The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali: A New Translation with Commentary (Shambhala Classics)

For those who meditate with a disciplined seriousness, for those who want a literate process to calm and still their mind to give themselves a sense of cosmic, universal peace, for those who wish to break through the chaotic noise that so usually does constitute the normal habitue' of today's modern commercial activity which constantly envelops one's usual environment through every form of media in order to promote some needless material article. . . this is the best book available that understands the common western materialistic noise and speaks a clear and concise language that allows one to cut through the garbage, rubbish, nonsense of capital activity so as to carefully, lucidly, enable one to synchronize mind and psyche to be at one with the natural flow and fluidity that is at the center of Spiritual Cosmic Order from which biological life arises. In short, it is the Meditator's Manual on how to achieve control of neural activity-- to acquire silence of mind and clarification of thought.Patanjali is a well known author from ancient times (though exactly who he was is not truly known) and his sutra has been much written about by numerous people over decades. This version from Chip Hartranft to me is the best, as it is the most modern, speaks without unnecessary explanatory descriptions, and leads the reader to progress step by step through the process of stilling the mind to achieve the state of 'nothingness'. It is the elegant simplicity here that is its virtue. Many may pick up this book with the idea that they will find some new angle of 'self help' or 'eastern wisdom' dispensed to them which will give them special knowledge of Ultimate Reality and their soulful connection to God; but this is not the purpose of this text and does not in any way address such issues. It is a simple, concise, clear guide of disciplining one's own mind to achieve absolute quietness--to be free of the mind's innate property of being in constant activity: of imagining things, of interpreting sensory input, of looking in to various fields . . . the constant motion of inner activity we are all subject to, but this is not the goal of yogic and buddhistic meditation---which is dedicated to the silencing, the calming, the resting of the mind to reach the mental state of 'nothingness, of emptiness'.For those accustomed to western meditation, whereby one seeks to achieve a state of altered consciousness or have a mystical experience through the repetition of a prayer or the focus upon a saint or a profound meaning in a verse, Patanjali's sutra is a very different project; for its purpose is to teach one to reach the state of absolute rest, ultimate silence, enduring sense of peace, and the realization that one has opened up to an expanse of tranquility and non-activity in the mind itself. It is not to focus the mind upon a singularity; it is to enlarge the mind to an awareness of infinity. Are you one who wants through meditation to acquire a confirmation and validation of what God is according to how you have been taught? This is not for you. Are you one who wants to be able to have full utility of the mind, to know when perhaps mental activity has gone too far in its usual energy which can cause undue stress; or perhaps you are a student who needs to know how not to be worried about the plethora of information one must master, able to address the plethora of copious data that can seem chaotic at times, and thus, one needs to know how to stop and make serene the mind? Well, this is a meditative discipline that may serve you appropriately.For those serious about spirituality without dogma, without doctrine, without sermonizing, without demagoguery, indeed without any one between realizing your own sense of being receptive to, and perceptive of, the underlying spirit we arose from, this is an instruction guide for achieving control of your own mental activity so as to be free from the brashness of the material world and especially to be liberated from the western tyranny of belief that God is a material being ready to eternally damn you for some mistake you have innocently done. This is a text that allows one to center their self and not be effected by the vulgarities and dissonances one so often encounters.Under no circumstances is this book meant for those such as Christian Bible literalists who distrust and fear the intrinsic and innate strength of the mind needed to analyse reality. It would probably give such a person horrific nightmares as they have been conditioned to psychologically attach themselves to the image of a physical God which is quite contrary to this form of meditation which Patanjali sets forth whose very purpose is the thorough emancipation of the human mind from all attachment to any idea, conception, perception that is in any materialistic.For those who take meditation seriously, this is a fine book that sets forth a proper protocol that will benefit the serious practicioner.

The Yoga Sutra is meant to be read bit by bit. It is not a novel to be devoured in one sitting. It takes patience and contemplation. Hartranft's book is one of the best English interpretations I have read, and I have gifted it to many students and friends. The Yoga Sutra is not an "easy read" and for all the people in "yoga teacher training," who have negatively reviewed the book, I would suggest they slow down, read only a few pages at a time, and let the wisdom settle into their higher consciousness. This book is an aid toward enlightenment; it is a key to unlock higher realms of understanding and Moksha. It is the basis for Yoga, the spiritual practice, the Sadhana - not to be confused with the simple learning of Asanas for western, physical exercise classes. I highly recommend Hartranft's book.

Good book

This book resonated with me. I could tell right away that I wanted to learn the sutras of Patanjali. They actually provide something captivating and self-perpetuating for me to meditate on, likely for the rest of my life. And I'm looking forward to it.I have since learned that these sutras, among others, are what thousands of years of meditative insight boils down to thanks to the ancient first civilized people of the Indus Valley and the ones they called ancients. When the other burgeoning civilizations of Mesopotamia, The Nile and Central Mexico were creating weapons, the people of the Indus Valley region were generating meditative insight and wisdom. Weird but super cool at the same time.What compelled them to sit and master meditative absorption and do so for thousands of years?What was it like to live where this stuff was the realm of oral tradition and practice?How best to turn this into humor about our daily existence? Calvin and Hobbs?

Very insightful. I found it somewhat difficult to read as I am new to the terminology but the inserted English references were helpful.

Found this at the library and had to get a copy. The commentary helps to clearly explain the nature of reality in a way that cuts through all of the layers of misunderstanding. Aids in a foundational shift in perspective that changes the way one perceives oneself and their entire existence.Recommend for anyone with a growing suspicion that waking life is nothing more than a different kind of dream.

The author's Buddhist influence is actually a good thing. The emphasis on compassion reflects itself in clear and concise teaching.With a really good and clear explanation, one can then proceed on the road with a bit of understanding. It's a tall order, but this author has done it.I'm all for combining both intellectual understandingand actual practice. This book is a joy to read.

Thousands of years old ... Standing the test of time. Every student of yogic meditation should familiarize himself with these Sutras. Even if one does not meditate, these Sutras offer thoughts and truths by which everyone can successfully Live. While the Yoga-Sutras are considered, by some, to be peer-less expression; and by others to be on par with many texts of it's kind... I say that it's is truly unsurpassed by anything current writings have to offer.

It’s suck a incredible book I highly recommended it.

I read a section of this every morning. The author provides a translation that easily speaks and follows with thoughtful, meaningful commentary. When I bought it, I was hoping for just the Yoga-Sutra, what I got was much more and I'm thankful for that.

Good gift for sister

A Buddhist perspective on the Yoga Sutras. Bringing a different perspective to the Sutras than other translations and more emphasis on the 3rd and 4th chapters.

One of the best modern translations available Great study guide