Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #362034 in Books
• Published on: 1983-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 458 pages

Customer Reviews

Looks like a consistent framework for finding your Self
My first commented version on The Yoga Sutras.
I enjoyed it very much. It gives a very structured overview of the process of "Union with the Soul". Your Soul.

Yes, I guess it is from a western point of view only using some Hindu terms. Yes, I guess it is from a "Theosophy" source.
But frankly, up till now I am not worried by that.

For one, Ms. Bailey gives quotes from several other (probably old) commented translations mentioned in her bibliography. This paints a picture consistent with my earlier experiences: "who the hell are we to say which one is the right one"? Among Hindu you also have numerous "sects" with very subtle differences of opinion. Can you tell? I can't. By all means: read multiple versions if you want to get in and pick the one that gives you the best feeling.

I am not worried by the Theosophy part.
Yes, it's in there, but I don't think it is substantial.
I can read and I am not stupid. Several statements refer to Theosophy internal history (or when reference is made to "Christian Science") and I am sorry to say I just skip these as "irrelevant". There are statements in there about "Atlantis" and the like, but again I am not worried yet. My "Inconsistent!" bells have not started ringing yet, so I take these as "a statement" and I go on. But again, this is not substantial.

There is plenty of value in the Sutras, but don't expect a checklist with steps numbered 1 - 51. Work has to be done.
This is the only thing that counts: work done by you.

Respect for Patanjali.
And for Alice Bailey and D.K.

The Light of the Soul: Truly

Brilliant and enlightening.

This version of translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is by far the most profound, contradicting none of the other commentaries but is further clarifying the timeless teaching of this extraordinary scripture.

Both the paraphrasing and commentary is geared toward a form of presentation of the teaching's inherent meaning that is clearly understandable to western minds, as much in terms of abstract knowledge as in pointing out its practical usefulness in everyday living.

The book presupposes some basic understanding of the eightfold path of yoga along with some esoteric insight or at least serious interest but even without the former it can be deeply enlightening to the earnest student as it can supply ample food for thought to those who are as yet at the stage of genuine curiosity.

Raja yoga is both the science and the path of the higher mind, leading one progressively onward and inward toward a deeper realization of one's self, a better understanding of reality, toward peace, contentment and a more harmonious relationship with other members of the human family.

This book is a deep study and reference material for advanced students but it can also inform the beginner and enlighten the seeker of truth at any stage in between.

Clearly Theosophy Garbage
It was SHOCKING to me when I saw the rating of this book at Amazon. This is the worst book I have come across concerning the Yogasutras of Pantanjali so far. The writer (Alice) puts it in a Theosophy framework and as such, the end result is full of garbage. Consider...

"All the various Yogas have had their place in the unfoldment of the human being. In the first purely physical race, which is called the Lemurian, the Yoga at that time imposed upon infant humanity was Hatha Yoga, ....

etc. ...

In Atlantean days, the progress of the sons of men was procured through the imposition of two Yogas....

etc. ....

1. Belief. On his own plane the soul rehearses a condition analogous to the belief of the aspirant in the soul or Christ aspect, only in this case the objective is the realisation of that which the Christ or soul is seeking to reveal, the spirit or Father in Heaven. First the disciple arrives at a realisation of the angel of His Presence, the solar angel, ego or soul....

etc. ..."

and numerous references to the Christian Bible and also Theosophy ideas. Get the picture?