Bryant, Edwin F.: 9780865477360: Amazon.com: Books
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The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary Paperback – July 21, 2009
by Edwin F. Bryant (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 662 ratings
4.5 on Goodreads
574 ratings
A landmark new translation and edition
Written almost two millennia ago, Patañjali's work focuses on how to attain the direct experience and realization of the purusa: the innermost individual self, or soul. As the classical treatise on the Hindu understanding of mind and consciousness and on the technique of meditation, it has exerted immense influence over the religious practices of Hinduism in India and, more recently, in the West.
Edwin F. Bryant's translation is clear, direct, and exact. Each sutra is presented as Sanskrit text, transliteration, and precise English translation, and is followed by Bryant's authoritative commentary, which is grounded in the classical understanding of yoga and conveys the meaning and depth of the su-tras in a user-friendly manner for a Western readership without compromising scholarly rigor or traditional authenticity. In addition, Bryant presents insights drawn from the primary traditional commentaries on the sutras written over the last millennium and a half.
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Print length
672 pages
Language
English
Publication date
July 21, 2009
Previous page
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“A superb contribution to the secondary literature on yoga. Critically grounded in the scholarship on yoga and the rich textual history of the tradition, Bryant nevertheless succeeds in transcending both the excessively technical approaches to yoga scholarship as well as much of the popular nonsense about yoga in the proliferating ‘schools' in the New Age marketplace. Bryant impressively communicates the essentials of yoga philosophy and practice to the thoughtful but non-specialist general reader. His translations from the Sanskrit are precise and well-grounded, and his interpretations are provocative and persuasive. His book will surely be welcomed by both serious scholars and responsible practitioners.”
Kindle from $19.99
Audiobook $0.00with membership trial
Paperback $16.90
The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary Paperback – July 21, 2009
by Edwin F. Bryant (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 662 ratings
4.5 on Goodreads
574 ratings
A landmark new translation and edition
Written almost two millennia ago, Patañjali's work focuses on how to attain the direct experience and realization of the purusa: the innermost individual self, or soul. As the classical treatise on the Hindu understanding of mind and consciousness and on the technique of meditation, it has exerted immense influence over the religious practices of Hinduism in India and, more recently, in the West.
Edwin F. Bryant's translation is clear, direct, and exact. Each sutra is presented as Sanskrit text, transliteration, and precise English translation, and is followed by Bryant's authoritative commentary, which is grounded in the classical understanding of yoga and conveys the meaning and depth of the su-tras in a user-friendly manner for a Western readership without compromising scholarly rigor or traditional authenticity. In addition, Bryant presents insights drawn from the primary traditional commentaries on the sutras written over the last millennium and a half.
Report an issue with this product or seller
Print length
672 pages
Language
English
Publication date
July 21, 2009
Previous page
The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali: A New Translation with Commentary (Shambhala Classics)
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4.6 out of 5 stars 297
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“A superb contribution to the secondary literature on yoga. Critically grounded in the scholarship on yoga and the rich textual history of the tradition, Bryant nevertheless succeeds in transcending both the excessively technical approaches to yoga scholarship as well as much of the popular nonsense about yoga in the proliferating ‘schools' in the New Age marketplace. Bryant impressively communicates the essentials of yoga philosophy and practice to the thoughtful but non-specialist general reader. His translations from the Sanskrit are precise and well-grounded, and his interpretations are provocative and persuasive. His book will surely be welcomed by both serious scholars and responsible practitioners.”
―Gerald James Larson, Rabindranath Tagore Professor Emeritus of Indian Cultures and Civilizations, Indiana University, Bloomington, and Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
“Dr. Bryant's translation of and commentary on Patañjali's Yoga Sutras reveal the rich tapestry of schools and viewpoints that form the background for the yoga tradition. Dr. Bryant teaches us to delight in the diversity of ideas and commentaries that come along with the equally diverse practices of yoga. He helps us to look deeper into a universal pattern of all practices, taking us out of the fundamentalism and exclusivity of our own schools. Grounded in an unbiased sense of ancient history, he clears away any confusion about the meaning of and the connections between different yoga philosophies. His book is a well-rounded and inspiriting course on the real connections between ideas, practices, and direct experience. I enthusiastically recommend it.”
