The Secret Power of Yoga, Revised Edition: A Woman's Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras

by Nischala Joy Devi

The definitive feminine interpretation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, now expanded to include all four padas

Yoga is best known for its power to create a healthy body, but the emotional and spiritual benefits of the practice are even greater. In The Secret Power of Yoga, Nischala Joy Devi offers a simple, elegant, and deeply personal interpretation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras--the principles at the basis of Yoga practice. Hers is a heart-centered, intuitive, feminine perspective, and the first translation intended for women. Her interpretation beautifully captures the spirit of each sutra, and her suggested practices offer numerous ways to embrace the spirituality of Yoga throughout your day.

The original edition summarized the final two padas with the intention of encouraging curiosity about further practice without overwhelming the reader. But today, there is more focus on the importance of understanding the foundation of yoga than ever. With so many making a commitment to the practice of Yoga to further their own spiritual growth and development, Devi believes now is the time to give more, and has provided additional commentary and practices, making The Secret Power of Yoga a complete scripture.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Mental Health

480 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2022

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nischala Joy Devi beautifully translates the Yoga Sutras. Her insight makes it all easy to understand for our modern minds. She shows how Yoga is so much more than a set of physical practices or a philosophy. This has helped me understand Yoga Sutras and has completely enlightened me. I have and will continue to include the Yoga practices explained in this book to help improve my life.
I recommend this especially for Yoga students.
"Read the sutras; meditate on them; experience the true meaning. If you do this with your heart, you will know new found enrichment in your Yoga practice, and in everything you do." -- Nischala Joy Devi


Thank you @wellenough for the free copy through Goodreads giveaway.

[Maureen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I got it from the library and will now purchase it as it can be reread and used like a reference book.

[Chris Pritchard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure I’ll finish, probably just skim the rest. This is not in any way a translation. It’s a commentary, but since the basis for the commentary is a “translation” that is literally what the author feels each Sutra means I’m not sure I’d even call it a commentary. There’s a few Sanskrit words she creates new definitions for that aren’t close to any translation or meaning you’ll ever see in any other place. This completely distorts the Sutras, so I wouldn’t say this is a guide to the Yoga Sutras as much as it is a personal interpretation of the Sutras based on the authors beliefs so that lots of stuff gets skewed.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It only feels fitting that I finished this book at the exact moment my plane touched down in my new home in California.

I’ve been reading this book, the Yoga Sutras for the past 8 months on a journey I didn’t know I’d be taking.

Nischala Joy Devi does an incredible job of explaining and writing about this ancient text. I started reading this prior to my yoga teaching certification. The first two books I fell in love with. Yoga has always been so special to me and having it explained and expanded in this way made me fall deeper in love with Yoga.

The last two books were still incredibly beautiful but as I was reading I knew I am not ready to receive all the wisdom she imparts. Like I know I am reading incredible secrets, but it hasn’t hit me completely.

I know this will be a practice for a lifetime and I’m so grateful for Joy Devi’s version of the Sutras to guide me.

[Erin (bookwitchenergy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. Devi's feminine perspective on the yoga sutras makes them easy to understand for those who may be unfamiliar with them. This is not an easy read, to be clear, but it's certainly worth sitting down with this book, a highlighter, and a pen for a full studying experience. I'm quite certain this book can be life-changing in the hands of someone open to reading it. I enjoyed learning more about the yoga sutras from Devi! This is a great book for yoga students, and I highly recommend it! Thank you, Harmony and Rodale Books, for the free copy of this book in exchange for a free and unbiased review!

[Brittany Switlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heart-Centered Treasure of Yogic Wisdom

The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi is my favorite translation of the Yoga Sutras—a true gem that brings Patanjali’s teachings to life through a feminine, intuitive lens. Devi's heart-centered approach feels like a compassionate guide rather than a rigid textbook, making the ancient wisdom deeply accessible and personally resonant. I especially appreciate how she expands on all four padas in this new edition, offering not only rich insights but also practical tools to weave the spirit of yoga into everyday life. This book is more than a translation—it’s a soulful companion on the path of self-discovery and inner peace.

[Vishwam Gurudas Heckert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart-centred translation brings the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to life for modern times. Nischala Joy Devi's book is a wonderful guide, not on how to 'do' yoga, but how to really Live Yoga 💗 We use it in all our teacher training courses at Heart Of Living Yoga and each time we explore this rich text, we discover something new. Highly recommended for any yoga practitioner or spiritual seeker who wants to understand what Yoga really is.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just re-read this - again. But this time, I read Devi's more detailed analysis of chapters 3 and 4. Excellent, as usual. The Yoga Sutras from a feminine perspective. Highly recommended.

[Francis Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Words with wisdom....an amazing. Book always been one of my favorite

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Power of Yoga is an uplifting book. Reading this will transport you to a more peaceful life.
Thank you Harmony Books for the free copy.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, more inclusive illumination on the sutras. I only wish there was more on every sutra instead of selections.

[Annie Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to have a more inclusive version and perspective on the Yoga Sutras. Really lovely.

[Jelena Nikolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the sort of book you’ll have to read a few times with a highlighter. Full of beautiful knowledge.

[Candyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is such a good way to start getting into yoga, the author describes it being a powerful tool for women. 100% recommended

[Mallory Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this book to get a better grasp of the spiritual side of yoga and it was helpful but less explanation and more direct translation with a focus on making it applicable to women. i think it would be really helpful as a read once i were to get a more substantial foundational knowledge!

[Charlie Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this book enough. I struggled to grasp the traditional teachings of the sutras but she translated all of the alienating ‘male’ language so effortlessly and clearly that I saw the sutras on a whole new way. An inviting way
Loved it 💕

[Kayleen Freyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up this translation as the sutras was required reading for my 200 hr YTT. Several of us in the group had this same translation. The “Woman’s guide” had appealed to us. However, I found adding this lens had made the Sutras more difficult to digest. I’ll check it out again in the future but wouldn’t recommend as someone’s first translation of the sutras. Beautiful writing style, just very dense material.