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The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidanandax$10.08
  (25 reviews)
Best Price: $17.95 $10.08
This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. This new deluxe printing of these timeless teachings is a treasure to be read and referred to again and again by seekers treading the spiritual path. The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000 years old, cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, and physical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situations in daily life. The Sutras are presented here in the purest form, with the original Sanskrit and with translation, transliteration, and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, one of the most respected and revered contemporary Yoga masters. In this classic context, Sri Swamiji offers practical advice based on his own experience for mastering the mind and achieving physical, mental and emotional harmony.
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Customer Reviews
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Excellent book on the philosophy of yoga
By A32WXRP392HA3X on 2001-11-26
This is *the* book to refer to get a proper understanding of the philosophy of Yoga. I have gone through other books ( B. K. S. Iyengar , Georg Feuerstein , Swami Prabhavananda ) and some audio cassetes on the Yoga Sutras.
This is by far the best book on the subject. The sutras are beautifully explained in layman terms with ample annotations. The sutras in samadhi pada and sadhana pada are covered extensively. Whenever there was a discrepency in the translation among different authors (such as sutras 18,19,33 of sadhana pada, which have been interpreted very differently) I found the translation and explanation in this book to be most logical, intuitive and complete.
Practical,humorous, guidance from an enlightened teacher
By A33VKDOWGX53FK on 1999-11-09
I am not a 'follower' of Swami Satchidananda. I have previously studied Indian philosophy from an academic view. That is not the audience for this book. I personally have only tried to make Indian philosophy part of my life when outside sufferings force me to. This is a book for that! Swami Satchidananda's whole style is warm, straightforward and very modern. He never compromises the truth of the teachings, but his tone is beautifully supportive and gentle. If your desire is to try to understand the truth of the Yoga Sutras in your current life situation then I can't imagine a better book.
Extremely well done but still leaves questions
By A1ERA9WCXEBUW9 on 2003-01-27
Swami Satchidananda's book on the Sutras is one of the best for digging into the background and foundations of the Sutras, and his commentary, unlike Iyengar's and most other eastern commentaries, is clear, simple and easy to understand. Yet I finished the book still feeling that I did not fully grasp it. Swami Satchidananda is clearly in touch with the truth that he is illuminating with this book, and it's also clear from the powerful tone of authority with which he writes that he has reached the state of awaking which is the end purpose of the Sutras, but it seems too immersed in the history and culture of Hinduism to be fully appreciated and grasped by a westerm mind conditioned by concepts, ideas and images that are vastly different from the eastern traditions. So the book does not have a deep and profound illuminating impact as has McAfee's book on the sutras - "Beyond the Siddhis". But it is rich in historical information and its tone is true to the purpose of the Sutras. I would recommend it for for all aspiring yogis.
The Best Translation Of A Vedic Scripture Ever!!!
By A38PL7EUKOG8DI on 2006-06-06
I have been studying the Vedic scriptures since 1996. And, I must say, out of all the different translations; the bhagavad-gita, the rig-veda and etc....this one by Sri Swami Satchianda is the best!
His hands-on understanding of Vedically grounded Yoga/meditation, qouting the Vedic scriptures and truely knowing intuitively and intellecually Vedic principles is astonishing and inspiring.
The one thing I really like about this translation, is that Swami Satchitanda does not taint the translation with a particular Cult slant, like the hare krishna's bhagavad-gita...which is fill with their particular cult flavor and mistranslation of sanskrit words and phrases.
He also adds wonderful and helpful techniques and tips that have really helped me in my meditational practices.
Since first studying this particular translation, I have grown tremendously from this Vedic scripture and this translation.
It was always interesting, lively to study,and always compelled me to want to study more...a far cry from studying the ISKON/hare krishna translation of the bhagavad-gita, which took me three months to read,which was dry, boring, mistranslation of the sanskrit word and phrases abounded, bashing of other groups and philosophies filled every page and a hard core push for their spin on the vedic literature.
With this translation of the Yoga Sutra....You will not find any of this!....it was such a pleasure to study it and it was soooo rewarding in reading it. It made me feel very good and uplifted to study this book.
I wish that this Swami would have translated more of the Vedic scriptures.
Please take a look at this translation..you will love. I have grown alot from it.
Delve Deep!
By AMUL72QU5OCZ7 on 2001-09-05
If you don't read Sanskrit, this is the translation of the Yoga Sutras to use. Swami Satchidananda, founder of Yogaville in Virginia, has translated and provided commentary on one of the most basic texts of Raja Yoga. Each reading of each and every sutra invites the serious student to delve deep and deeper into him/herself and discover the truth. Highly recommend!
- Much knowledge and wisdom
By A24WK36NBHVAV6 on 2005-01-27
I gained much from this book. A great book for those who are gaining an interest in yoga as a whole. The author is a monk who has devoted his life to God and it shows through in his writing. Each sutra is written in Sanskrit, then proper pronunciation, then translated in English and then given commentary by Satchidananda. Sometimes he seems to go on tangents and forgets about the Sutra at hand, yet even in those tangents, much is learned. This book will take beginners to the next level of discipline and practice; an extremely useful reference for experienced practitoners. I highly recommend this book.
- Very clear and uplifting explanations of the Sutras.
By AORDXDE4X59GV on 1999-06-30
Swami Satchidanandaji explains clearly the Sutras by giving practical tips on how to apply them in our own life. The book is full of wisdom and is not meant to read and keep aside, but read and reflect and that too repeatedly. Verily, a treasure for the spiritual aspirants. Personally, studying few stanzas each day and reflecting on them, provides immense peace and upliftment. The original Sanskrit text with meanings also provides an additional benefit for seekers to commit the sutras to memory.
- Could it be more condescending?
By A371SFH91AN2ND on 2007-02-06
I have two other versions/interpretations of the yoga sutras. I was actually quit surpised by sutra 2 of this book. He refers to the "chitta vritti" as "mind stuff." Mind stuff? Please. How about a real explanation. Definately written for an American audience whom he regards as very simple. I read a couple more sutras but really couldn't take it as it was just ridiculous.
If you are the type of person who would be happy being told that there is "mind stuff" taking place inside your brain and it is far too complicated for you to understand then by all means buy this book. Otherwise, try the Four Chapters of Freedom. It offers much more thorough explainations and it treats its audience with respect.
- The source of Raja Yoga
By A1NWGXTZHJXBR4 on 2001-07-30
This book is a reference concerning Yoga and in particular Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is the most complete Yoga and contains all the others. You can see in literature Hatha Yoga, Bakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga but there is one that contains all others, it is Raja Yoga. In this book, you'll see all steps that a Yoga student should learn. From the beginner to the complete Yogi. So everyone can read this book and even if you think that the deepest steps are not for you, just begin with the first ones. It is a good beginning and if that makes your life happier then why not going further with next steps!
- How to tell a good commentary on the Sutras
By A23NY0GN292G7Z on 2007-01-03
How to choose a useful commentary on the Sutras? A rule of thumb is to examine the author's take on the first five sutras. These are the ones in which Patanjali defines what Yoga is and in a nutshell points to what the enlightened state is. Authors who have no idea either don't get this, or are not able to explicate it well. Satchidananda is one of the happy few who are able. An illustrative comment is on P7, in reference to Sutra 3: "You are that true Seer. You are not the body or the mind." The thing that makes the Satchidananda commentary reliable is that he never loses sight of that intrinsic point of the first, definitional sutras. Beyond a certain cultural context, Satchidananda does not abandon "no-body and no-mind" for a moralistic exhortation. He keeps clear sight of the concept-free nature of universal reality.
This version is not as good as the out-of-print The Authentic Yoga Sutras of P Y Deshpande, nor does it have the clarity of Osho's limited commentary - but it is miles ahead of commentaries of some of the more famous names in contemporary Yoga.
Jani Baker
Principal, Australian College of Classical Yoga.