“Dr. Bryant's translation of and commentary on Patañjali's Yoga Sutras reveal the rich tapestry of schools and viewpoints that form the background for the yoga tradition. Dr. Bryant teaches us to delight in the diversity of ideas and commentaries that come along with the equally diverse practices of yoga. He helps us to look deeper into a universal pattern of all practices, taking us out of the fundamentalism and exclusivity of our own schools. Grounded in an unbiased sense of ancient history, he clears away any confusion about the meaning of and the connections between different yoga philosophies. His book is a well-rounded and inspiriting course on the real connections between ideas, practices, and direct experience. I enthusiastically recommend it.”
―Richard Freeman, author of The Yoga Matrix
“Edwin Bryant has provided us with a sweeping, kaleidoscopic overview of this essential yoga text. His clear and engaging prose brings Patañjali's aphorisms to life, taking his reader on an amazing journey through the history of yoga philosophy.” ―David Gordon White, Professor of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, and author of Sinister Yogis
“Edwin Bryant unpacks the layers of history and traditional commentaries that are in the suitcase of the Yoga Sutras. Through his depth of understanding and research rendered in this detailed map, we are able to travel a little closer to our soul. I will be reading and referring to his text for a lifetime.” ―Rodney Yee, author of Moving Toward Balance
“The greatest strength of Edwin Bryant's work on the Yoga Sutras is that he has taken the most abstruse commentaries and made of them a fluidly readable work. He has made an academically serious study into a presentation of most symmetrical beauty. He has brought together the views of different schools of philosophy and made them rhyme as though in poetry. We need more of such works of serious and yet readable philosophy.” ―Swami Veda Bharati, D. Littl, Chancellor, HIHT University, Dehradum, India
“Bryant's meticulous study of the Yoga Sutras examines its reception throughout the past fifteen hundred years by a variety of commentators. Understanding that all religious books operate in the context of lived communities, Bryant suggests that the worship of Vishnu as taught by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita has played an important role in how the practice of yoga has been understood and communicated, particularly for the past five hundred years. For practitioners of yoga, this book provides a fresh look at a complex philosophy of applied spirituality.” ―Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology, Loyola Marymount University, and author of Yoga and the Luminous
“What I like about Edwin Bryant's edition is that it serves as a concordance of commentaries, a commentary on the commentaries without which this text (or any other compendium of sutras) is unintelligible. It is a pleasure to watch as Bryant uses the commentaries to show how thinking about the Yoga Sutras shifted and evolved over the years.” ―Dr. Robert Svoboda, Ayurvedacharya
“Edwin Bryant has provided us with a sweeping, kaleidoscopic overview of this essential yoga text. His clear and engaging prose brings Patañjali's aphorisms to life, taking his reader on an amazing journey through the history of yoga philosophy.” ―David Gordon White, Professor of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, and author of Sinister Yogis
“Edwin Bryant unpacks the layers of history and traditional commentaries that are in the suitcase of the Yoga Sutras. Through his depth of understanding and research rendered in this detailed map, we are able to travel a little closer to our soul. I will be reading and referring to his text for a lifetime.” ―Rodney Yee, author of Moving Toward Balance
“The greatest strength of Edwin Bryant's work on the Yoga Sutras is that he has taken the most abstruse commentaries and made of them a fluidly readable work. He has made an academically serious study into a presentation of most symmetrical beauty. He has brought together the views of different schools of philosophy and made them rhyme as though in poetry. We need more of such works of serious and yet readable philosophy.” ―Swami Veda Bharati, D. Littl, Chancellor, HIHT University, Dehradum, India
“Bryant's meticulous study of the Yoga Sutras examines its reception throughout the past fifteen hundred years by a variety of commentators. Understanding that all religious books operate in the context of lived communities, Bryant suggests that the worship of Vishnu as taught by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita has played an important role in how the practice of yoga has been understood and communicated, particularly for the past five hundred years. For practitioners of yoga, this book provides a fresh look at a complex philosophy of applied spirituality.” ―Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology, Loyola Marymount University, and author of Yoga and the Luminous
“What I like about Edwin Bryant's edition is that it serves as a concordance of commentaries, a commentary on the commentaries without which this text (or any other compendium of sutras) is unintelligible. It is a pleasure to watch as Bryant uses the commentaries to show how thinking about the Yoga Sutras shifted and evolved over the years.” ―Dr. Robert Svoboda, Ayurvedacharya
===
About the Author
Edwin F. Bryant received his PhD in Indology from Columbia University. He is a professor of Hindu religion and philosophy at Rutgers University, and also teaches workshops on the yoga sutras and other Hindu texts in yoga communities around the world. He is the author of The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali from North Point Press.
