The Patanjali Yoga Sutras And Its Spiritual Practice

When people see the word yoga, many think only of poses, meditations, and chants. They do not understand the philosophical set of beliefs on which it is based. In The Patanjali Sutra and Its Spiritual Practice, author Tony Nguyen broadens the understanding to create a more complete experience. Nguyen focuses on the philosophy of Maharishi Patanjali, the great expounder of the authoritative classical yoga school of thought, or darsana, of Hinduism and the author of the Yoga Sutras. Nguyen also responds to the relationship between theory and practice in the classical yoga system. The Patanjali Sutra and Its Spiritual Practicediscusses: the basic philosophical view of Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, focusing on explanation and interpretation of the relationship between purusa and prakrti; the samkhya and yoga systems, which are related to Patanjalis yoga doctrines and the similarities and differences between them; and spiritual practice. Nguyen offers a host of information to help practitioners enhance their spiritual journey through yoga.

Although the English version of this book was published more than a century ago (1912), it is, in fact, one of the oldest books in history, as it presents the truths that have been a part of the seminal oral book of Indian practical philosophy, which was practices about two thousand years ago. Despite its old age, the book expresses universal truth and is still topical today.

‘YOGA SUTRA’ has its roots in the depth of spirituality, It is an ancient form of living and one cannot deny its relevance and significance in today’s world, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, translated from Sanskrit to English by Swami Vivekananda is a guide to anyone who is interested in walking down the spiritual path. The Sutras discussed in the book are almost 4,000 years old and Swamiji has tried its best to present them in his native form. There are four main chapters in the book: Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada, Vibhuti Pada and Kaivalya Pada. These Padas take us through yogic teachings, some of which include the importance of meditation, ethics, physical postures, ways to increase concentration, attaining liberation of both mind and body through yoga and ultimately it takes us to the path of self-realization. The book does not only theorize spirituality and yoga, but also reinstates its practice in our daily life, because philosophy and spirituality are void without practice. There is an in-depth and insightful commentary on each of the chapters. The book defines the original philosophic and historic perspective on Yoga and does not limit itself to the physical practice of yoga, but goes beyond it, The book elevates our day-to-day life in a kind a fulfilling manner. In today's world the significance of this book is highly contextual and can change an individual's perspective towards life.

Your Quest for a Spiritual Life is an easy to read version of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It is aimed at those on their spiritual journeys who are seeking, and need guidance. These words have been channelled from Masters in Spirit and will inspire you to have the discipline needed to keep walking your spiritual path. Many questions will be answered and help is given to keep you focused. You will see how far you have come on your path and which direction you are going, and what to do when you get there! The book explains how important it is to do energy work, some form of physical movement, breathing techniques, to shift energy, and meditation, to calm the mind.

A great spiritual master of ancient times, Patanjali, presented humanity through his Yoga Sutras with a step-by-step outline of how all spiritual aspirants achieve union with God. He called this universal experience "yoga" or "union." Since then, scholars have written commentaries that bury Patanjali's insights in confusing terms like "mental modifications." Thankfully, a modern yoga master--Paramhansa Yogananda--has resurrected Patanjali's original teachings and revelations. In Demystifying Patanjali, Swami Kriyananda shares Yogananda's crystal clear and easy-to-grasp explanations.

A fresh look at Yoga philosophy.

The definitive feminine interpretation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, now expanded to include all four padas Yoga is best known for its power to create a healthy body, but the emotional and spiritual benefits of the practice are even greater. In The Secret Power of Yoga, Nischala Joy Devi offers a simple, elegant, and deeply personal interpretation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—the principles at the basis of Yoga practice. Hers is a heart-centered, intuitive, feminine perspective, and the first translation intended for women. Her interpretation beautifully captures the spirit of each sutra, and her suggested practices offer numerous ways to embrace the spirituality of Yoga throughout your day. The original edition summarized the final two padas with the intention of encouraging curiosity about further practice without overwhelming the reader. But today, there is more focus on the importance of understanding the foundation of yoga than ever. With so many making a commitment to the practice of Yoga to further their own spiritual growth and development, Devi believes now is the time to give more, and has provided additional commentary and practices, making The Secret Power of Yoga a complete scripture.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the classic Hindu text on the spiritual practice of yoga. Written more than 2,000 years ago, these teachings provide a rich, contemplative understanding of yoga and philosophy. Derived from an ancient oral tradition, when the Divine feminine was worshiped, the Yoga Sutras were later taught by priests and scholars from a masculine tradition that obscured their deep wisdom. While there are many scholarly translations of the Yoga Sutras, in this book, best-selling author and shaman Alberto Villoldo reveals how these teachings are available to us at all times—without gurus, temples, or decades of study. Villoldo’s own fieldwork with the high shamans of the Americas has shown that the goals of shamanism and yoga are identical, and he demonstrates the parallels in their practices. In a series of short, inspirational passages from the Sutras, the reader is led toward self-realization and enlightenment in its simplest form. In this treasured book, Villoldo brings to life the spiritual teachings of yoga in a pure and practical way—stripped of dogma and brimming with poetry and spirit.