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When I first got into yoga wanted to know more about the philosophy behind it. I went out and bought an Iyengar version of Patanjalis yoga sutras and have to be honest I found it really difficult to get into . Can anyone give me an overview about how it works in relation to yoga?

My (very limited understanding of it) is that it's a guide for people who do yoga about how to lead a happier and more fulfilled life. I agree it's pretty hard to get your head around as I think it's open to interpretation quite a bit. My teacher often makes references to it - and we sometimes have to chant the first sutra in class (either at the beginning or the end, which I kind of like )

You might like this site: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Chapter 1 - Concentration - Samadhi Pada

There are a few translations of the Yoga Sutras out there and B.K.S. Iyengar's would be pretty intense I'd imagine.

I might go to Amazon and sniff around the different editions, just seeing what other people say.

Mr. Desikachars "Heart of Yoga" has a beautiful, clear translation of the sutras, plus much insight into yoga. As you probably know, he is the son of Krishnamacharya who was also Mr. Iyengars teacher.

Mr. Deskikachars son Kausthub Desikachar has recorded a CD of all the sutras being chanted in Sanskrit and I also believe there is a book (it is a small one) of the sutras in Sanskrit with an English translation. (I believe Yoga Sanga in Surry Hills, Sydney stock the CD and the book). Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram released the CD produced and marketed by Swami Soft Solutions, 'Swami Centre' 5, Anada Road, Alwarpet, Chennai - 60001, INDIA.


Hope that makes sense!


Shanti Om.

Thank you for this. Spectrum, one thing, my friend has a CD of the sutras being chanted but it's one long chant (so good to listen to but more difficult to learn). Do you know if this Desikachar one is (I think it is) 'call and response to it'?

No it isn't, but the 'little' book with the translation, was recommended to me to use in conjunction with the CD.

I think Yoga Sanga also do a course on the Sutras, if you're interested in knowing more.

Let me know if you find a 'call and response', I would be interested in that.

Thank you.

Shanti, Om.

I will find out, thanks Spectrum!