Customer Reviews

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

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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!

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!

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'.

I gave that book for my husband as his Christmas present from me. He loves to read 2 MSI books. Those books, I think, give him a peaceful and very helpful to understand. Thanks to MSI.

This translation of the yoga sutras have been an invaluable tool for me as I have tread the path of enlightenment. I've owned my copy for five years and every time I pick up to read, I am blown away by the way it always explains to me in the exact way my heart is ready to listen. MSI treats the legacy of Pantaljali's work which such reverence and for the exact meaning intented for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.

I ordered this book from Amazon.com but immediately returned it as it is essentially a reworking of classical Kundalini yoga material disguised with New Age terminology such as "Ascension," "Thunder" and "Spheres." The author is clearly trying to sell the reader on his self-proclaimed "enlightenment."

It may make sense for an enlightened person to comment on another enlightened person's work, but then using that logic the reader would have to be enlightened as well to ever understand such a commentary. Think about it.

A truly 'enlightened' person would not be so interested in convincing others of their enlightenment, let alone charging people money for the information.

If you want the practical truth on yoga and Patanjali's sutras then stick to the definitive works on the subject such as "Raja Yoga" by Vivekananda and "How to Know God" by Prabhavandanda. Though their language style may be older, their books contain all one needs to know and practice. Or try "Ashtanga Yoga Primer" by Baba Hari Dass if you want the essential core practices with pictures and diagrams.

These MSI people are just another new age pyramid scheme trying to get you to pay them hundreds of dollars for a weekend workshop where they 'initiate' you and reveal the so-called 'secrets' that can be found in the books I just mentioned.

You don't need a degree in quantum electrodynamics to see this book for what it is--the author tacking his misconceived and self-promoting commentary on the verses of a thousand-year old sutra. Seek answers elsewhere.