Subhash Kak is a distinguished Vedic scholar and academic who has written extensively on Vedic topics and issues. His publications are always interesting, if not sometimes controversial, because he has the courage to think outside the box when interpreting the Vedas or other Vedic subjects. Kak’s interpretations and writings are almost always taken from the standpoint of modern scientific theory and observation, and so indicates the subtitle of this new translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras. Thus, Prof. Kak’s translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras is a highly anticipated and is a welcome addition to the numerous commentaries on the Yoga Sutras.
Kak’s interpretation is somewhat of a disappointment. The subtitle of the book is that the sutras are interpreted from the standpoint of modern science. While there is certainly elements of science in his interpretation and commentary, there appears not enough to support the representation of the subtitle. Roughly one half of the book consists of a lengthy introduction of the six dharsanas, or schools of Vedic thought. Kak intersperses scientific topics in that introduction. It is, otherwise, a good introduction for the readers not familiar with Indian philosophy. But again not enough to be strictly from a scientific approach. If anything, the emphasis of the treatment is more psychological rather than “scientific.”
In the same manner, the interpretation of the sutras are more or less conventional, again, with intermittent references to science, but not enough to be “scientific.” In what should have been the most interesting portion of the sutras from a scientific point of view — the siddhis, or supranatural powers obtained through the austerities of concentration and meditation — is given remarkable short shrift. It is there in the greatest connection between science and the sutras occur. Kak makes a brief referenced of this connection. Through samyana, which is the combined fusing of the processes of dharana, dhyana, and samadhi, Kak notes in 3.20 that the adherent “takes control over material processes.” While Kak mentions in several portions of the book that these extraordinary processes are easily abused, the siddhis, at least to me, from a scientific approach, should lie at the heart of ultimate liberation.
Having said all that, though, the quality of Kak’s translation of the sutras is outstanding. Of all the translations I have encountered, Kak’s translation is the most intelligible and accessible to the modern reader. The translations are clear, and not, as in so many other translations, either antiquated or overly idiosyncratic. The translations certainly correspond more closely to the scientific approach Kak is attempting to make in this translation. Based on the quality of Kak’s translation alone, this Yoga Sutra justifies five stars and is highly recommended.
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