The Yoga Philosophy by Patanjali and Bhojaraja: This ancient guide to the principles and practices of yoga has been studied and revered for thousands of years. It offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the philosophy and spiritual aspects of yoga, including guidance on meditation, concentration, and self-discipline. Key Aspects of the Book "The Yoga Philosophy": Spiritual Insight: The book offers readers a deep understanding of the spiritual underpinnings of yoga. Holistic Practice: The authors emphasize the importance of integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health through yoga. Cultural Significance: "The Yoga Philosophy" is a classic text that has influenced many aspects of Indian culture, from literature to medicine to philosophy. Patañjali is an ancient Indian sage revered for his contributions to yoga and meditation. Very little is known about his life, but his teachings have had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality. "The Yoga Philosophy" is one of his most famous works, and has been studied and commented on by many other scholars and teachers throughout history, including Bhojarāja, who wrote one of the most celebrated commentaries on the text.

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.

With its promise of personal improvement, physical well-being and spiritual enrichment, yoga is enjoying a resurgence in popularity at the turn of the third millennium. To unravel the mystery of the discipline, its philosophies and relevance in contemporary life, the original text of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali must be explored. This book offers the first accessible translation and commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. An introductory section examines the multidimensional aspects of yoga as philosophy, psychology, science, and religion, as well as exploring popular versions of yoga in the West. The core of the book offers a new translation of the entire text of the Yoga Sutras, in a language that is clear and comprehensible to students. Commentaries are presented to highlight the meaning of various statements (sutras) and key themes are outlined via sectional summaries. A full glossary of key words and names is also provided. Concluding chapters look at yoga in contemporary life, revealing the popularity of yoga in the 21st century through Star Wars, and exploring yoga's connection to health and science, contrasting yoga's holistic view of healing with that of the limited view of present day medical science. Sample physical, breathing and meditation exercises are provided. An Introduction to Yoga Philosophy offers a comprehensive introduction to the Yoga Sutras text of Patanjali to all students and interested readers of Indian philosophy and religion, world religions, east-west psychology, and mysticism.

Yoga is one of the most ancient and strikign products of the Hindu mind and character. It has claims both as a system of practical discipline and a system of philosophical thought. Though much has been written on the practical side of the yoga very little has come up of it in relation to other systems of Indian thought. The present book fulfils long-felt desideratum. It compares and contrasts some of the central concepts of yoga with similar concepts of other systems of Indian philosophical thought. The book is divided into eleven chapters. The book is fully documented. It has a preface introduction and general index.

Stimulates thoughts and expands awareness of the philosophical dimensions of yoga in its many forms and practices Yoga — Philosophy for Everyone presents a wide array of perspectives by people whose lives have been touched by yoga. Addressing myriad aspects of yoga's divergent paths, topics include body image for men and women; the religious and spiritual aspects of yoga; and issues relating to ethics, personal growth, and the teaching of yoga. Written by philosophers and non-philosophers alike, with contributions from professional yoga instructors, lifelong practitioners, and first-timers, Yoga — Philosophy for Everyone offers a wealth of material for both enjoyment and deep reflection.

This book presents a close reading of four Indian narratives from different time periods (epic, Upaniṣadic, pre-modern and contemporary): Ekalavya's story from the Mahābhārata (MBh 1.123.1-39), the story of Prajāpati, Indra and Virochana from the Chāndogya Upanisad (CU 8.7.1-8.12.5), the story of Śankara in the King's body from the Śankaradigvijaya, and A.R. Murugadoss's Hindi film Ghajini (2008), respectively. These stories are thematically juxtaposed with Pātañjala-yoga, namely Patañjali's Yogasūtra and its vast commentarial body. The sūtras reveal hidden philosophical layers. The stories, on the other hand, contribute to the clarification of "philosophical junctions" in the Yogasūtra. Through sūtras and stories, the author explores the question of self-identity, with emphasis on the role of memory and the place of body in identity-formation. Each of the stories diagnoses the connection between self-identity and (at least a sense of) freedom. Employing cutting-edge methodology, crossing the boundaries of literary theory, story-telling, and philosophical reflection, this book presents fresh interpretations of Indian thought. It is useful to specialists in Asian philosophy and culture.

Is Yoga Philosophy compatible with Christianity? Is Yoga Philosophy spiritual deception? Is Yoga Philosophy same as Yoga exercises? Can a christian stretch the Yoga way or does it automatically mean something wrong? In "Debunking Yoga Philosophy: A Christian Response," we embark on a rigorous intellectual journey to examine the fundamental principles of yoga and compare them with the teachings of Christianity. Through a lens of critical inquiry and philosophical analysis, we seek to uncover the truth about yoga and its compatibility, or lack thereof, with Christian faith.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1882.

There are three sacred texts (i.e. giving the word of God) on Yoga: the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Svatmarama. These set out completely different paths: loving God, self knowledge and health. The Yoga Sutras in particular is shown in this book to be very strange. There are three sacred texts underpinning the philosophy of Hinduism (known as Vedanta): the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras. There is one text underlying Christianity: the Bible. One version of the bible differs from another. It has been subject to complex theological and political influences over the millennia. Even in the New Testament, Jesus says some nice things but some silly things. Christianity gives a fourth path, following Jesus. There is one sacred text underlying Islam: the Koran. Islam is a fifth way, ’to submit to and serve God’. The Gita, the Koran and the Yoga Sutras all state that you need to surrender to God in order to make progress on your life path. Hatha yoga is preparatory to this. They all say that you need to serve humanity. Unlike with the Bible and the Yoga texts, though, the Gita and Koran do not ask you to believe in magic. The author, with 57 years’ of yoga practice, 40 years’ of yoga teaching experience, and a deep study of these texts, has written this book from a practitioner’s perspective. He surrendered his body, mind and soul to God in 2002 and since has been practicing Bhakti yoga, with a view to serving God by helping all nice people he meets to be happy. In this book he shows that the different texts highlight different paths that you may wish to follow: you need to choose. Whatever path you choose, you will find that Kundalini (Iyengar) yoga will help you to serve God better, by improving and maintaining your health. The author hopes that this book will help you to find your life path, to progress in it (using Kundalini or Iyengar) yoga to help you and to solve any physical, sexual, emotional, love, mental, spiritual or divine energy sphere issues you may have, and to become happier.