Product details
Publisher : North Point Press; First Edition (July 21, 2009)
Language : English
Paperback : 672 pages
ISBN-10 : 0865477361
ISBN-13 : 978-0865477360
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.45 x 1.65 x 8.25 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #31,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#2 in Hindu Sutras
#32 in Stretching Exercise & Fitness
#49 in Yoga (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 662 ratings
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Edwin F. Bryant
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yoga sutras edwin bryant highly recommend well written translation and commentary yoga sutra patanjali yoga years ago better understanding subject matter anyone interested sanskrit terms deeper understanding come across bryant translation major commentators kindle version recommend this book several translations indian philosophy
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Top reviews from the United States
Adrian A
5.0 out of 5 stars Not dry or academic, just thorough.Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
I am thoroughly enjoying this translation. I am currently also reading the classic Thibaut translation is the Vedanta Sutras with commentary by Shankara and I can say that without a doubt, this reads much easier.
For those who found this commentary dry or impenetrable, I wonder if they read the great introduction that explains the Yoga sutras in context of the philosophical systems of ancient India or in other words, the greater historical culture of the Yoga sutras. There are also convenient chapter summaries that are collected at the end of the book that you can read to get into the mindset for reading a chapter.
I particularly like how Bryant commits to the repeated uses of the Sanskrit terms and doesn’t depend on English words that fail to catch the subtle differences of meaning between the two languages. This encourages the reader to leave at the door their presuppositions and prejudices that they carry unknowingly being dependent on English.
Another great thing is that Bryant explains not only the standard Vyasa commentary, but also connects it to many other commentators including the previously mentioned Shankara, who was a Vedantin and not a Yogin. Bryant will even connect the Sutras in similarity and contrast to Buddhism. Giving context to the different commentaries is essential because in the classic commentaries themselves there are a lot more esoteric and foreign references to scripture, mythology, and other thinkers that aren’t as explicitly explained.
I think this book is most valuable for those who might not have been aware of the philosophical depth of the culture of Yoga. Bryant is oftentimes critical of the mass commercial culture that has appropriated Yoga and I think his translation and commentary is perfect for those who want to take the time and explore the ideas unique to Western thought and develop a deeper understanding of what goes into any action, practice, or lifestyle.
For those who just want a feel good shallow explication of Yoga that satisfies the minimal threshold of what it is to be “cultural”, then reading any set of Sutras and their commentary is going to disappointing anyway. And for all their complaints about it being too academic, I think that based on a certain prejudice of what “academic” is to them. Because this does not read at all like a philological text or western philosophical treatise.
31 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Ulf Wolf
5.0 out of 5 stars A Miracle of a BookReviewed in the United States on April 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book is nothing short of a miracle.
If I may be allowed to beat an old, worn cliche to death a little more: the one book (if I could only bring one) that I'd bring to that fabled desert island: Yes, this one.
