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Sankara on the Yoga-Sutras: The Vivarana Sub-Commentary to Vyasa-Bhasya on the Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali
This is a complete English translation of a highly significant Sanskrit sub-commentary vivarana purporting to be by Sankara, on the Yoga sutras of Patanjali. The vivarana is written with great originality. The long commentary on God completely jettisons the narrow sutra definition in favour of a supreme Creator, as evidenced by many ingenious arguments on the lines of the present-day cosmological anthropic principle. The doctrine that the future already exists, and that time is purely relative, anticipate the Einstein era.
178 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1981
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September 1, 2025
"Sankara on the Yoga Sutras: A Full Translation of the Newly Discovered Text" presents a groundbreaking English translation of a previously unknown Sanskrit sub-commentary (vivarana) attributed to Adi Śaṅkara, the towering figure of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. This text is a sub-commentary on Vyasa’s commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and represents a significant historical and philosophical find, expanding our understanding of Śaṅkara’s thought and his engagement with yoga traditions.
Leggett’s translation offers readers insight into Śaṅkara’s interpretation of yoga, which, while philosophically distinct from the classical Yoga school, recognizes meditation and yogic practice as central to spiritual realization. The text reveals Śaṅkara’s nuanced approach: he respects the authority of the Yoga Sutras for their guidance on meditation but adapts or critiques specific doctrines to align with Advaita Vedanta. Notably, Śaṅkara emphasizes a supreme Creator concept, moving beyond traditional sutra definitions, and presents sophisticated arguments anticipating modern cosmological ideas.
The translation is noted for its clarity and readability, resulting from Leggett’s dual expertise as an unbiased scholar and practitioner of meditation. His introduction critically situates the sub-commentary historically and philosophically, addressing questions of authenticity and highlighting correspondences with Śaṅkara’s other works, including the Bhagavad Gītā commentaries. The book also includes practical suggestions on how to use the text for yoga practice, bridging scholarly study with lived experience.
Leggett’s "Sankara on the Yoga Sutras" enriches the study of Indian philosophy by revealing how Śaṅkara integrated yogic meditation within Advaita Vedanta, offering a fuller, more complex picture of both Śaṅkara’s teachings and the classical Yoga tradition. This translation is invaluable for scholars, yoga practitioners, and those interested in the confluence of philosophy, spirituality, and practice in Indian thought.
Leggett’s translation offers readers insight into Śaṅkara’s interpretation of yoga, which, while philosophically distinct from the classical Yoga school, recognizes meditation and yogic practice as central to spiritual realization. The text reveals Śaṅkara’s nuanced approach: he respects the authority of the Yoga Sutras for their guidance on meditation but adapts or critiques specific doctrines to align with Advaita Vedanta. Notably, Śaṅkara emphasizes a supreme Creator concept, moving beyond traditional sutra definitions, and presents sophisticated arguments anticipating modern cosmological ideas.
The translation is noted for its clarity and readability, resulting from Leggett’s dual expertise as an unbiased scholar and practitioner of meditation. His introduction critically situates the sub-commentary historically and philosophically, addressing questions of authenticity and highlighting correspondences with Śaṅkara’s other works, including the Bhagavad Gītā commentaries. The book also includes practical suggestions on how to use the text for yoga practice, bridging scholarly study with lived experience.
Leggett’s "Sankara on the Yoga Sutras" enriches the study of Indian philosophy by revealing how Śaṅkara integrated yogic meditation within Advaita Vedanta, offering a fuller, more complex picture of both Śaṅkara’s teachings and the classical Yoga tradition. This translation is invaluable for scholars, yoga practitioners, and those interested in the confluence of philosophy, spirituality, and practice in Indian thought.
Displaying 1 of 1 review