Reader Query: Recommended Translation of the Yoga Sutras

Hey Rebecca!

So you’re always talking about The Yoga Sutras, and it made me realize that I am long overdue in reading it. I searched “The Yoga Sutras” on Amazon.com, but it pulled up like a million (OK, not really a million) hits. Is there a particular version that you recommend? It seems like some have forewords or commentaries by other yogis... Is one more enlightening than the other? Help. I’m confused.

Thanks!

Jill

Hi Jill,

Indeed, your

confusion is justified! Like many ancient texts, there are several translations of The Yoga Sutras from which to choose. The version that I have and to which I often refer is this one, with a foreword by Sri Swami Satchidananda.

I perused some of the others listed on Amazon and a few more piqued my interest:

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Essential Yoga Texts for Spiritual Enlightenment, by Swami Vivekananda. I don't want to judge the proverbial book by its cover, here, but I couldn't help noticing that this one is beautiful! More importantly, though, is its credible author, Swami Vivekananda, a prominent yogi of the 19th century whose teachings influenced Gandhi and Tagore, among others.

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A New Translation with Commentary, from Shambhala Classics. Shambhala consistently publishes some of the best spirituality resources on the market, and I suspect that this work is no different. The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga is among one of the most handy texts in my personal library. (In case, you're looking to fill your Amazon cart with additional goodies).

• Finally, I always consider yoga resources by B.K.S. Iyengar to be trustworthy, thorough, and clear. His version would likely be a sure bet as well.

I hope that helps, Jill. It's not a definitive answer because I don't think you can go wrong with any of the above options. I like my version very much, but perhaps you want to surf the prices and research the yogis who contribute to each respective translation to see if you gravitate toward one in particular.

Happy reading!

Rebecca