The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali are universally acknowledged as the fundamental text on yoga and meditation in the Indian classical tradition. This English translation of Yoga Philosophy of Patañjali is widely regarded as the most authoritative and authentic that has been available in recent times. It is a serious and clear presentation of Patañjali's sutras and Vyāsa's Bhāsya, providing these basic texts both in the original Sanskrit and in readable and accurate English. These classical works are augmented by the commentary of Swami Hariharananda Aranya, a scholar and yogi of great repute, who, in his lifetime, was the foremost exponent in India of the Sāṃkhya Yoga system of which the Yoga Aphorisms of Patañjali are the principal work.
This book offers a systematic and radical introduction to the Buddhist roots of Pātañjala-yoga, or the Yoga system of Patañjali. By examining each of 195 aphorisms (sūtras) of the Yogasūtra and discussing the Yogabhāṣya, it shows that traditional and popular views on Pātañjala-yoga obscure its true nature. The book argues that Patañjali’s Yoga contains elements rooted in both orthodox and heterodox philosophical traditions, including Sāṅkhya, Jaina and Buddhist thought. With a fresh translation and a detailed commentary on the Yogasūtra, the author unearths how several of the terms, concepts and doctrines in Patañjali’s Yoga can be traced to Buddhism, particularly the Abhidharma Buddhism of Vasubandhu and the early Yogācāra of Asaṅga. The work presents the Yogasūtra of Patañjali as a synthesis of two perspectives: the metaphysical perspective of Sāṅkhya and the empirical–psychological perspective of Buddhism. Based on a holistic understanding of Yoga, the study explores key themes of the text, such as meditative absorption, means, supernormal powers, isolation, Buddhist conceptions of meditation and the interplay between Sāṅkhya and Buddhist approaches to suffering and emancipation. It further highlights several new findings and clarifications on textual interpretation and discrepancies. An important intervention in Indian and Buddhist philosophy, this book opens up a new way of looking at the Yoga of Patañjali in the light of Buddhism beyond standard approaches and will greatly interest scholars and researchers of Buddhist studies, Yoga studies, Indian philosophy, philosophy in general, literature, religion and comparative studies, Indian and South Asian Studies and the history of ideas.
This book presents contemporary scholarship on the Yoga Sūtra. It revisits Patañjali’s philosophy by bringing it into dialogue with contemporary concerns across a variety of topics and perspectives. Questions regarding the role of the body in the practice of classical yoga, the debate between the realistic or idealistic interpretation of the text, the relation between Yoga and other Indian philosophical schools, the use of imagination in the pursuit of self-knowledge, the interplay between consciousness and nature, the possibilities and limitations of using it as a therapeutic philosophy, the science of meditation, and overcoming our fear of death probe the many dimensions that this text continues to offer for thought and reflection.
The Yoga System was formulated by Patanjali. His sutras, the formulas or equations, are complex to comprehend without a thorough knowledge of Sanskrit language. Since the sutras are written in a kind of shorthand manner, they require a sound understanding of the yoga philosophy and the vedic culture in order to decipher each word of the sutra clearly. Prof. Ratnakar Narale has analyzed each word in basic terms and English transliterated it to make the learning of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali easy. Dr. Narale has organized the entire subject under 90 unique subheadings and has formulated all the definitions and indices to the make it a valuable reference guide.
Embark on a transformative journey into the path of yoga with "Patanjali Yoga Sutra" featuring Swami Vivekananda's profound insights. Prepare to delve deep into the ancient wisdom of yoga as Vivekananda illuminates the timeless teachings of Patanjali, guiding readers on a path of self-discovery, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment. As you explore the sacred text of the Yoga Sutras, be prepared to uncover the secrets of the mind, body, and soul. Vivekananda's interpretation offers clarity and guidance, helping readers understand the essence of yoga philosophy and its practical applications in daily life. But amidst the vast ocean of spiritual wisdom, one question arises: What transformative power lies within the teachings of Patanjali, and how can they help us navigate the complexities of modern existence? Join Vivekananda as he demystifies the ancient scriptures, offering practical insights and timeless wisdom that can empower individuals to overcome obstacles, cultivate inner strength, and achieve true liberation. Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening? Prepare to be inspired by the profound teachings of "Patanjali Yoga Sutra" with Swami Vivekananda. Don't miss the opportunity to unlock the transformative power of yoga in your life. Dive into this sacred text now, and let Vivekananda's insights illuminate your path to spiritual fulfillment and inner peace. Seize the chance to deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy and practice. Purchase your copy of "Patanjali Yoga Sutra" today and embark on a journey of self-transformation and spiritual evolution.
A contemporary interpretation of the foundational text for the practice of yoga. Patañjali’s Yoga Sutra (second century CE) is the basic text of one of the nine canonical schools of Indian philosophy. In it the legendary author lays down the blueprint for success in yoga; now practised the world over. Patañjali draws upon many ideas of his time; and the result is a unique work of Indian moral philosophy that has been the foundational text for the practice of yoga since. The Yoga Sutra sets out a sophisticated theory of moral psychology and perhaps the oldest theory of psychoanalysis. For Patañjali; present mental maladies are a function of subconscious tendencies formed in reaction to past experiences. He argues that people are not powerless against such forces and that they can radically alter their lives through yoga—a process of moral transformation and perfection; which brings the body and mind of a person in line with their true nature. Accompanying this illuminating translation is an extended introduction that explains the challenges of accurately translating Indian philosophical texts; locates the historical antecedents of Patañjali’s text and situates Patanjali’s philosophy within the history of scholastic Indian philosophy.
Providing an explanation of the practical and philosophical foundations of Raja Yoga, The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali is arguably the most important text on Yogic philosophy. The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali is widely regarded as the most authoritative text on yoga. It comprises a collection of 196 Indian sutras (“threads” – as sutra translates from Sanskrit) written 1,700 years ago. These threads or aphorisms were compiled by the Indian sage Patañjali and offer guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life. The book is organized into four parts and provides descriptions of the eight limbs of yoga, such as pranayama and asana. The translated text is presented alongside a clear and insightful commentary by Swami Vivekananda, which makes them more accessible to the modern reader and yoga practitioner. His message of universal brotherhood and self-awakening remains relevant today, especially in the current backdrop of widespread political turmoil around the world.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the foundational texts of the science of yoga. In this book, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a master of yoga for the 21st century, offers his own commentary on this fundamental work. "The aim of Patanjali Yoga is to set man free from the cage of matter. Mind is the highest form of matter and man freed from this dragnet of Chitta or Ahankara (mind or ego) becomes a pure being." - H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
