveal, the spirit or Father in Heaven.First the disciple arrives at a realisation of the angel of His Presence, the solar angel, ego or soul....

etc. ..."

and numerous references to the Christian Bible and also Theosophy ideas.Get the picture?

The Science of the Path
The Light of the Soul is a very able translation and commentary on the teachings of one of the greatest spiritual teachers the world has seen - Patanjali. The book will be of vital interest to those who have found the reality of the spiritual path within themselves.

The Light of the Soul consists of 4 books of sutras, each book being a continuation of the teaching of the last book. The teaching covers the greater part of that path, starting from when we first recognise its existence. The entire approach of the sutras is a mental and deeply spiritual one. It outlines the practical, though inner, steps that the spiritual seeker must take in order to move from one point to the next. Much of the text is about how to spiritualise the mind (and our entire self using the mind correctly) and prepare ourselves for this spiritual transformation.

That all this is in abbreviated form in one book is a test for those who would study it, as it takes a great sense of proportion, discipline and gentle patience to tread the path with care and a sense of direction and purpose at each point. It is too easy (and fruitless) to flit here to there, grasping some interesting ideas, and then moving on again.

The sutras are to be taken as objects for our deepest contemplation and by no means should the reader limit themselves to the commentary given. The commentary is there as a guide only, for those who find it helpful.

The Light of the Soul is an explanation of how to make this divine light a living, practical reality in our lives. No spiritual person, truly interested in treading the spiritual path, should be without this book.

The Light of the Soul
This book is a paraphrasing of the "Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali," as understood by Alice Bailey. The Sutras are the basis of Raja Yoga, which is the Science of the Soul, hence the title, "The Light of the Soul." The 51 Sutras are explained in Book I. Book II consists of a description of the steps that lead to Union, i.e., the means of attaining that state which has been traditionally called the "mystical union" in Christian faiths. The results of this Union are shared in Book III by explaining another 55 Sutras. The last Book, # IV, is by far the most difficult to understand since it treats of ILLUMINATION, a state unattainable by man. The 4 Books are bound into one: "The Light of the Soul." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

In-depth translation by the reader...
I have read several translations of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and each has their distinctive commentaries.Vyn Bailey's gift is not so much the actual translation and commentary, but that he provided each Sanskrit word with the various ways it can be translated and then highlights which translation that he used.This allows the reader with meditation experience to participate in the translation process and experience nuances that are missed in the "actual" translation.Translations into English often are "smoothed" to fit our syntax and concepts and some subtle meanings are lost.I recommend this book less for the translation and commentary than for the Sanskrit translations for each word - a wonderful gift for people who do not know Sanskrit.

In-depth translation by the reader...
I have read several translations of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and each has their distinctive commentaries.Vyn Bailey's gift is not so much the actual translation and commentary, but that he provided each Sanskrit word with the various ways it can be translated and then highlights which translation that he used.This allows the reader with meditation experience to participate in the translation process and experience nuances that are missed in the "actual" translation.Translations into English often are "smoothed" to fit our syntax and concepts and some subtle meanings are lost.I recommend this book less for the translation and commentary than for the Sanskrit translations for each word - a wonderful gift for people who do not know Sanskrit.

Primer on meditation
I have read several interpretations of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. After a while this one became the only one I referred to and I sold the other books. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lucid and unbiased explanation of this key text.

Vyn Bailey is a christian priest who studied meditation and advocates meditation for people in any religion. The book therefore deals only with the philosophy and practise of meditation. As such it confines itself to the subset of the aphorisms that deal with meditation, and excludes those that deal with religion. Believe me, this is not a weakness of the book. If you want a primer on meditation, this is it. I believe many other interpretations give too much detail on too many irrelevancies. If you want to learn sankhya philosophy, ayurveda, or about vedanta, Patanjali is not the place to learn it, but to learn meditation, i.e. through experience not description, there is no better source of help. Bailey's version is short but I believe people will learn more than from a cluttered text.

Each sutra is given two pages, the sanskrit is provided both in devanagiri and english with an explanation of each root word and the translation given.Then a very clear explanation of what Patanjali was saying. It is obvious that Bailey has a deep undersanding that comes from experience of Yoga and he conveys it in a charming manner.

