An Introduction to Yoga Philosophy: An Annotated Translation of the Yoga Sutras (Ashgate World Philosophies Series)

Written in a language that captures the essential ideas of the original text in words and phrases that are easily understandable by the general reader or undergraduate, this straightforward translation aims at conveying the excitement and comprehension of the "Yogasutras". In the simple format of the book, the first part presents the multi-dimensional aspects of yoga by locating its proper place among the disciplines of philosophy, science and psychology. The second part provides a comprehensible rendition of the text of the "Yogasutras". Commentaries are presented to highlight the meaning of various statements (sutras). The third part looks at yoga's connection to health and describes the practical aspects of yoga through a guided tour of physical, breathing, relaxation and meditation exercises. The fourth part compares the basic ideas of yoga, the epic "Ramayana" and the "Bhagavad Gita" to the underlying philosophy of the "Star Wars" films. It reveals parallels between the idea of consciousness and the force, the qualities of the yogi and Yoda, and the rigorous training of yoga students and Jedi knights.