Patanjali's
Yoga Sutras are aphoristic prescriptions in the form of pithy one-liners for
leading the mind into deeper states of absorption in the state of Samadhi,where
the individual merges with the Absolute.A tranquil mind is a pre-requisite for
attaining the higher states of awareness and the Yoga Sutras are a graduated
manual for the achievement of this goal. The aphorisms in their original form
can not be undestood easily.Swami Krishnananda's commentary is easy to decipher
and reader friendly,lucid style probes into the aphorisms and lays before
seekers the approach to understanding the mind and it s machinations,and how
the hurdles that make meditation difficult can be overcome.The rendition and
style in which this has been made possible is a tribute to Swamiji s love for
truth. This series of two volumes is an all encompassing spirtual guide.The
teachings are progressive in content and begin where most seekers find
themselves when spiritual aspiration dawns and the need for higher
understanding is felt.Ther reader is led gradually through the different
aspects of practice and mind management. Volume I,which covers the Samadhi
Pada,the first of the four sections of the Yoga Sutras,and provides a good
introduction and in-depth understanding of the philosophy and practice of yoga
including the levels of consciousness that are attained,has been printed first.
Volume II covers the Sadhana Pada and Kaivalya Pada which go into further
detail about the practice of yoga using the aphoristic rungs of Patanjali Yoga
sutras as a veritable stairway on the path of the ascent of the spirit.Nothing
is left unsaid as Swamiji brings the teachings together in two volumes as a
complete treatise on this spiritual path.
