'Yoga-sutras of Patanjali' is one of the foremost spiritual works that has received extensive commentary from the greatest stalwarts throughout the world. Why is it so revered? It seems that the instructions given are simple, yet profound, concise, yet exhaustive, logical and yet mystical. Thus, the world's masters at their destined time to turn world-events, expounded upon this masterpiece according to the language palatable to their era.
The advent of modern science, such as quantum technologies that delve into the atomic world and space technologies that explore the vastness of space, has had a profound impact on human attitudes. Even those who are not well-versed in modern science are now familiar with Albert Einstein and his theory of mass-energy equivalence. As a result, it is reasonable to conclude that the world is far more advanced than it was a few thousand years ago. However, this is only true in terms of mundane technology. The discovery of mass-energy equivalence has also led to the development of atom bombs, which have the potential to cause mass destruction. Bioweapons, world poverty, and global warming are just a few of the other problems that have arisen alongside these unprecedented scientific breakthroughs.
How come a so-called advanced civilisation gave birth to such an evil-twin? The reason lies in the following example: A knife when used by an expert cuts vegetables whereas when used by a novice has the danger of cutting the finger. The same is the case with the modern world. The world is currently inexperienced in how to use the knife of wisdom The West due its spiritual infancy and The East due to its slow cultural decay. But the East has in its womb of memories, many diamonds that could shine some light in these morally dark times.
The Patanjali Yoga-sutras is one such diamond of inexplicable merit, the nature of which will become clear to the reader as they progress through the following pages. However, the sutras offer a solution to the world problem, in that it causes the Yogi to realize the One true Self shining through all as a common thread, leading to perceive the world as a single garland of beautiful flowers. Who would wish to pluck a flower from a beautiful garland? Thus, the causes of war and hatred would perish, and mutual trust and human bond would develop. This would give birth to the twin of ALL-GOOD, rather than the evil-twin, and the whole world would become a paradise.
A series of single drops form an ocean. Similarly, a change in the attitude of an individual alone transforms the world into a heaven on Earth! Therefore, let us understand the Yoga-sutras at a personal level. The book is for "YOU" - the practitioner of Yoga. Expect the changes in you and let Nature (or God) take care of changing the world. If we correct ourselves, the immediate company learns from us and the sequence of chain reactions continues to rectify the whole world - if not in a day, in a few years!
At an individual level, Yogasutras provide a systematic approach to identify the root cause of all our problems, which is the alterations of behavior of the MIND. It then offers a solution to eliminate these changes (chittavrtti nirodhah). This solution is not a brute force method, but rather a way of developing a habit of staying blissful, which leads to clarity of the self within. However, Patanjali warns that in the process of Yogapath, one may encounter so-called obstacles (Yoga siddhis ог supernatural powers). These obstacles can tempt the good in us to venture into evil. Only those who refrain from heeding to these impulses can lead the life of true bliss.
In consideration of these thoughts, I have commented upon the sutras in such a manner that they are easily understood by most of us without the use of much technical jargon. An attempt is made to explain and simplify the complex Sanskrit words without destroying the original import. Ample examples, sets of practices, types of meditations, etc., are given where necessary to make the intent of Sage Patanjali sink into our planes of comprehension.
May this book serve as a guide for young people who are seeking to understand the nature of reality, college students who are struggling with everyday challenges (such as grades, relationships, and bad habits), parents who are trying to set a good example for their children, and older adults who are looking to accelerate their spiritual growth through the lens of their life experiences.
I humbly dedicate this work to my revered Guru Master E. K, who has shown me the way to the TRUTH through his teachings, grace and conscious presence.
Asana (99)
Bhakti Yoga (21)
Biography (53)
Hatha Yoga (99)
Kaivalyadhama (58)
Karma Yoga (32)
Kriya Yoga (85)
Kundalini Yoga (60)
Massage (2)
Meditation (347)
Patanjali (142)
Pranayama (70)
Women (33)
Yoga for Children (12)
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