The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. This new edition 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. The Sutras are presented here in the purest form, with the original Sanskrit and with translation, transliteration, and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, one of the most respected and revered contemporary Yoga masters. In this classic context, Sri Swamiji offers practical advice based on his own experience for mastering the mind and achieving physical, mental and emotional harmony.

CONTENTS:
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Guide To Sanskrit Pronunciation
Book 1. Samadhi Pada (Portion on Contemplation)
Book 2. Sadhana Pada (Portion on Practice)
Book 3. Vibhuti Pada (Portion on Accomplishments)
Book 4. Kaivalya Pada (Portion on Absoluteness)
Glossary of Sanskrit Terms
Index
Stories, Examples and Analogies
Sanskrit Quotes
Selected Reading

Patanjali (200 BC-200AD), was a sage in India who is believed to have authored a number of Sanskrit works, the most prominent of which is the classical text Yoga Sutras. Patanjali created the Yoga Sutras as a way of compiling already existing teachings into a format easier to follow and understand.  The Yoga Sutras are today the most commonly referenced text on yoga, making Patanjali “the father of yoga” in the eyes of many.

Patanjali is also considered by many within the Hindu tradition to be a divine figure, and as such may have authored many historical texts attributed to him over a span of 1000 years.

Sri Swami Satchidananda (1914-2002), was one of the first Yoga masters to bring the classical Yoga tradition to the West. He taught Yoga postures, meditation, a vegetarian and more compassionate lifestyle to westerners when he was invited to America in 1966 by the iconic pop artist Peter Max. 

The distinctive teachings he brought with him blend the physical discipline of Yoga, the spiritual philosophy of Vedic literature and the interfaith ideals he pioneered. These techniques and concepts influenced a generation and a spawned Yoga culture that is flourishing today.

The organization founded on his teachings, Integral Yoga International, is now a leading institute for Yoga teacher certification. Integral Yoga is the foundation for Dr. Dean Ornish's landmark work in reversing heart disease and Dr. Michael Lerner's noted Commonweal Cancer Help program. Sri Swami Satchidananda is the author of many books on Yoga and is the subject of the 2008 documentary, Living Yoga.