The Path Of The Yoga Sutras

Unlocking the Secrets of Patanjali’s Yoga A path-breaking guide for mind-body balance Author Nicolai Bachman skillfully demystifies the practices of the 2000-year-old Patanjali yoga tradition for modern readers. The book covers five sections on the central teachings of Patanjali addressing concerns pertaining to the mind and body. Each sutra beautifully explains the yoga philosophy of the asanas with practical examples that can be applied in the fabric of our lives. From emotional afflictions and preservation of energy to optimal focus for heart-mind balance, the book is meticulously researched to broaden our understanding of the yoga philosophy. Bachman enlightens us on the ancient knowledge of Patanjali with contemporary wisdom and depth for lay readers as well as yoga practitioners. The Path of the Yoga Sutras is for anyone who believes in integrating yogic philosophy with practice for a holistic life experience. Nicolai Bachman has been teaching Sanskrit, Ayurveda, chanting, and yoga-related topics for over 15 years. He is the author of several book-and-CD learning tools, including The Path of the Yoga Sutras, the first home-study course of its kind.

Outlines the basic physical exercises, mental disciplines, and ethical commitments of raja yoga

The Yoga Sutra is the living source wisdom of the yoga tradition. Using it as a guide, we can unlock the hidden power of yoga, and experience the promise of yoga in our life. The Yoga Sutra is as fresh today as it was 2200 years ago when it was discovered by the sage Patanjali. It is the first practitioner-oriented commentary which is fully grounded in a living tradition. By applying its living wisdom in our practice, we can achieve the purpose of life: lasting fulfillment and ultimate freedom.

Yoga is now internationally an integral part of our health-conscious cultural landscape. It is practiced by millions for health and fitness reasons. While Yoga is seen and practiced mostly as a body exercise program, the interest in the philosophical and spiritual dimension of Yoga is growing. This book introduces us to Patanjali, the founder of ancient Yoga in India. It takes us step by step into a deeper understanding of the essence and origins of Yoga. Osho introduces and unlocks Patanjali's ancient sutras, revealing how contemporary this ancient message truly is. It quickly becomes clear that we are just on the cusp of a gaining a much deeper understanding of Yoga and its place in our evolving world. Surprisingly, the mind even more than the body is the focus of Patanjali’s teaching. He says: "Yoga is the cessation of mind." As Osho says: "This is the definition of Yoga, the best definition. Yoga has been defined in many ways; there are many definitions. Some say Yoga is the meeting of the mind with the divine; hence, it is called yoga – yoga means meeting, joining together. Some say that Yoga means dropping the ego, ego is the barrier: the moment you drop the ego you are joined to the divine. You were already joined; it only appeared that you were not joined because of the ego. There are many definitions, but Patanjali’s is the most scientific. He says: Yoga is the cessation of mind. “What is the mind? What is the mind doing there? What is it? Ordinarily we think that mind is something substantial there, inside the head. Patanjali doesn’t agree, and no one who has ever known the inside of the mind will agree. Modern science also doesn’t agree. Mind is not something substantial inside the head. Mind is just a function, just an activity."

This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. This new edition 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.

Ancient techniques for thriving in modern times Living a healthy, happy, and purposeful life starts with a clear and focused mind. A Seeker’s Guide to the Yoga Sutras is an easy introduction to the lessons of Patanjali—graceful, concise explanations of spiritual truths. With short chapters that show you how to adapt these yoga sutras to modern life, you’ll be on an accelerated journey of the soul. Need help falling asleep, controlling stress or anger, or just becoming a happier person? These teachings will help you do just that and more. According to this wisdom tradition, the mind, when truly understood, is an extraordinary tool that can take you to a state of total freedom. A Seeker’s Guide to the Yoga Sutras includes: A map to peace—Concentration, manifestation, existentialism, and enlightenment are all explained. Daily exercises—Every chapter ends with an exercise or reflection to help you assimilate Patanjali’s vision. Ancient tools, ideal for our time—The yoga sutras may date back centuries but feel utterly timely—and deeply necessary—for navigating modern lives. Find out how the teachings of this old practice can have a positive effect on your life with A Seeker’s Guide to the Yoga Sutras.

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.

Providing a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga--the path of concentration and meditation--a new deluxe printing of a collection of timeless teachings is a treasure to be read and referred to again and again by seekers treading the spiritual path. Reprint.