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The Essence of Yoga: Reflections on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Go straight to the heart of yogic teachings! Too often, Westerners perform the yoga positions without considering the form's underlying philosophy and spiritual dimension. For the first time, in this new and elegant translation from the Sanskrit, all the sutras appear in an accessible question-and-answer format, along with special queries that encourage self-reflection. The result is a treasure trove of insight. 275 pages, 1 b/w illus., 6 x 9.
- GenresPhilosophy
275 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 21, 2020
Excellent accompaniment articles.
February 2, 2015
Currently I am reading this book for a yoga teacher training course, so this review will be formatted as notes to myself for the TT.
Forward:
-"You can plumb the depths of a well, but the depths of the mind are I unfathomable." Indian proverb
Introduction:
-"The goal of this book is to facilitate the search for inner balance and personal growth through a better knowledge of yourself and your real potential. The emphasis is on using the text to free yourself from past conditioning through self-discovery in the mirror of yoga, which throws a new light on everything. To progress, the individual approach must be daily, long term, and ever-renewed. Benefits may not be recognized immediately; they may come only after several months, perhaps even years, of practice, study, and persevering reflection. But what joy when the veil is torn from our eyes and we discover real inner freedom! May each reader find in their endeavor the strength and determination to continue on the road to self-liberation."
Sanskrit Transliteration and Pronunciation:
-devangari is the most widely used script in India for Sanskrit
-the letters cannot be properly typed using current keyboard
Aphorisms on Yoga:
-sutra is defined as "spare in its letters, unequivocal, constant, universal, without digressions and pertinently worded, that is what those acquainted with these aphorisms often say about them."
-Sutra is a generic term for treatises written in the form of aphorisms; it means rope/cord/thread/string/belt/rule expressed briefly in aphorisms;
-Yoga means binding/union; also designates a vehicle, the use of equipment, a means, a method, a trick, an aptitude, taking possession of, an astronomical conjunction, or an arithmetical addition; threefold meaning: 1) one of six classical systems of Indian thought, 2) a particular state of concentration, 3) the means, as a whole, leading up to this state
Chapter I: Contemplation (sadhanapadah)
-pages 5-9 ?'s
-page 32-34 wind, fire, water
-page 40 OM & AUM
-page 44-45 k
-page 56 object = sonorous
Chapter II: Method (sadhanapadah)
-
Forward:
-"You can plumb the depths of a well, but the depths of the mind are I unfathomable." Indian proverb
Introduction:
-"The goal of this book is to facilitate the search for inner balance and personal growth through a better knowledge of yourself and your real potential. The emphasis is on using the text to free yourself from past conditioning through self-discovery in the mirror of yoga, which throws a new light on everything. To progress, the individual approach must be daily, long term, and ever-renewed. Benefits may not be recognized immediately; they may come only after several months, perhaps even years, of practice, study, and persevering reflection. But what joy when the veil is torn from our eyes and we discover real inner freedom! May each reader find in their endeavor the strength and determination to continue on the road to self-liberation."
Sanskrit Transliteration and Pronunciation:
-devangari is the most widely used script in India for Sanskrit
-the letters cannot be properly typed using current keyboard
Aphorisms on Yoga:
-sutra is defined as "spare in its letters, unequivocal, constant, universal, without digressions and pertinently worded, that is what those acquainted with these aphorisms often say about them."
-Sutra is a generic term for treatises written in the form of aphorisms; it means rope/cord/thread/string/belt/rule expressed briefly in aphorisms;
-Yoga means binding/union; also designates a vehicle, the use of equipment, a means, a method, a trick, an aptitude, taking possession of, an astronomical conjunction, or an arithmetical addition; threefold meaning: 1) one of six classical systems of Indian thought, 2) a particular state of concentration, 3) the means, as a whole, leading up to this state
Chapter I: Contemplation (sadhanapadah)
-pages 5-9 ?'s
-page 32-34 wind, fire, water
-page 40 OM & AUM
-page 44-45 k
-page 56 object = sonorous
Chapter II: Method (sadhanapadah)
-
Currently Reading
January 23, 2008I just started this and will be studying it at yoga camp!
June 10, 2008
An easy to read commentary on the Yoga Sutras.
August 4, 2008
Probably the book that I reread most often. Add to "continually reading" shelf.
September 3, 2013
By far my favorite reference text for the yoga sutras. The reflection questions alone might change your life!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews