a book to digest slowly....like a white dwarf...very intelligently translated by someone who has the big picture as far as kashmiri shivism and it's cosmology. Highly reccomended for anyone interested in yoga, or philosophy.
This is an excellent book on the yoga of Patanjali (Raja Yoga). Really well written and and well explained a subject that is truly difficult to understand at first reading. You will need to re-read a few times to digest well and assimilate those teachings. I know I will have to return to it again and again and again. There is another very good book by the same author called "Gayatri: The Daily Religious Practice of the Hindus", a book/subject very dear to me that I too well recommend. Really excellent and well recommended(book and author).
This book by Dr Taimni is a comprehensive work giving the text of the Yoga-sutra in sanskrit transliteration in Roman followed by a translation and commentary.It covers the the field of evolution,the unfoldment of consciousness, the practical approach to a spiritual way of the unravelling of the great mystery of existence, and the culminating experience of samadhi, the goal of the kingly science of Yoga. It presents to the serious student the fundamental teachings of Yoga, its science, philosophy and technique, in the light of modern thought.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite translations and commentaries of Patanjali. Ive read so many, and many thoroughly annoy me, especially modern ones ("New Age" self help, feel-good lingo has infiltrated almost everything). If you can find a copy, hold tight. I found mine randomly in a used book store ages ago. Its falling apart, but I will glue and tape this thing together until I die.
A very dense read, this book (tome, rather) is not for the faint of heart. However, as a practicing yogi, I wanted to take a deeper dive into the practice and philosophy of yoga itself and this book has proved invaluable. I will be returning to it again and again for reference and guidance as I continue my practice.
Yoga is so much more than physical asana and this book helps the reader understand that through yoga’s foundational text: the Sutras of Pantajali. But, the Sutras themselves are super short and super condensed and difficult to understand by simply reading them as-is. Enter in The Science of Yoga. This book takes a deep dive into each sutra and connects the concepts together. Interestingly, this is not a linear book: that is to say, reading it “cover to cover” is almost not possible. That is probably what makes it most difficult for a western reader (like myself!) to follow. The reader should expect to do a lot of flipping around from section to section!
If you are looking to understand what yoga is, how to practice it, and what is possible from the practice beyond body flexibility, and are willing to wade through some pretty mind-bending content, this is the book for you. There is so much potential in and through the realms of our own (and collective) consciousness!
PATANJALI's YOGA SUTRAS - The translation and commentary by I. K. Taimni is the best I have ever found. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, especially with explanation and commentary by Taimni is a powerful tool for transformation. Each sutra savored, studied and integrated into one's life is transformative. Everything changes for the better when this work is undertaken with focused intention. It is a difficult discipline, and not to entered into lightly. Raja Yoga is a life-time practice. Taimni brings clarity to ancient texts, offering concise sanskrit definitions in the context of the sutra being studied. He further makes practical the application of yogic principles. With gratitude for Patanjali and translation and commentary by I. K. Taimni. (I have studied Taimni's Book on The Science of Yoga ongoing since 2015)
Tamini has a gentle teaching tone and shows he understands Patanjalis Yoga. His fatherly desire to prevent wanna be Yoggis from abusing Sindhis at times felt like too much. But we owe him for his far reaching interpretations on subject.
Available through: The Theosophical Society. Invaluable in understanding fundamental principles of Yoga Practice, along the 8 limbs, the Yamas & Niyamas (disciplines), Asana & Pranayama (more popularly known physical practices), and the following intensions of concentration, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, & Samadhi.