The Yoga Sutras – Saivite Scriptures, published by Himalayan Academy, presents a profound Saivite interpretation of Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras, translated and commented upon by Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami. This edition bridges classical yogic philosophy with the living wisdom of the Saiva Siddhanta tradition, offering a lucid, devotional, and practical understanding of one of Hinduism’s six classical darshanas—Yoga Darshana.
Overview
The work is divided into the traditional four sections (padas):
- Samādhi Pāda – Meditative Absorption
- Sādhana Pāda – Practice
- Vibhūti Pāda – Mystic Powers
- Kaivalya Pāda – Absolute Independence
Each sutra is presented in Sanskrit, followed by English translation and commentary that contextualizes the teaching within the Saivite path of inner realization.
Key Insights
Satguru Bodhinatha’s commentary emphasizes yoga as citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ—the restraint of mental activities—as the foundation for spiritual awakening. The text highlights the progressive stages of meditation, the cultivation of vairāgya (dispassion), and the necessity of abhyāsa (steady practice). It also explores the role of Ishvara (Siva) as the eternal guru, the significance of AUM (praṇava) as the vibrational essence of consciousness, and the gradual dissolution of ego through disciplined inner effort.
Purpose and Tone
Unlike purely academic translations, this edition integrates scriptural precision with spiritual practicality. It invites seekers to live the sutras—not merely study them—through meditation, devotion, and self-mastery.
In essence, The Yoga Sutras – Saivite Scriptures is both a philosophical guidebook and a spiritual manual, illuminating the timeless path from mental restraint to divine union in the light of Lord Siva’s grace.
