Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

This is *the* book to refer to get a proper understanding of the philosophy of Yoga. I have gone through other books ( B. K. S. Iyengar , Georg Feuerstein , Swami Prabhavananda ) and some audio cassetes on the Yoga Sutras.This is by far the best book on the subject. The sutras are beautifully explained in layman terms with ample annotations. The sutras in samadhi pada and sadhana pada are covered extensively. Whenever there was a discrepency in the translation among different authors (such as sutras 18,19,33 of sadhana pada, which have been interpreted very differently) I found the translation and explanation in this book to be most logical, intuitive and complete.

If you don't read Sanskrit, this is the translation of the Yoga Sutras to use. Swami Satchidananda, founder of Yogaville in Virginia, has translated and provided commentary on one of the most basic texts of Raja Yoga. Each reading of each and every sutra invites the serious student to delve deep and deeper into him/herself and discover the truth. Highly recommend!

Swami Satchidanandaji explains clearly the Sutras by giving practical tips on how to apply them in our own life. The book is full of wisdom and is not meant to read and keep aside, but read and reflect and that too repeatedly. Verily, a treasure for the spiritual aspirants. Personally, studying few stanzas each day and reflecting on them, provides immense peace and upliftment. The original Sanskrit text with meanings also provides an additional benefit for seekers to commit the sutras to memory.