- A Trustworthy Translation
By A2C8N2WGGU9GVE on 1999-06-15
Satchidananda presents a warm hearted translation of this classic. It is saturated with the kindness, compassion,warmth, touching sense of humor, and open mind that define the truly spiritual. He draws from all religions, not seeing any one as better than the others; as is the case with all masters from every tradition, Satchidananda sees that "the paths are many, but Truth is one." He makes a good representative of Yoga and True Religion in general. I can't believe that no one else has reviewed this book already.
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali-Commentary by Swami Satchidananda
By A26PROQ8M6LET3 on 2006-02-19
This is an excellent book. It gives the Sanskrit for each of the 200 sutras, then the English translation, followed by a comment by Swami Satchidananda. These comments are essential for helping make some of sutras more understandable. I would highly recommend this book.
- Extraordinarily simple and practical
By A11M6B1T7A5X6U on 2001-09-24
The simplicity of comentary given by Swami is surely due to his own direct experience with the Truth. The instances discussed are practical as they are simple and direct!!!
- Much Clear Beautiful Wisdom
By A2J6BOP8NKA3QL on 2005-06-09
This is one of several translations that I have read. I enjoyed it. His explanation is to the point and easy to understand. Some of the examples he gave I thought were long and (even for me) circuitous.
For every sutra he has the Sanskrit translation and then the English to Sanskrit. I liked these because they made the translation stand on it's own. For many of them a commentary wasn't even necessary. The index in the back to find sutras dealing with specific mental conditions, states of consciousness or emotions was very helpful.
I liked the commentaries on book three. So much mischief - for all intentions right now. Causing so many misunderstandings and misery. I wonder if even a fraction of what people are trying to accomplish is being accomplished. St. Teresa de Avila wrote a book called the "Interior Castle", in it she devoted a chapter to the powers. She emphasized the same point - that they were an ego trap. I would wonder, though if the children, adults and zealots of all ages that are having so much fun with them are concerned in the slightest about that aspect. Somehow I doubt it.
A good book I would recommend it for anyone. The cross referencing is very helpful and easy to navigate for people who have little knowledge of Sanskrit.
- yoga for eternal bliss
By A4SXV3N8P27PW on 2000-02-15
PATANJALI YOG SUTRA IS A SCIENCE ON YOGA AND PERFECT VISION OF SAGE PATANJALI MORE THAN 2000 YEARS AGO. This book is worth reading for serious students of Yoga a clear idea is given regarding fundamental teachings of Yoga in simple language.
- easy reading, great comprehension
By A1SEQFJILBNW1L on 2007-05-07
I love this book! Easy to read, simple explanations from Sri Swami Satchidananda, allows you to dive deeply on the true meaning of each Sutra. Truly a book commented by an enlightened soul.
- Wonderful book!
By ABI9ODPTVFP6F on 2007-04-10
I enjoy reading this book! The author quite obviously knows what he is talking about. He gives wonderful explanations and provides insights to the Yoga Sutras. I am learning a great deal from his commentaries on Pantanjali's humanity-benefiting work.
Thank you, Swami Satchinananda!
- Patanjali's yoga sutras brought to life by a modern master
By A7TXQZN85EWSV on 2007-08-19
The collection of concise yoga sutras, put together by Patanjali are an important read for any yoga practitioner--teacher or enthusiast. Swami Satchidananda has translated the ancient text into meaningful and practical explanations which really apply to modern living. This is not just a one time read, but rather a wonderful guide to reflect upon often. The text is organized into four books geared to inspire and teach a yogic way of life. Yoga is not a religion of any sorts but rather an eight limbed path leading us from suffering to freedom. The details of how we develop this peace are all included in the book. I highly recommend this book in particular because of its clear and thoughtful translations.
- A classic book that is necessary for any yogi's library.
By A3OUYDJWRZCR3J on 2008-01-31
This book is a wonderful introduction to the yoga sutras. Other interpretations on the sutras should be compared to this in my opinion.
- Outstanding Translation and Commentary
By A2F2VC0CQBGWPE on 2008-06-30
I am a Sanskritist and Vedic scholar. I have seen a number of translations of this classic but this is BY FAR my favorite. This book serves as a stand-alone guide for meditation and yoga.
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The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda Accessories
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