The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

This text seems to be a transcript of a series of lectures given by Satchidananda (henceforth called "Commentator") to his students. Each verse of the Yoga-Sutra is first given in various forms (devanagari, sanskrit, english, word-by-word) and then a commentary is provided. The commentary on the final parts (i.e., three and four) is much shorter than the commentary on the first two parts.

The style is informal/anecdotal and contains a lot of rhetorical questions. The anecdotes are interesting/inspiring and make for a light/convenient reading. Nevertheless, some suggestions (like detachment from sensual pleasures) are everything else than light/convenient to digest, let alone, to realize.

Although, the commentary is sometimes esoteric show more (especially chapter 3!) I found many statements quite scientific, even from todays points of view. Although, the commentator claims not to belong to a particular religion (p.41) the text is heavily colored by the commentators apparent hinduistic background (and, of course, the hinduistic background of the underlying text).

I think, a bit more structure would have benefited the text since it would make remembering easier. show less

Finally at least listened to the audio book version, a must read for yoga teachers. Patanjali explained yoga philosophy and related terms. It gives an intellectual knowledge of yoga philosophy. It's written about the experience of meditation and the obstacles along the way. Meditation leading into deeper experience.

(Listened to the audiobook through Audible (9.5 Hours) in 2021)

Wise words from a wise man. This is a good book to learn how the ancient yogis saw the world.

A must read for anyone who wants to know yoga deeper than the poses. Keep your highlighter handy and mark what moves you. Then practice it, and then read the Sutras again and see what else pops out at you. This is an excellent reference.

Sri Swami Satchidananda's excellent translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.