Some of yoga's most important writings, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras have remained relevant for 2,300 years because of their wisdom and inspiration. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali prescribes adherence to eight "limbs" or steps to quiet the mind and achieve the sacred state of "kaivalya." Spread throughout are Patanjali's 196 aphorisms, found in each of the book's four chapters: "Samadhi Pada" (blissful state where the yogi is absorbed into the One), "Sadhana Pada" (practice or discipline), "Vibhuti Pada" (power or manifestation), and "Kaivalya Pada" (liberation). In "The Wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, " noted scholar and longtime practitioner Ravi Ravindra offers a fresh, direct translation of Patanjali's text. Ravindra's enriching, extensive commentary and his spiritual exercises make this book an integral part of daily practice.
This is an AMAZING book. I am reading it for the third time. It is different each time as there is always something more or different to understand. I HIGHLY recommend this to yogis if they want to deepen their understanding of yoga. Keep in mind that it is a very challenging book to read.
This authoritative classical text of yoga is a lot to take in on the first reading. Yet, it was a wonderful accompaniment to "The Gene Keys," as they cover similar topics. I will definitely have to read it again, and I intend to spend some time with the questions Ravindra offers at the end of the book.
Perfect. Just be sure to take in small bites to get everything out of it. And once you get everything out of it, plan to read it again, to see what you missed.