Bryant is a brilliant scholar and an amazing communicator. When it comes to relaying intricate and sometimes conflicting views about esoteric angles of abstruse subjects, care (above all else) is called for, and Bryant cares, cares very deeply to get the point across as clearly and as vividly as possible; and he succeeds in this nearly impossible task.
Yoga, of course, is so much more than stretching and sitting exercises to limber us up (as we in the west normally view the subject). Posture takes up less than one percent of Patanjali's Sutras, the rest is devoted to meditation and spiritual liberation.
The East Indians have been at this for a long time, and there is a lot to learn and know about this subject. Patanjali, around 400 CE, sat down to summarize what he knew at that point (recalling all teachings from the Upanishads forward) about walking this path, and he did an amazing, if concise, job of it. Following Patanjali, several commentators did their best to clarify and illustrate Patanjali's often cryptic statement.
Bryant uses not only Patanjali's Sutras, but also avails himself of the major commentators' clarifications as well, and so reconciles this stream of knowledge into a coherent whole that really, yes, really makes sense and is proving very helpful to me as a meditator, even though I'm mostly of the Theravada persuasion.
I urge whoever will read this book to read it slowly and carefully. It all makes perfect sense, but does take some careful digesting. I actually read my Kindle version while I used the glossary in my paper version to keep reminding me of the various Sanskrit words used. It was worth the effort.
As I said, this book is a miracle, nothing short of that, and I could not recommend it more.
Ulf Wolf
69 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars PerfectReviewed in Canada on September 12, 2023
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Giovanna L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libroReviewed in Mexico on June 4, 2020
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Excelente libro. Fácil lectura y explicación. Recomendado ampliamente.
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Silvia
1.0 out of 5 stars Cheap printed copy by amazonReviewed in Sweden on February 1, 2021
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Cheap printed copy by Amazon. The ink is lighter than the original.
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Luis Castellon
3.0 out of 5 stars Paper could be way betterReviewed in Spain on July 18, 2019
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You would expect a better quality of paper in a book you are going to read in stages and going back and forth.
One person found this helpfulReport
mel
5.0 out of 5 stars Molto bello!Reviewed in Italy on October 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
Libro ben fatto e completo con i sutra scritti in sanscrito e la relativa spiegazione in inglese. Sicuramente un libro che ogni yogi dovrebbe avere nella propria collezione!
Report
About the Author
Edwin F. Bryant received his PhD in Indology from Columbia University. He is a professor of Hindu religion and philosophy at Rutgers University, and also teaches workshops on the yoga sutras and other Hindu texts in yoga communities around the world. He is the author of The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali from North Point Press.
Product details
Publisher : North Point Press; First Edition (July 21, 2009)
Language : English
Paperback : 672 pages
ISBN-10 : 0865477361
ISBN-13 : 978-0865477360
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.45 x 1.65 x 8.25 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #31,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#2 in Hindu Sutras
#32 in Stretching Exercise & Fitness
#49 in Yoga (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 662 ratings
Videos
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Edwin F. Bryant
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yoga sutras edwin bryant highly recommend well written translation and commentary yoga sutra patanjali yoga years ago better understanding subject matter anyone interested sanskrit terms deeper understanding come across bryant translation major commentators kindle version recommend this book several translations indian philosophy
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
Adrian A
5.0 out of 5 stars Not dry or academic, just thorough.Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
I am thoroughly enjoying this translation. I am currently also reading the classic Thibaut translation is the Vedanta Sutras with commentary by Shankara and I can say that without a doubt, this reads much easier.
For those who found this commentary dry or impenetrable, I wonder if they read the great introduction that explains the Yoga sutras in context of the philosophical systems of ancient India or in other words, the greater historical culture of the Yoga sutras. There are also convenient chapter summaries that are collected at the end of the book that you can read to get into the mindset for reading a chapter.
