Four Chapters on Freedom: Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Paperback – August 19, 2013

In a nutshell, there is a branch of Yoga that derives from Samkhya (one of the most important pshilosophical schools of India).Many years later that Yoga was about to disappear, until Patanjali took upon himself the task of gathering all te pieces together and reformulate it again, in a way as similar as possible to the original Samkhya Yoga.He wrote his work down in the book called Yoga Sutras, which have become eversice the "manual" of yoga throughout the world.The Yoga presented in the Yoga Sutras is called Raja Yoga (i.e., The King of the Yogas) or Ashtanga Yoga (i.e., The Yoga of The Eight Branches).However valuable (it is indeed a masterpiece) is almost impossible to undesrtand, since the Sutras were practical manulas written in a brief manner, codifyied so as only the initiates could understand it.Thus the need for commentaries made by people who not only know a lot of yoga, but who have experienced its practices themselves, since many of them cannot be understood no matter who plainly explained the might be, the must have been experienced and lived.Out of the moder commentaries, i would say that this one, by Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati, and the one entitled "Raja Yoga" by Swami Vivekananda are the best approach to this fascinating yet difficul subject: indeed, Raja Yoga is not meant for begginers inasmuch as it is an advanced practice or sadhana.Yet Satyananda's commentary is extraordinary since it presents:1) The original sanscrit.2) The transliteration of that phrase.3) A translation word for word.4) A complete english translation5) A lenghty commetary on tne meaaning of the phrase.As another Swamiji put it, in the introduction, this is a Manual that every psychologist and psychiatrist should have on their desks, since it brings forth a new (yet old) psychology far deeper and far more effective than anything we have had so far.I really do reccommed this one book, as all those of the Yoga Publications Trust.It is my belief that the three best collection on Yoga are:1) Yoga Publications Trust2) The Complete Works of Swami Sivananda Saraswati3) The Complete Work of Swami VivekanandaEnjoy!

I've read a couple different texts on the commentary of the Yoga Sutras but this is the best yet. The book is comprehensive and easy to read. Each sutra is thoroughly discussed extensively.Swami Satyananda Saraswati's comments helped changed my perspective on my everyday outlook and each time I revisit the text I notice something I didn't recognize the time before. It's like the routine of driving to work and sitting at a red light on the way and one day noticing a tree that seems to appear out of nowhere; however, the tree is mature and permanent. It's clear the tree has been there since "forever", though I never saw it of all the times I've traveled down the familiar road. That's the familiar experience I'm talking about whenever I refer back to the text.This book is a treasure of knowledge and is essential for householders on the path.

I find Swami Satyananda Saraswati's writing easy to read, like talking with a friend. His insight discusses practical, day to day experiences that I can relate to. I enjoy reading his work and learning his knowledge of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.The book shipped quickly and arrived in good condition.

Best book I have ever read. Know the Mind that knows everything. This is a must read book. It has the knowledge that knows everything. I highly recommend it.

This is a fine text for study!

There is yoga and then there is Yoga. The Yoga Sutras are a complete life changing experience. If you are serious about practicing yoga you should consider understanding the Yoga Sutras. It is a philosophical system and a psychological system in how the mind behaves and how you can change (if you want to) your mind and change your behavior. The Yoga Sutras are a common sense approach to the intricacies of the mind and how the mind reacts to the outside world. I must say for me that I needed an outside yoga instructor to help me understand these Yoga Sutras. Swami Satyananda Saraswati is pretty "deep."

good to have as many interpretations from masters as possible, this ones greatcontains sanskrit text along with english, those who awaken can do a great deal with this material.

Master speaks on the sutras of patanjali