Yogic FlyingDecember 31, 2006 4 out of 6 found this review helpful
"How To Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali" (from my understanding)is required reading for anyone interested in beoming a Sidha and practicing Yogic Flying. The process of Samyama (concentration, meditation, and absorption) creates a clarity of mind that is highly focused. A fascinating study and is an essential reference for anyone who teaches and practices Yoga.
A Gem of a BookSeptember 15, 2006 18 out of 18 found this review helpful
The Yoga Sutras (thread of aphorisms) of Patanjali are one of the six darshanas of the Hindu or Vedic schools. "How to Know God" is a beautiful translation of those. The book is relatively short (pocket sized with just over 200 pages) and very readable. It offers one of the clearest explanations of the practice of yoga and meditation that I have read. It is surprisingly practical. I value it almost as much as I do "The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness: Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda" and Osho's "The Book of Secrets: 112 Keys to the Mystery Within" as a practical guide to specific meditation techniques. For those who have a Christian background, the book references familiar Christian concepts, making the book all the more readable for the typical Westerner. While one can read the entire book in one sitting (and maybe this is a useful strategy for its first reading), I prefer to digest it slowly, contemplating and savoring each aphorism. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to enter into a deeper level of spiritual consciousness.
Get it for Isherwood's commentaryMay 21, 2006 6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Patanjali's Yogi Sutras are well known now in both east and west. For a western mind, the commentary of Christopher Isherwood is especially valuable in interpreting and explaining the Vedantic approach, which is somewhat obscure in the original Patanjali.
It's a very small book, easy to pack around, and is great for quick reference.
Beautiful Translation Captures the Essence of YogaSeptember 29, 2005 13 out of 13 found this review helpful
Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood have collaborated to create this simple and yet poignant translation and commentary of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
The Yoga Sutras which were written approximately 2000 years ago and form the basis for the Yogic tradition. Originally, the Sutras were passed down orally (Sutra in Sanskrit means "thread")with commentary from the teacher or master. Isherwood is a masterful writer and clearly captures the essence of this tradition in both the cadence and style of the work. Much of the commentary is borrowed from greatly esteemed Vivekananda whose deep wisdom and honest razor sharp insight are true gift.
There are many translations of the Yoga Sutras, some arguably more literal, scholarly, and technically accurate. However, this work is one of the most accessible, and beautifully captures the essence and wisdom of the work.
How to know GodAugust 31, 2005 10 out of 10 found this review helpful
This is a very powerful book; it's not just casual reading. It transforms your mind and the way we think. It's not about blind faint, but training your mind and focus to have direct experience with God. I highly recommend this for anyone who is on a spiritual path and anyone interested in higher wisdom.
