A powerhouse of knowledge! That’s the first phrase that comes to mind. The work of the genius mystic Patanjali, who probably lived around the 2nd century BCE, has been passed down through the centuries, benefiting countless souls and eventually reaching us in the form of a translated book. This edition has been simplified for us by none other than Swami Vivekananda, the great philosopher, author, and monk from India, who introduced the knowledge of Yoga and Vedanta to the West.
It is crucial to understand Yoga before diving into its practice, and this book facilitates that understanding. It addresses the what and the why, clarifying the theoretical concepts behind Yoga. The foundational ideas about Samadhi, Chitta, and Vritti need to be clear before moving on to the practical aspects, and this book provides that clarity.
If it weren’t for Swami Vivekananda, who revived the Yoga Sutras in the late 19th century, the original text might have been lost forever. This book not only includes the original Sanskrit text but also offers transliterations and translations, along with in-depth commentary that makes the material accessible. The countless possibilities Yoga offers, if followed diligently, are enough to inspire awe.
The book is divided into four sections:
• Samadhi Pada: This section introduces the concept of Samadhi, or spiritual absorption, which is the ultimate goal of Yoga. It explains the nature of the mind, the obstacles to self-realization, and the practices needed to attain a state of peaceful, focused awareness.
• Sadhana Pada: The second section outlines the practical steps and disciplines required to progress in Yoga. It describes the Eight Limbs of Yoga, including ethical guidelines, personal observances, physical postures, breath control, and mental focus, guiding practitioners toward deeper spiritual growth.
• Vibhuti Pada: This section explores the extraordinary powers or “vibhutis” that can arise from dedicated practice, such as heightened perception and intuition. While acknowledging these abilities, it cautions against getting attached to them, as they can become distractions on the path to liberation.
• Kaivalya Pada: The final section focuses on liberation, or “kaivalya,” describing the ultimate goal of Yoga—complete freedom from the cycle of birth and death. It discusses the nature of the soul, the dissolution of the mind, and the state of pure consciousness achieved through self-realization.
Each section builds on the last, guiding practitioners toward a profound understanding of the self and the ultimate experience of unity.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras guide the reader step-by-step, while Swami Vivekananda’s brilliant explanations help clarify the meaning of the original Sanskrit text. Without his commentary, one could easily get lost in the complexities of the Sutras.
However, this book may not be suitable for everyone, as it might confuse readers unfamiliar with basic concepts like Samyama, Purusa, or Vritti. Although these terms are thoroughly explained, they can be challenging to understand without a foundational grasp.
The greatest strength of the Yoga Sutras is that they prepare you mentally for meditation. You feel motivated and ready to bring positive change within yourself. If not becoming a Yogi, you will at least be inspired to incorporate beneficial practices into your life. This book is highly recommended for anyone practicing Yoga or captivated by its teachings.
As they say, this is the OG—where it all began.