The true practical essence of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

by Vasyl Vernyhora

This book presents a complete, carefully verified and meaningful translation of the key text of yoga – the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The translation not only preserves and conveys the original meaning of the sutras without confusing, quasi-philosophical formulations, but also includes commentary where additional clarification and comparisons with other yoga and Buddhist texts are needed. The book presents the original essence of the concepts of eightfold yoga, including pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi, the true method and meaning of samyama, as well as other aspects of Patanjali's teachings, based on a thorough analysis of the Yoga Sutras and its comparison with the original teachings of the Buddha, which, in turn, were based on the teachings of the ancient yoga of that time.

Genres: Asia, Nonfiction

155 pages, Hardcover

Published December 11, 2025

About the author

Vasyl Vernyhora (Василь Вернигора) in 2004, perhaps the first among residents of the CIS, received individual sannyasa diksha – from Somnath Giriji, mahamandaleshwar (one of the chairmen) of the Hindu monastic lineage of Sri Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara. He also studied Buddhism by living in Buddhist monasteries in Dharamsala, Bylakuppe and Ladakh (pictured – Lamayuru, Ladakh) and interacting with Tibetan Rinpoches and Geshes.

He has been visiting India since 1997, living there for a total of more than 7 years, including being in India continuously from 2001 to 2006.

Also he has many-year experience in using neuroheadsets in meditation practice (from early amateur projects of electroencephalographs to ready-made neuroheadsets), including the free “EEG Meditation” applications (for Android & Windows, for NeuroSky headsets) he wrote for real assessment of the quality and duration of samadhi/shamatha meditation.

Reviews

[Igor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is written at the level of a methodologically rigorous study, in which theoretical principles are consistently supported by practical observations. It is especially valuable that the material is presented in a clear and well-structured manner by an experienced meditation practitioner, making it accessible both to specialists and to thoughtful readers interested in the subject. The work deserves attention as a serious and timely contribution to the study of meditative practices. It will be of interest to everyone who practices meditation, mindfulness, and concentration. The book is written by a practitioner with extensive experience.