The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a collection of 196 Indian sutras (aphorisms) on the theory and practice of yoga. The Yoga Sutras were compiled prior to 400 CE by Sage Patanjali who synthesized and organized knowledge about yoga from older traditions. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali was the most translated ancient Indian text in the medieval era, having been translated into about forty Indian languages and two non-Indian languages: Old Javanese and Arabic. David Gordon White points to a period of when the text fell into relative obscurity for nearly 700 years from the 12th to 19th century, and made a comeback in late 19th century due to the efforts of Swami Vivekananda, the Theosophical Society and others. It gained prominence again as a comeback classic in the 20th century.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a collection of 196 Indian sutras (aphorisms) on the theory and practice of yoga. The Yoga Sutras were compiled prior to 400 CE by Sage Patanjali who synthesized and organized knowledge about yoga from older traditions. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali was the most translated ancient Indian text in the medieval era, having been translated into about forty Indian languages and two non-Indian languages: Old Javanese and Arabic. David Gordon White points to a period of when the text fell into relative obscurity for nearly 700 years from the 12th to 19th century, and made a comeback in late 19th century due to the efforts of Swami Vivekananda, the Theosophical Society and others. It gained prominence again as a comeback classic in the 20th century.

About two millennia ago, the sage Patanjali synthesized and organized the teachings on yoga from older traditions into an intricately connected sequence of aphorisms. Hindu tradition regards The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as the foundational text of yoga philosophy. The work fell into obscurity from the 12 th to the 19 th century, returning to prominence only in the late 19 th century due to the efforts of the Theosophical Society and then Swami Vivekananda and others. This edition, translated by the Sanskrit scholar and Theosophist Charles Johnston, contains the sutras and a commentary, and is a simple introduction in English to yoga philosophy.

About two millennia ago, the sage Patanjali synthesized and organized the teachings on yoga from older traditions into an intricately connected sequence of aphorisms. Hindu tradition regards The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as the foundational text of yoga philosophy. The work fell into obscurity from the 12 th to the 19 th century, returning to prominence only in the late 19 th century due to the efforts of the Theosophical Society and then Swami Vivekananda and others. This edition, translated by the Sanskrit scholar and Theosophist Charles Johnston, contains the sutras and a commentary, and is a simple introduction in English to yoga philosophy.

"A wonderful translation, full of contemporary insight yet luminous with eternal truth."--Jacob Needleman The Yoga Sutras were cast in their present form in India around the third century b.c. Yoga is from the Sanskrit root meaning "union," and a sutra is a thread or aphoristic verse. The basic questions "Who am I?" "Where am I going?" "What is the purpose of life?" are asked by each new generation, and Patanjali's answers form one of the oldest and most vibrant spiritual texts in the world. He explains what yoga is, how it works, and exactly how to purify the mind and let it settle into absolute stillness. This stillness is our own Self. It is the indispensable ground for Enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of all our aspirations. Alistair Shearer's lucid introduction and superb translation, fully preserving Patanjali's jewel-like style, bring these ancient but vital teachings to those who seek the path of self-knowledge today. Bell Tower's series, Sacred Teachings, offers essential spiritual classics from all traditions. May each book become a trusted companion on the way of truth, encouraging readers to study the wisdom of the ages and put it into practice each day.

"A wonderful translation, full of contemporary insight yet luminous with eternal truth."--Jacob Needleman The Yoga Sutras were cast in their present form in India around the third century b.c. Yoga is from the Sanskrit root meaning "union," and a sutra is a thread or aphoristic verse. The basic questions "Who am I?" "Where am I going?" "What is the purpose of life?" are asked by each new generation, and Patanjali's answers form one of the oldest and most vibrant spiritual texts in the world. He explains what yoga is, how it works, and exactly how to purify the mind and let it settle into absolute stillness. This stillness is our own Self. It is the indispensable ground for Enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of all our aspirations. Alistair Shearer's lucid introduction and superb translation, fully preserving Patanjali's jewel-like style, bring these ancient but vital teachings to those who seek the path of self-knowledge today. Bell Tower's series, Sacred Teachings, offers essential spiritual classics from all traditions. May each book become a trusted companion on the way of truth, encouraging readers to study the wisdom of the ages and put it into practice each day.