The Path of the Yoga Sutras: A Practical Guide to the Core of Yoga

This book was assigned reading for my 300 hour yoga teacher training, and it was one of my favorite pieces of assigned reading. I would recommend it as a permanent addition to the „yoga library“ for any aspirants interested in yoga philosophy. One possible use of this book is to serve as a companion to a „traditional“, sutra-by-sutra, interpretation of the Yoga Sutras by Patañjali, as long as it uses Sanskrit worlds. Nicolai Bachman’s book offers explanation of individual key concepts of yoga philosophy in clear contemporary language, without getting entangled in full aphorisms. Secondly, this is an excellent stand alone book. Each chapter is devoted to a philosophical concept. Either the concept may be new to the reader or it may be familiar, but the perspective and nuance offered in the book may be new and worthwhile considering. I find myself surprised by the insights in every chapter. With these insights comes a different way of experiencing my yoga practice on the mat and life in general. For instance, I highlighted this in Chapter 2 (Citta): “Citta is our heart-mind, our outer and inner psyche, and the primary place of interest in the Yoga Sutras.” Somehow, this lands so much better than “monkey mind” or whatever other definitions of Citta I’ve heard or read. I find myself highlighting a sentence or two in every chapter! The explanations are provided by way of relatable contemporary examples and simple broadly applicable thoughts for reflections and exercises. Some of the examples seem a bit too “traditional”, not distractingly so though. I‘ve found quite a few of the exercises useful and bookmarked several others to revisit later. My favorite parts of the book is how brilliant and crisp the language and the thought behind it is. It’s simple without being dumbed down or too casual. It’s kind and encouraging without being too cuddling. I feel like a wise, kind, integrated person is speaking to the brilliant and strong parts of my soul and I see everything more clearly as the result.

This book provides a clear, approachable explanation of the Yoga Sutras, making complex ideas easy to understand. It’s been a wonderful addition to my practice, offering wisdom without feeling overwhelming. Five stars for its depth and accessibility!

This book was absolutely life changing for my practice in yoga! It has taken my personal practice to a whole new level of commitment, understanding, and has given me guidance on meditation and how to live my life to be more fulfilling. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and appreciate how practical it is to apply the sutras in our highly materialistic/stressful culture. I was able to reach new bounds in healing through meditation, and experienced contentment in my abilities with the asana practice and applied that in other aspects of my life (to include work, relationships, and in understanding those around me). I'm am definitely going to be re-reading this book in the near future! Much appreciation and respectful blessings sent to Nicolai Bachman for projecting Patanjali's work in a practical guide that is an enjoyable read!

Everyone should be this book. Easy to read and will make you think differently.

I really enjoyed the practical approach that Bachman gave to the classic sutras. It helps to highlight the timelessness of Patanjali’s teachings.

I prefer YAMS AND NIYAMAS..but this book is a nice little bed side read that furthers explains the sutras. the thing that stuck with me most is on page 81 ...'the universe has a way of listening to our thoughts and moving us in that direction..' since adopting this policy i have altered my thoughts, intentions, and words. i noticed an almost immediate change in self and my relationships to others. there has been many incidences where i SPOKE intentions that were compassionate and uplifting and minutes later....intentions actualized!!!!!! this is a must read book for those interested in learning and growing in their practice!!!

I read The Path of the Yoga Sutras in school and again during yoga teacher training. Reading the second time gave me a better understanding of what the book is about. Reading each chapter and then answering the questions at the end or doing the exercise gave me a better understanding of myself. I was surprised at how different my answers were the second time I read the book. It makes you think about your life and the choices you make on a deeper level. It is a book that I will read over and over and believe each time I read it my answers will be different. This book is for anyone who wants to get to know themselves on a deeper level and is not afraid of what may find out about them.

a MUST! specially for beginner yoga teachers or anyone interested to learn about yoga philosophy. also should be included as a required reading in a 200hr ytt. super friendly for those who are not avid readers.