I particularly like how Bryant commits to the repeated uses of the Sanskrit terms and doesn’t depend on English words that fail to catch the subtle differences of meaning between the two languages. This encourages the reader to leave at the door their presuppositions and prejudices that they carry unknowingly being dependent on English.
Another great thing is that Bryant explains not only the standard Vyasa commentary, but also connects it to many other commentators including the previously mentioned Shankara, who was a Vedantin and not a Yogin. Bryant will even connect the Sutras in similarity and contrast to Buddhism. Giving context to the different commentaries is essential because in the classic commentaries themselves there are a lot more esoteric and foreign references to scripture, mythology, and other thinkers that aren’t as explicitly explained.
I think this book is most valuable for those who might not have been aware of the philosophical depth of the culture of Yoga. Bryant is oftentimes critical of the mass commercial culture that has appropriated Yoga and I think his translation and commentary is perfect for those who want to take the time and explore the ideas unique to Western thought and develop a deeper understanding of what goes into any action, practice, or lifestyle.
For those who just want a feel good shallow explication of Yoga that satisfies the minimal threshold of what it is to be “cultural”, then reading any set of Sutras and their commentary is going to disappointing anyway. And for all their complaints about it being too academic, I think that based on a certain prejudice of what “academic” is to them. Because this does not read at all like a philological text or western philosophical treatise.
31 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Ulf Wolf
5.0 out of 5 stars A Miracle of a BookReviewed in the United States on April 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book is nothing short of a miracle.
If I may be allowed to beat an old, worn cliche to death a little more: the one book (if I could only bring one) that I'd bring to that fabled desert island: Yes, this one.
Bryant is a brilliant scholar and an amazing communicator. When it comes to relaying intricate and sometimes conflicting views about esoteric angles of abstruse subjects, care (above all else) is called for, and Bryant cares, cares very deeply to get the point across as clearly and as vividly as possible; and he succeeds in this nearly impossible task.
Yoga, of course, is so much more than stretching and sitting exercises to limber us up (as we in the west normally view the subject). Posture takes up less than one percent of Patanjali's Sutras, the rest is devoted to meditation and spiritual liberation.
The East Indians have been at this for a long time, and there is a lot to learn and know about this subject. Patanjali, around 400 CE, sat down to summarize what he knew at that point (recalling all teachings from the Upanishads forward) about walking this path, and he did an amazing, if concise, job of it. Following Patanjali, several commentators did their best to clarify and illustrate Patanjali's often cryptic statement.
Bryant uses not only Patanjali's Sutras, but also avails himself of the major commentators' clarifications as well, and so reconciles this stream of knowledge into a coherent whole that really, yes, really makes sense and is proving very helpful to me as a meditator, even though I'm mostly of the Theravada persuasion.
I urge whoever will read this book to read it slowly and carefully. It all makes perfect sense, but does take some careful digesting. I actually read my Kindle version while I used the glossary in my paper version to keep reminding me of the various Sanskrit words used. It was worth the effort.
As I said, this book is a miracle, nothing short of that, and I could not recommend it more.
Ulf Wolf
69 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
See more reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Translate all reviews to English
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars PerfectReviewed in Canada on September 12, 2023
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Happy with my purchase
Report
Giovanna L.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libroReviewed in Mexico on June 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
Excelente libro. Fácil lectura y explicación. Recomendado ampliamente.
Report
Translate review to English
Silvia
1.0 out of 5 stars Cheap printed copy by amazonReviewed in Sweden on February 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
Cheap printed copy by Amazon. The ink is lighter than the original.
Report
Luis Castellon
3.0 out of 5 stars Paper could be way betterReviewed in Spain on July 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
You would expect a better quality of paper in a book you are going to read in stages and going back and forth.
One person found this helpfulReport
mel
5.0 out of 5 stars Molto bello!Reviewed in Italy on October 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
Libro ben fatto e completo con i sutra scritti in sanscrito e la relativa spiegazione in inglese. Sicuramente un libro che ogni yogi dovrebbe avere nella propria collezione!
Report
