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.

The sutras of Patanjali are presented in clear, simple language, with a succinct comment on each. The author shows that the beauty and psychological insight of Yogic thought is available to everyone. This book will interest the newcomer to Yoga as well as those who are already students of the philosophy.

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.

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 SUTRA’ has its roots in the depth of spirituality, It is an ancient form of living and one cannot deny its relevance and significance in today’s world, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, translated from Sanskrit to English by Swami Vivekananda is a guide to anyone who is interested in walking down the spiritual path. The Sutras discussed in the book are almost 4,000 years old and Swamiji has tried its best to present them in his native form. There are four main chapters in the book: Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada, Vibhuti Pada and Kaivalya Pada. These Padas take us through yogic teachings, some of which include the importance of meditation, ethics, physical postures, ways to increase concentration, attaining liberation of both mind and body through yoga and ultimately it takes us to the path of self-realization. The book does not only theorize spirituality and yoga, but also reinstates its practice in our daily life, because philosophy and spirituality are void without practice. There is an in-depth and insightful commentary on each of the chapters. The book defines the original philosophic and historic perspective on Yoga and does not limit itself to the physical practice of yoga, but goes beyond it, The book elevates our day-to-day life in a kind a fulfilling manner. In today's world the significance of this book is highly contextual and can change an individual's perspective towards life.

Aphoristic work on the meditational fundamentals of the Yoga school of Indic philosophy.