Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras
'Patañjali’s 196 aphorisms or sūtras cover all aspects of life, beginning with a prescribed code of conduct and ending with man’s vision of his true Self. Each word of the sūtras is concise and precise. As individual drops of rain contribute towards the formation of a lake, so each word contained in the sūtras conveys a wealth of thought and experience, and is indispensable to the whole…
'Like pearls on a thread, the Yoga Sūtras form a precious necklace, a diadem of illuminative wisdom. To comprehend their message and put it into practice is to transform oneself into a highly cultured and civilized person, a rare and worthy human being…
'The book is divided into four chapters or pādas (parts or quarters), covering the art, science and philosophy of life. The 196 sūtras are succinct, precise, profound, and devout in approach. Each contains a wealth of ideas and wisdom to guide the aspirant (sādhaka) towards full knowledge of his own real nature. This knowledge leads to the experience of perfect freedom, beyond common understanding. Through ardent study of the sūtras, and through devotion, the sādhaka is finally illumined by the lamp of exalted knowledge. Through practice, he radiates goodwill, friendliness and compassion. This knowledge, gained through subjective experience gives him boundless joy, harmony and peace.'
- B.K.S. Iyengar, in 'Light on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali.'
'Like pearls on a thread, the Yoga Sūtras form a precious necklace, a diadem of illuminative wisdom. To comprehend their message and put it into practice is to transform oneself into a highly cultured and civilized person, a rare and worthy human being…
'The book is divided into four chapters or pādas (parts or quarters), covering the art, science and philosophy of life. The 196 sūtras are succinct, precise, profound, and devout in approach. Each contains a wealth of ideas and wisdom to guide the aspirant (sādhaka) towards full knowledge of his own real nature. This knowledge leads to the experience of perfect freedom, beyond common understanding. Through ardent study of the sūtras, and through devotion, the sādhaka is finally illumined by the lamp of exalted knowledge. Through practice, he radiates goodwill, friendliness and compassion. This knowledge, gained through subjective experience gives him boundless joy, harmony and peace.'
- B.K.S. Iyengar, in 'Light on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali.'