The Beginning of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Sutra 1 of Book one of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1. Now, an exposition of Yoga [is to be made]. Raghavan Iyer: “Now begins instruction in yoga.” This is the usual formula for the beginning of a major text. It is very interesting to … Continue reading
A New Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
With this post we will begin adding Abbot George’s Commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras to our Blog’s rotation of articles. We hope you find it useful. Introduction to the Yoga Sutras The text known as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a repository of transcendental … Continue reading
Is Yoga a Religion?
It is commonly said that Yoga is not a religion. But since religion is derived from the Latin word religere, which means “to bind back,” and yoga means “joining,” practically speaking yoga is the only religion. The many systems of dogmas and doctrines are by … Continue reading
What is Yoga?
“Yoga” is a Sanskrit word that means “to join.” Yoga is both union and the way to that union. What do we join through yoga? First, we join our awareness to our own essential being: the spirit whose nature is pure consciousness. In yoga philosophy … Continue reading
Obstacles in Meditation and How to Overcome Them
From a photo by Tejo Coen. Part 10 in the Commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, by Swami Nirmalananda Giri 27. His designator [vachaka] is ‘Om’ [Pranava]. Usually, vachaka means that which is denoted by speech, in this case meaning that Ishwara is designated by the … Continue reading