Demystifying Patanjali: The Yoga Sutras (Aphorisms)

“The Yoga Sutras has generated almost as many translations and commentaries as there are sutras in Patanjali’s masterpiece. Inevitably, the takeaway for readers is different in each instance because the nuances of interpretation lead the student in radically different directions. Many versions were written by the gurus who brought the ancient tradition to the West, but one important voice, Yogananda’s, was missing. We will never have a Yogananda translation, but now we have the next best thing: a direct disciple’s interpretation of the master’s perspective. Because Yogananda’s role in bringing Yoga to the West is unsurpassed, Demystifying Patanjali is a welcome and illuminating contribution to the ongoing transmission.” —Philip Goldberg, author of American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West

“Swami Kriyananda has provided an immensely readable translation of and commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This central text outlines all the basics required for a balanced Yoga practice. It effortlessly describes and explains the various states of meditation. Patanjali outlines the foundational ethics of Yoga, including abstention from impure, distracting, and deflating actions. By rising up into the state of spirituality, one can overcome the myriad troubles of life. Swami Kriyananda adds yet another jewel to the treasure trove of Yoga Sutra interpretations.” —Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology and Director of Yoga Studies, Loyola Marymount University

“I think Brahmarshi Yoganandaji was a direct incarnation of Patanjali, and that Swami Kriyananda is a pure instrument of his guru. Patanjali Demystified should pave the way for right understanding of the universal principles for living a happy, healthy, prosperous life as enshrined in the Yoga Sutras. Hearty, respectful congratulations to Swami Kriyanandaji.” —Ram Karan Sharma, Former President, International Association of Sanskrit Studies, presently Visiting Professor (Sanskrit), University of Pennsylvania

“Read Swami Kriyananda’s version of the Yoga Sutras and you will be convinced why even after two thousand years, this book remains the best practice manual for achieving positive mental health and spiritual fulfillment.” —Amit Goswami, PhD, Quantum Physicist and author of The Self-Aware Universe and Creative Evolution

“After reading many translations of the Yoga Sutras over the years, I found Swami Kriyananda’s commentaries and writings so lucid and practical in their application to everyday life. It is a blessing to have Patanjali’s teaching accessible to everyone seeking the divine within.” —Dennis M. Harness, PhD, psychologist and Vedic astrologer