Customer Reviews

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A Study Guide for Book I Samadhi Pada

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It is a pleasure to recommend this remarkably lucid and accessible translation of Book One, the abstract and introduction to this famously difficult four-part work.

It is probably not accurate to describe the Sutras as a book, since they are not a collection of essays, or even complete sentences. They are rather a collection of mnemonics meant to provide meaning and order to the experience of Yoga practice under the direction of a qualified Teacher. Passed on verbally, listen and repeat, from Teacher to Student, the Sutras perhaps were never meant to stand alone as an exposition of Yoga.

This translation arises from Baba Hari Das' decades of teaching in just this manner to his many Western students and devotees. As might be expected from a man who has renounced speech and communicates primarily by writing on a small chalk board, his commentaries are concise and to the point. Yet, untranslatable Sanskrit technical terms are not avoided, but clearly explained in philosophical context. Of the several translations of this work that I have studied, Babaji's has proved the most rewarding.

For those of us who may never have the good fortune to work closely in relationship to a loving Guru in the traditional way, this book could be the next best thing. Buy it, study it, and join me in happy anticipation of the release of the remaining books in this series.

I first came across this book being used as a textbook for a class on yoga philosophy many years ago and was impressed with how I could feel better when I studied it. There is something about contact with truth that gives a sincere student this immediate gratification while also laying the foundation for long term benefit.

I am happy to say that it is still the preferred text for yoga study in both the communities I am involved with. The second book, Sadhana Pada has been recently published and the third book, Vibhuti Pada is in the final stages of edit and will be published soon. Babaji himself is still a presence of silent peace and compassion and thriving at 86 years of age. I am also pleased that all the proceeds from the sale of Babaji's books still goes to the orphanage and it continues to thrive.

I like this book's approach of making the traditional wisdom of yoga available to a western audience without sacrificing the tradition. The text follows the ancient method of teacher student relationship and gives the reader the feeling of having the aphorisims explained by a knowledgeable practitioner. It came about through years of traditional study by Babaji and his students.

The book also has an uplifting effect because of the beautiful artwork on the facing page of each sutra. It seems to call the reader to a higher and nobler interpretation of reality. These reminders of the possibility of an enlightened state of being give us the opportunity to be at peace in the moment, remember a way of life that has been lost to many, and inspire us to live out our days in union with the truth that is ever present yet potentially overlooked in modern life.

One should be really blessed to read this book. The completely unreveals the purpose of life. A must read for all seekers. -Ashok