Author: M Govindan
Publisher: KYP
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 287
ISBN/UPC (if available): 1895383129
Description
This new translation and commentary provides a practical guide to Self-realization or enlightenment. It clearly explains how to apply Patanjali’s profound philosophical teachings in everyday life, in any situation.
Patanjali refers to his yoga as Kriya Yoga: the yoga of action with awareness. His Yoga-Sutras are universally considered to be among the two or three most important texts in the field of yoga.
Until now, commentators have treated it as a philosophical reference, and have largely ignored its implications for yogic practice. They have also ignored the fact that it is also an esoteric work, and that only initiates, with sufficient prior experience, can grasp its deeper meaning.
When one practices the techniques of Kriya Yoga, it is like driving a powerful automobile. But without a roadmap, most students are stuck in traffic or at dead ends. Now for the first time, there is a clear roadmap to guide the student to remarkable destinations.
In Tamil Nadu and other southern states of India, there is a tradition of yogic adepts known as Siddhas, who are renowned for their longevity, miraculous powers, and remarkable contributions to an enduring culture. They have left a large body of literature, including Tirumandiram by the Siddha Thirumoolar, who was, by many indications, a brother disciple of Patanjali.
REVIEW
Study (svadhyaya) has always been an integral aspect of Yoga. Western students, in my opinion, need to take this yogic practice more seriously. Because of its succinctness and focus on essentials, the Yoga-Sutra is ideally suited for in-depth study. Its approach is rational, systematic, and philosophical. By contrast, the Thirumandiram is ecstatic and poetic and filled with precious nuggets of yogic experience and wisdom. Both texts complement each other beautifully, and their combined study will be found illuminating and elevating. Govindan’s book provides an excellent platform for such a study. He writes from his own long experience of Kriya Yoga and a deep love and respect for the heritage of Yoga…Marshall Govindan’s Kriya Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Siddhars is a valuable addition to the study of Yoga in general and the Yoga-Sutra in particular. I can wholeheartedly recommend it…In particular, the growing number of students of Kriya Yoga throughout the world will find his treatment indispensable, but others will benefit from it.
-From the Foreword by Dr. Georg Feuerstein, Ph D, Author of The Sutras of Patanjali and the Encyclopedia of Yoga.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Notes to Translation
Guide to the pronunciation of Sanskrit
Foreword
Introduction Part 1 & 2
A Comparison Between the Yoga Sutras and Tirumantiram
Patanjali’s Kriya Yoga: Constant Practice and Detachment
Translation with Commentary
Chapter 1: Samadhi-Pada
Chapter 2: Sadhana-Pada
Chapter 3: Vibhuti-Pada
Chapter 4: Kaivalya-Pada
Continuous Translation of the 195 Sutras
Notes to Introduction and Chapters
Bibliography
Index of Sanskrit Word in the Sutras
Index of English Words in the Sutras
Index of Kriyas Indicated in the Sutras
About the Author