Enlightenment: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali A New Translation and Commentary [Paperback]

Maharishi Sadashiva Ishaya (Author), MSI (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

The Yoga Sutras of Maharshi Patanjali are an elegant description of the expansion of consciousnss and the psychological, emotional, and physical transformations involved. Many commentators have mistaken the sutras for steps to enlghtenment, believing it necessary to renounce normal life and force the mind into silence. Nothing could be further from the truth. This translation and commentary corrects this unfortunate distortion, clearly revealing the power of the sutras to illuminate the nature of the Self and brings to light the true pupose and meaning of Pantanjali's words.

The Yoga Sutras do not contain the actual techniques to achieve enlightenment, but do describe what happens when proper tools are correctly applied. The techniques themselves have always been passed on through personal instruction, one enlivened heart to another.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In an instant of frozen time, no longer than the gap between two heartbeats, a being fully and permanently in contact with the Source Universe shared his vision with me. This was a free gift, a wordless joining of his infinite mind with mine. In the years that have passed since that magical, suspended moment, I have only begun to appreciate what this means to my life, to remember that which I long ago knew fully well but then forgot. I am an Unbounded Being. Living in a human body, I experience the Ascendant continually, twenty-four hours a day. The Thunder books are an attempt to explain this state of consciousness, to describe the Reality of the wonder of this experience. From MSI's introduction to Second Thunder.

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: SFA Publications (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0931783178
• ISBN-13: 978-0931783173
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Hinduism > Sutras

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best translations with good commentary, July 4, 2002

By 

niels (Santa Monica, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enlightenment: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali A New Translation and Commentary (Paperback)

I have read five different translations of Patanjali's yoga sutras so far and I have appreciated all of them. This one is beautifully written and lacks outright erroneous translations or commentaries I have found in some others. Yes, the author mentions some of his other books containing "his" techniques to use, since Patanjali's sutras do not offer any techniques but are more like a compass or roadmap, without telling you what to use as transportation on these roads.

I saw that one previous reviewer ranted about "new age pyramid scheme" which I find is an unfair and unfounded accusation against MSI. MSI is giving a high quality translation and commentary and has every right to offer up what he believes will get you there. I have not bought his book called Ascension yet, but having found a compass to the ocean of the soul in the Yoga Sutras, I wouldn't mind finding a rudder for my boat as well. I'll certainly spend [more] without worrying about a "pyramid scheme". I wonder what that reviewer would say about my Osho books, what with all the ugly media-hype about that guy! But after all, Osho was the one who reverendly pointed me to Patanjali in the first place.

I read one or two sutras every night before I turn out the light and this book just keeps pointing true north. It will be one of just a few books to be in my suitcase to anywhere.

Good luck to all seekers and fellow travelers!

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best thought-provoking guide to enlightenment., June 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Enlightenment: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali A New Translation and Commentary (Paperback)

This book shows the process of awakening to youself. From the moment you begin to question who you are and why are you here.. you are shown the steps that occur on your way to enlightenment. Wonderful and easily read. Makes sense for an enlightened person to translate another enlightened person's work!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of all MSI's books and a magnificent translation, February 24, 2005

By 

a spiritual practicioner - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enlightenment: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali A New Translation and Commentary (Paperback)

This is that rare translation that gives you insight into the essence of a text. MSI was obviously partial to his (excellent and highly effective) ascension techniques. But this does not intrude on an impartial and manifold interpretation of this marvellous scripture that brings the text to new life.

It has the spark that I look for in a translation of an ancient scripture, which I find in Pierre Ryckman's translation of Confucius' Analogs, and which I have not found in any translation of Plato so far. When Plato sounds fake and wooden, MSI's Patanjali and Ryckman's Confucius are infused with loving care by their translators that takes the book from the level of a re-recording to a rendition.

Those who dislike re-invention may find his take on the Yoga Sutras unkindly, but that would be to do a disservice to the luminous intention to inspire and uplift that this translation represents.

I highly recommend this book, the sole published fruits of MSI's scholarly efforts that I know of, and a marvellous translation.

For the more downbeat and cultish aspects of MSI's work, plus the Praise Ascension technique he talks about please refer to my review of 'First Thunder'.