The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Sacred Teachings
“A wonderful translation, full of contemporary insight yet luminous with eternal truth.”—Jacob Needleman
The Yoga Sutras were cast in their present form in India around the third century b.c. Yoga is from the Sanskrit root meaning “union,” and a sutra is a thread or aphoristic verse. The basic questions “Who am I?” “Where am I going?” “What is the purpose of life?” are asked by each new generation, and Patanjali’s answers form one of the oldest and most vibrant spiritual texts in the world. He explains what yoga is, how it works, and exactly how to purify the mind and let it settle into absolute stillness. This stillness is our own Self. It is the indispensable ground for Enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of all our aspirations.
Alistair Shearer’s lucid introduction and superb translation, fully preserving Patanjali’s jewel-like style, bring these ancient but vital teachings to those who seek the path of self-knowledge today.
Bell Tower’s series, Sacred Teachings, offers essential spiritual classics from all traditions. May each book become a trusted companion on the way of truth, encouraging readers to study the wisdom of the ages and put it into practice each day.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star This is NOT the Alister Shearer Translation
I don’t know how they did it, but they got the reviews for the awesome Alistair Shearer translation of the Yoga Sutras, to show up for this kindle version, and even a link from the original Alistair translation, so you come to this page if you want the kindle version, and all the nice reviews for the Alistair version show up for this book.
THIS IS NOT THE ALISTAIR TRANSLATION. And I highly resent being led to believe so, because I was really excited about getting that version for my kindle.
THE REVIEWS YOU ARE READING ABOUT IT ARE FOR THE ACTUAL ALISTAIR SHEARER TRASLATION. The hard cover, paper and ink book that says translated by Alistair Shearer Not this digital impostor.
This is just another boring, academic and dry translation. I think you can get the same thing through Wikipedia or Google books for free, which makes me wonder if the poster is even the real author. Sigh. Maybe I can email Alistair’s publisher and get them to do the actual book for kindle. And whoever did this: shame on you and picture your mother looking cross and waving her finger at you.
5 Stars Perfect Condition, quick and efficient!!
This book was in perfect condition, came to me quickly and was very well done by amazon. Thanks.
5 Stars Fabulous
You can tell from the very beginning that this translation was done by someone who personally understands the meaning of the sutras. And the introduction itself is worth the price of the book — it’s a perfect primer for anyone wanting to learn more about the mysterious path to the Divine.
3 Stars Pocket Book for the Yoga Sutras
I’ve read the Yoga Sutras of Patajali by Sri Swami Satchidananda and found that book to be a much more detailed description of sutras. This book is very brief, which may a good introduction but I’ve found it to be much less useful. If you are looking for a deep understanding of the sutras, I’d recommend a book with more content.
5 Stars The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali….translated by Alistair Shearer
This is an enlightening translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
This book is easy to read and contemplate on. The English word choices are
thoughtful and consistent. Mr. Shearer also writes a wonderful introduction
to the translated text. I once attended a philosophy lecture on Yoga by a college professor who claimed mastery of Tantric Yoga and the Sanskrit language. During lecture, he commented that the Sutras of Patanjali were difficult and “certainly not bed time reading material.” I couldn’t have disagreed more with the Professor knowing that Mr. Shearer’s translation is easy to read, assimilate, and makes wonderful reading anytime night or day, as I have done many, many times.
I recommend this translation to my Yoga students and I also give it as gifts. Enjoy!