Embodying the Yoga Sutra

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

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is the key text of yoga. Yet for many yoga practitioners, its deeper treasures remain either unknown or mired in obscurity. Ranju Roy and David Charlton focus on 18 of the most important sutras and show how each one illuminates the relationship between the body, the breath, and the mind in a practical, clear, and contemporary manner. The sutras are carefully deconstructed, put into context and then developed into ideas for practice. The authors examine the interplay of three key terms: support, direction and space. They suggest that only by taking support on something can you establish a clear direction; and only then can a space open up to grow into. This formula can be applied as successfully to the body (in asana) as to the breath (in pranayama) and the mind (through meditation). With illustrated asana sequences and suggested practices, Embodying the Yoga Sutra is both a practical as well as a deeply philosophical book. Roy and Charlton give readers a whole new vocabulary with which to understand yoga as a living, vibrant and dynamic tradition.

“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

“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 and Director, Master of Arts in Yoga Studies, Loyola Marymount University, author of more than 20 books, including Yoga and the Luminous: Patanjali's Spiritual Path to Freedom

Ranju Roy and David Charlton founded Sadhana Mala in 2004. The organization specializes in teacher training, study courses, and retreats. They both studied with TKV Desikachar, Paul Harvey, and Peter Hersnack. They have led training course for Viniyoga and yoga classes and retreats throughout the UK and Ireland. They have personal l contact with more than 2,000 students, several hundred of whom have gone on to become teachers themselves.