One criticism from the viewpoint of persons who can read sanskrit is that the original script is handwritten in something like a child's not too confident handwriting rather than being printed, but it is not unreadable either. Probably this is Bailey's handwriting. He writes that he started learning it around the age of 70 to read Patanjali in the original, which I thought was pretty amazing. ... Read more

Book Description
This book forms one of the six Darsanas of ancient Indian philosophy. The main purpose of this book is to disclose the secret doctrines of Yoga, give the partical knowledge to the aspirant and guide him to the realization of the Individual Self to the realization of the Supreme Self. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a very complex and indepth looking commentary on the sutras
For those who are looking to "Squeeze" the maximum of the yoga sutras from the intellectual and scientifical (yoga as a science) point of views, this book gives an exellent indepth cover of all the aspects of the "Yoga Sutras". "sometimes it feels though, that it could be much simpler then it is presented". final suggestion: the book doesnt leave any open spaces - but is quite heavy and not very enjoyable to read" ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive yet utterly engaging book on meditation, Yoga and other spiritual practices, with special reference to Patanjali. The book discusses in depth finding a genuine spiritual teacher, meditation techniques, Japa, over-coming spiritual obstacles, Yoga, Samkhya philosophy, stages of spiritual growth, levels of illumination, and how to remove stress. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Vedantic Meditation
This is the best introduction to Vedantic Meditation I have read. It is both comprehensive and concise. Highly recommended

Best Book on Meditation
Meditation, Mind & Patanjali's Yoga; A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Everyone is a clearly written guide to the subject of meditation. The book is comprehensive and well organized and covers all facets of the subject matter.
I found the book to be an easy and pleasant read that was interesting from the first page all the way to the last. Swami Bhaskarananda writes in a style that is clear and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject of Meditation.

Immensely Practical Book
This book is immensely practical.Spiritual aspirants, longing for guidance, shall find this book "Meditation, Mind and Patanjali's Yoga" a masterpiece as it illustrates the steps to follow for spiritual growth. Each chapter is very well explained.The book contains examples which are understood intellectually and can be practiced.

Rev. Swami Bhaskarananda, like any great teacher, has offered his recommendations for aspirants by placing himself in their shoes and answered questions which can occur to their minds. A must-read for any spiritual aspirant.

This book is a gem.
Swami Bhaskarananda covers a wide range of topics, from stress relief to samadhi.Any reader can extract practical guidance from this book due to the frank discussion of human psychology.Charming analogies occur frequently, such as this one:

"The average person's mind is like the rug in a living room.Over the years a lot of dust accumulates under the rug, but the dirt remains completely hidden....To improve the quality of the mind, ... elimination of these [hidden] defects is absolutely necessary."(pp 205-6)

The text is supplemented by photographs and useful line drawings such as "Correct posture for meditation."

Simple and Concise
I have read several commentaries on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and I find this book to be one of the best. It is a wonderful introduction to Meditation and Yoga, especially for westerners. Many people want to know more about meditation, and it is good to have such a clear and consise source of information. Meditation and Hinduism are vast subjects, and the reader is often duanted by the scope of available material on them. Swami Bhaskarananda helps the reader to sift through the vast jungle of Indian Philosophy and gets to the core of meditation practice. His analogies and anecdotes make it a pleasant read as well as being informative. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

arcane but useful
I have read excerpts from this book before and thought it would be a useful tool to own.I am sure it is and I am glad to own it.However, to me the descriptions of the sutra are dated and there is too much spiritualist lingo. ... Read more

Book Description
Patanjali's Yoga-Sutras are universally considered to be among the two or three most important texts in the field of yoga. Patanjali refers to his yoga as "Kriya Yoga": the "yoga of action with awareness". Until now, commentators have treated it as a philosophical reference, and have largely ignored its implications for yogic practice. They have also ignored the fact that it is also an esoteric work, and that only initiates, with sufficient prior experience, can grasp its deeper meaning.

This new translation and commentary provides a practical guide to Self-realization or enlightenment. It clearly explains how to apply Patanjali's profound philosophical teachings in everyday life, in any situation with a unique "practice" section after each verse's commentary. There is also comparison with "Thirumandiram" a classic work of the siddha tradition.

"Marshall Govindan's Kriya Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Siddhas is a valuable addition to the study of Yoga in general and the Yoga-Sutra in particular. I can whoehearedly recommend it... In particular, the growing number of students of Kriya Yoga throughout the world will find his treatmant indispensable, but others will benefit from it." From the Foreword by Dr. Georg Feuerstein, Ph D. author of "The Sutras of Patanjali" and the "Encyclopedia of Yoga". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Unfolding Yoga from the Inside
Of the many translations and commentaries of this classical text of Yoga, this is the one I chose for my students to work with for its accuracy, for its readability and for its practicality. Each sutra includes an exercise to bring the teaching home to as lived experience, rather than just as an intellectual exercise. The continuous translation at the back makes it possible to feel the flow of the text without the intervening commentaries. The translation, of Sutra 1.2, the defining orientation of the whole text, states that it is the cessation of the identification with the fluctuations of consciousness that matters, not the cessation of the fluctuations. Just this perspective is worth the whole book. I highly recommend The Kriya Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to all levels of students and practitioners.

