The Secret of the Yoga Sutra: Samadhi Pada

by Rajmani Tigunait, Kim Krans (Illustrations)

The Yoga Sutra is the living source wisdom of the yoga tradition. Using it as a guide, we can unlock the hidden power of yoga, and experience the promise of yoga in our life. The Yoga Sutra is as fresh today as it was 2200 years ago when it was discovered by the sage Patanjali. It is the first practitioner-oriented commentary which is fully grounded in a living tradition. By applying its living wisdom in our practice, we can achieve the purpose of lasting fulfillment and ultimate freedom.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Nicole Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book every morning was like being bathed in pure light and love. Pandit Rajmani Tigunait's commentary and translation of first book of the Yoga Sutra is life-affirming, uplifting, and highly accessible. To see the path of yoga cast not as one of retreating from the world, rather, as a path leading toward experiencing being held by the divine in us as we move through the world...what a gift. The science of how meditation brings us to this state is laid out in a manner that very understandable. This translation, through the lens of the Sri Vidya tradition, is a must read for all seekers.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

2018 review: An excellent exegesis of the first chapter of the sutras. I have other commentaries but they are more scholarly in nature, less accessible, and not as faithful to Pantajali's intent. This is a great starting point for anyone interested in studying the sutras.

2023 review: 2023 review: I re-read this commentary on the yoga sutras every year and am always awestruck that something written in the second century CE could be so filled with truth and wisdom. It always reinforces my dedication to practice and helps me to reflect on the myriad ways that yoga has already transformed me. I highly recommend the audiobook version read by Dr. Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, as his voice is cheerful and friendly and reminds me of Mr. Rogers; it’s also a great listen for your commute. If this is your first time reading the sutras, take it slowly. Do not try to read too much at any given time, and do not worry if certain words or concepts are hard to comprehend. Instead, just try to grasp some of the main themes and ideas, and as you deepen your practice and re-read the sutras in the future, it will become much clearer.

[Debra Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book at least four times since it’s publication in 2014 and each time more of its wisdom reveals itself to be not only practical for one wishing to live a life of freedom and fulfillment but essential as an antidote to succumbing to the pessimism and existential angst of our times.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content-wise, this was an enjoyable and clear commentary on part of the Yoga Sutras. I use the streaming platform Yoga International, so many of the teachers there are drawing from Tigunait's leadership; it was illuminating to read him commenting directly. This was also a great read in a contrastive sense because, while I do asana and pranayama, I prefer the Platonic philosophical school, and Tigunait's grounded understanding of his yogic teaching lineage and its doctrines improved my ability to articulate some of the fundamental differences in approach between the philosophical schools regarding matters of both the ordering of the soul and its nature. Highly recommend.

[Raychel · Rating 4 out of 5]

i had to read this for my yoga teacher training. i broke it up into 3 months because just by looking at one page i could tell it was dense and would need to be read in small bits. i must say that a good 50-75% of it made no sense to me. or was beyond my reach. or something. there are some really great parts that stuck out to me and that i will definitely come back to. it has helped add an element to the therapy i provide and explains things from a different perspective. i think this is one i'll have to revisit and see how it changes for me.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's content-dense and there's plenty of sanskrit... but this tome is filled with good information, provides depth and gets into the weeds where many more accessible books don't go. The first time I listened to this book, I went cover-to-cover and it was a grind. I recently returned to it with the intention of reading it in bite sized pieces -- which makes it more palpable for me, someone who is in the early part of his journey. I'm getting a lot more out of it this time 'round. I'm sure this read won't be the last.

[Nikolas Alixopulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good introduction to the Yoga Sutras that is also readable and accessible to Westerners. Tigunait's background in the Sri Vidya lineage also helped me frame the Sutras in a way that appealed to me due to it's similarities to Kashmiri Shaivism. This will be one I will come back to for awhile.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of the Yoga Sutra is an excellent commentary., potentially life changing for those who read it. The author passes along the teachings of a Patanjali a taught to him by his teacher Swami Sadananda, a discipline of Swami Vivekinanda. The Sutras are easy to understand and probably best digested in small doses.

[Maerin Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential reference from one of my favorite authors. I've read several translations of the yoga sutras, and this is my favorite. This is the most accessible translation of the sutras I've ever read, and I anticipate returning to it again and again. I can't recommend this enough.

[Roshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. It very clearly explains in depth each sutra. I can not recommend it enough for those on the spiritual path.

[Karen Hansen]

It's hard to rate this book. It's a wonderful book if you're a student of the Himalayan Tradition/Raja Yoga.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more modern view on the sutras.

[Shannon von Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read at least ten translations of the sutras and loved them all. As a teacher's teacher of yoga I am always looking for books that can bring clarity and simplicity along with depth. This is now my favorite translation and I switched all of my 200-hour trainings to use this version as the light on their path. I read it and purchased the audio because it is that good.

Namaste

[Marcee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know this is a harsh/strong review...but, really how many big boring words can one really use in a commentary on the sutras?!?! Well, they are alllll here. Please, feel free to count. To me, it felt like the author is trying to prove what a brilliant scholar he is, trying to impress us. I like books that are more accessible--such as everything I have read by Eknath Easwaran. This is my least favorite version of the sutras that I have read.

[Parker Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST. BOOK. EVER. If you're interested in the subject matter then this book is for you. I'm re-reading it to get a clearer understanding. I'm also going to read it in conjunction with The Mandukya Upanisad. Lots of REALLY good stuff.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly accessible translation of the yoga sutras for contemporary readers.
Best digestiable in small doses to savour each sutra.
Currently re-reading this as part of my study to deepening my learning of the sutras, mantra and sanskrit.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is going to take some rereading and study for me to fully appreciate it. Definitely for serious yogis. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Panditji talk about it on his book tour!

[Carly Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful guide for someone looking to understand a foundational yogic text. Redundant or convoluted at times. Certainly a topic worth exploring.