Embodying the Yoga Sūtra

There are many books on the Yoga Sūtra, from highly academic tomes to very lightweight (and sometimes rather misinformed) simple ones. We wanted to write a book of some academic rigour which was also accessible and useful – and we don’t think there has been anything quite like this before. Not only that, but we also wanted to make suggestions for practice – both on and off the mat.

We start each chapter with a deconstruction of one of the sūtras. This often involves looking at how each word is constructed in the original Sanskrit language and we are as clear as possible with how we have made our translations and our inferences. This main sūtra is then put into context, and we explore themes and other sūtras which relate to the main sūtra. Finally, each chapter has a section on ideas for practice – ways to embody some of the theoretical ideas in a simple way.

320 pages, paperback. To order a copy, visit embodyingtheyogasutra.com/index.php/order

Embodying the Yoga Sutra offers a refreshing perspective on the meaning and practice of Yoga. It is clear that Ranju and David have listened to, reflected on, and practiced deeply the teachings they have been fortunate to receive. I am particularly happy to see the profound insights of their teacher, the late Peter Hersnack, made available to the broader Yoga public. From the time of our first meeting back in late 1970s, Peter’s knowledge, insight, and creativity have been an inspirationfor my own study, practice, and teaching. Reading this book will deepen your understanding of the meaning and purpose of Yoga practice. Applying the teachings of this book will enliven your Yoga practice and deepen your understanding of your Self.

Gary Kraftsow

Author of Yoga for Wellness and Yoga for Transformation

This remarkable gem shines with clarity and poignancy, beckoning the modern yoga practitioner to take a deep dive into the meaning and purpose of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Yoga offers a path for greater health and awareness and this book provides the map: the nature of obstacles, tools for self-improvement through movement and breath, and the centrality of meditation and good intent. With the dawning awareness of the interconnection between psychology and spirituality, this book is both timely and sophisticated. Superb!

Christopher Key Chapple

Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology, Loyola Marymount University, author of Yoga and the Luminous: Patanjali’s Spiritual Path to Freedom

Ranju and Dave are among the most experienced, insightful and dedicated yoga teaching duos you are ever likely to meet. Their depth of practical knowledge and natural genius for teaching make them perfect people to write a book like this. The fruit of a lifetime of inquiry and practice, this is a book that the world needs.

Mark Singleton

Author of Yoga Body and Roots of Yoga

Unassuming, generous and brilliant, Dave and Ranju have been a steady source of inspiration for me for over twenty years. In this book, you are getting the no-nonsense, deep-reaching, honest, real-life yoga lived and breathed by these two wonderful teachers. Their delightful attitude and intelligent approach radiates in all their work. They teach from the heart with wit and wisdom: these are not the showmen of modern yoga, they are the real thing.

Tara Fraser

Director Yoga Junction, author of Total Yoga, Easy Yoga Workbook, Yoga Bliss, Astanga Yoga for You, and others

Through their many years of dedication to the path of yoga, Ranju and David have brought the ancient insights of the often terse and complex Yoga Sutras to life. Here is something different – more than just a commentary – a way to understand and embody the wisdom held within these enigmatic threads. It’s both an academic as well as a practical book for the dedicated practitioner wanting to deepen their experience of the yogic mysteries.

Sebastian Pole

Herbalist, Yogi and Co-founder of Pukka Herbs