A sensitive and relevant translation with extensive commentary
Marshall Govindan's careful translation and commentary takes this book far beyond being just a collection of inspirational and interesting Eastern philosophy.His deep understanding of the yogic techniques intimated by the original text allows him to present this in its proper form: a key to liberating techniques as documented by Patanjali in the Golden Age of Yoga.Careful indexing in English and Sanskrit allows the modern student of Yoga to quickly access passages dealing with specific yogic concepts in English and in Sanskrit.Passages are also indexed to the secret teachings of Babaji Nagaraj (the Great "Babaji of the Himalayas" discussed in Autobiography of a Yogi), making this book a must for students of Kriya Yoga.

Main source book for teacher trainings
"We use Kriya Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as our main source book in our popular Yoga teacher training program.

This type of Yoga Sutras is accessible with a clear translation of sanskrit words with a clear interpretation for the modern student of Yoga. The first book for your study of Yoga is the Yoga Sutras. This book will guide you on a journey that authenticates a Yoga practice amidst a Western cultural boom that largely equates Yoga with stretching exercise only. There is so much more to learn from Yoga and this version of The Yoga Sutras is one good place to guide your journey.

Robert Butera, Phd Director, YogaLife Institute.

[...]
Dr. Robert Butera, PhD

Very Useful Translation
This is a very practical and useful translation of Patanjali.It's thorough in it's analysis of the original text and is extremely helpful in instructing the reader on how to implement and practice the teachings.
If you are a student of Patanjali, this is a "Must Read." ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Without doubt one of the finest, most inspiring books I have come across!
If any of the mystical traditions appeal to you, please invest the small price to own this book.Clearly and concisely this small treasure reviews Patanjali's sutras.Alberto Villoldo makes them poetry to the soul and heart.Each sutra is given a few sentences so beautifully expressed that no more is necessary.To alleviate "disciple-quilt" he states so wonderfully to the advancing student on page xxvii "As Swami Venkatesananda said: "Renounce the self that does the renunciation". With so many New Age books leaving enthusiasts with an almost inability to speak a sentence without self-correction, "Yoga, Power, and Spirit" takes the true student to the heart of the ancient traditions and well beyond the superficial hype of the current, sometimes, very limiting explanationof the metaphysical and sacred. Simply Dr. Villoldo gives us an easily understood adjunct to other sound authors such as Paramahansa Yogananda, Wayne Dyer and Greg Braden.He is in that class!

Yoga, Power, and Spirit: Patanjali the Shaman
This book is a portable treasure chest of inspirations.Dr. Villoldo doesn't just reword the old, he renews it for what is needed by today's humanity.It is a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.Read it and let it come alive within you and renew your spirit for the future.

A classic text on the spiritual practice of yoga
This audio is based on the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, a classic text on the spiritual practice of yoga written more than 2,000 years ago. Villoldo explains important parts of the spiritual and philosophical sides of yoga that many westerners are unfamiliar with. Alberto Villoldo is a shaman who has practiced yoga for 25 years. He has traveled to the source of India's holy rivers in the Himalayas to research the material for this audio. You can see our complete review at [...] ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Think on these...
What an amazing reflection on the sturas!Bouanchaud does an exceptional job breaking down the sutras into managable chunks, with leading questions to help you personalize and internalize the ancient text.Giving the sanskrit words and pronunciation along side the english is also helpful.The "table of contents" listing of each sutra at the beginning of the book is a wonderful way to find the sutra you seek, though they are all such phenominal concepts to think on.The questions for each sutra are wonderful to start a yoga class, a conversation, or just a way to start your thought process rolling.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, it will change the way you see things!

Next best thing to studying w/ an exceptional teacher
I have actively studied this book for over 2 years.It is the next best thing to studying with a learned scholar & practitioner.While studying w/ two such teachers, I have used several translations.Whilethey all have their merits, none are as good as this for conveying anunderstanding of the work as a whole and it's relevance to perennial humanconcerns.The literal translation of each sutra is the least vauable partof the book and here I can see room for some debate on a few individualsutras.More valuable, however, is the commentary and discussion.Herethe book excels, like a good teacher.I found the occasional scholarlytangential discussion of Samkhya and Ayurveda quite useful and relevant tobetter understand the overall content.If I had to recommend just onesutra book, this would be it.

A decent book on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
I ordered this book from Amazon and was amazed by the structure and content of this presentation. The only factor that may distract the careful reader is that it is a translation from French and by no means it isperfect. Some misspelling remained and there are some sentences that leavethe reader clueless (not necessarily because of the cosmic infotransmitted). The original work must be a decent piece, it is a pity thatits translation is less accurate.

If really interested in the YogaSutras, by I.K. Taimni's 'The Science of Yoga', which is exactly about thesame topic, discussing the Yoga Sutras, but really in-depth. ... Read more