Four Chapters on Freedom: Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Softcover

I have read more than one translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and this, by far, is the best one. Swami Satyananda Saraswati presents a very clear, direct explanation of each sutra in English. There is both a Sanskrit and English version of the Sutras before the English explanation. Each sutra is treated individually with Swami Satyananda Saraswati's insights which illuminate the text so that the most knowledge can be gained from reading about very ancient yet important yoga precepts. I read a lot of ratings which mark a text down for its "complexity", and I don't know if that is necessary here. I would say the text is thorough, which is what you want when a yogi translates and interprets the text. You want to get both a context and a further foundation for further study, and this book provides both. This is definitely 5 stars, and if you enjoy it, try looking at other works by the same author. He's one of the most intelligent authors I have come across on the subject of yoga. --D. Casey

'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. --Chandra

For beginners, this book is not about asana (postures)and there are very few verses about asana. If one looks for asana, then they should read the book Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. This book is for more serious people who are seeking to practice Raja Yoga and desiring enlightenment and self realization. This book talks about how to get into samadhi (Chapter 1: Samadhi Pada) Samadhi meaning higher level of concentrated meditation or dhyana; how to perform sadhana (chapter 2: sadhana pada)Sadhana is a way of discipline in pursuit of a goal; Chapter 3 is Vibhooti pada, which is advanced and discusses about Samyama (Samyama is achieved with the combination of samadhi, dharana (concentration) and sadhana) and final chapter is Kaivalya Pada. Kaivalya Pada is about siddhi (siddhi meaning performing accomplishment and attainment of moksha). Siddhi can also mean miracles and attainment of eternality on one's own. This book is a commentary not a translation work as written by some reviewers. Yoga Sutra was written by Patanjali more than 25 centuries ago. There were many great people such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Satchithananda, other than Swami Satyananda Saraswati, had authored books on Yoga Sutras by Patanjali in recent century. How is this book different from other books? Author had implemented Patanjali Yoga Sutras in his life and in his disciples' lives and students lives and had seen the benefits out of them. His real life experience speaks through his commentary work. By reading this book, will one be able to practice advanced topics such as samadhi and samyama and siddhi on their own? My answer is NO. This book work provides an excellent theoretical knowledge and one has to seek a Master Guru, who follows Patanjali Yoga Sutra way of life, can guide and hand hold him/ her. In the western world, yoga is used more of a physical exercise and I have not come across any Western Guru who was able to guide me in Samyama, dharana and dhyana. I also found that there are not many Yoga Gurus, who can teach and guide in advanced topics such as samadhi and samyama. I know very few Gurus teach Samyama, one is Bihar School of Yoga's Trainer Swamijis and another is Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. --Shankar Ganesh

Four Chapters On Freedom is a book based on Rishi Patanjali s Yoga sutras. Patanjali s Yoga Sutra is considered to be the theoretical foundation of Raja Yoga and is one of the most important discourses on yoga and meditation. It consists of four parts, Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada, Vibhuti Pada, and Kaivalya Pada, each containing 196 sutras or maxims. The book includes the four parts of the Sanskrit text, along with their translation. Swami Satyananda Saraswati has covered each verse with in-depth explanation and commentary, and has also explained the path to master Raj Yoga. His discourses on yoga and its philosophy will help every individual who is looking to tread down the path of enlightenment through meditation and contemplation.