पातञ्जलयोगसूत्रम्: Patanjala Yoga Sutram- Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali (Containing Sanskrit Sutras,their Transliteration, Meaning and Commentary in English with Original Vyasa-Bhasya)

About the Book The Yoga system of Philosophy is the most popular discipline in Indian Studies today. Maharsi Patanjali has presented systematic description of this Philosophy in 195 Sutras, dividing them into four books. His great work is recognized as the most authoritative literary contribution in Sanskrit on Yoga. It is generally accepted that the treatise 'Patanjala-Yoga-Sutram' is not easy to comprehend by learners because these Sutras comprise deep philosophical concepts that are grounded in profound scientific basis.

We have observed that a large number of inquisitive people are diligently pursuing this ancient text to understand the mysteries of 'eternal life', as well as for being healthy, happy and living a soothing life. A careful study of the Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali is needed to answer many questions of human life. This edition with English commentary is brought out with the intention to interpret Yoga-Sutras in a simple way for the curious readers.

After going through a couple of well-known ancient and modern commentaries, the author has followed the original commentary of Vyasa as the main source. It is included for the use of Sanskrit-students. Transliteration of Sutras will help those who are not well-versed in Sanskrit.

We hope that this publication will inspire readers to partake in deeper study of Yoga techniques of ancient India.

About the Author Dr.Shashi Tiwari, Recipient of 'Certificate of Honour' from the President of India, is a well-known Vedic and Sanskrit scholar. She taught in the Dept. of Sanskrit, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi for 38 years, and also taught M.A. (Veda) in the Dept. of Sanskrit, University of Delhi as an invited faculty for more than thirty years. She worked as a Visiting Professor in 2002 in the 'Hindu University of America', Orlando, USA for a short term and still is an adjunct faculty of HUA.

Dr. Tiwari has published over thirty-four books related to research and higher studies. Among her awarded books include: Rigvediya Apri-Sukta, Surya-devata, Sanskrit Sahitya ka Itihas, Sanskrit Lokokti Kosha, Rigvaidika Adhyayana. Her recently published book entitled 'Vedavyakhya-paddhatayah' is a great contribution to Vedic Studies. Dr. Shashi Tiwari has been honoured with more than twenty-seven academic awards from various academic institutions for her research, publication and other academic activities. She has participated in numerous International conferences in the USA, Canada, Italy, South Korea etc. She has organized more than two dozen conferences in different parts of India in the capacity of Gen. Secretary / President of WAVES.

Preface The Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali is the most authoritative, useful, and popular book for understanding Yogic science and philosophy. It is a highly acclaimed treatise of Indian spiritual literature. It is considered the core text of Yogic literature due to its real insight experienced by the spiritual aspirants. It has been placed among the six systems of Indian philosophy. Like other systems of philosophy, the ultimate goal of this philosophy is also attainment of salvation. It deals with the mind and its fluctuations and shows the way how complete mastery over mind can lead to the achievement of peace leading to salvation. Apart from its spiritual aspect, Yogic philosophy teach us moral values. Its practical utility is recognized in day to day life.

The Yoga is a science and philosophy. The science of Yoga does not require the support of any science or philosophical system to uphold its claims. Its concepts are based upon the eternal laws of advanced inner life. They were known and practiced by ancient’s seers and still today saints with purity of mind enjoy to follow them. Through the acceptance and practice of its technique one can obtain fundamental changes in one's life, behaviour and thinking.

Today we find many commentaries and Bhasyas on Yoga-Sutras of Patanjali in Sanskrit, Hindi and other languages. Among various commentaries, the commentary (Bhasya) of Vyasa, Tika of Vacaspati Mishra, and Vrtti of Bhojadeva are considered most authentic.

Introduction The Philosophy of Yoga propounded by Maharsi Patanjali deals with some of the greatest mysteries of life and the universe. It solves the questions related with inner life and helps to fulfil spiritual needs of the aspirants. Real purpose and technique of Yoga is to give a healthier body, a peaceful mind, and a meaningful life for human beings. Constant development of mental levels is seen in this ancient spiritual discipline of Yoga. It finds mention in the Vedas, the Upanisads, the Gita and other Hindu scriptures. The philosophy of Yoga is mentioned in the Sanskrit scriptures in scattered form, which Maharsi Patanjali put in a systematic way about 3000 years back. As this treatise is in Sutras (Aphorisms), it is also called Yoga-Sutra.

In the Yoga Philosophy man is considered an entity, created by the union of three- mind, body and Self (Atman). After knowing the relation of these, one obtains purification, and finally achieves a blissful state. The mind is very fluctuating and instable. Technique of Yoga restrains its modifications and makes it peaceful. There are two important aspects of creation -Animate (Cetana) and inanimate (jada).The inanimate (jada) aspect is also called Mula- prakrti, Pradhana or Avyakta. Its manifested (Vyakta) form is whole creation. The aspect which brings consciousness in this is called Purusa. The Purusa or Atman is always conscious, and different from Mida-prakrti. There is a third aspect in Yoga philosophy which is called Isvara. It is above Prakrti and Purusa.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages