Yogabhasya de Vyasa

Patanjali, a doctor of body, speech and mind, based the practice of yoga on an overall understanding of man, which he examines in depth in his Yoga Sutras. An initially pessimistic image: man’s state of being is one of suffering, but eventually optimistic: he offers a way of salvation. No other work from Antiquity better represents the most original and elevated aspects of Indian culture: a lucid observation of reality in a world of semi-consciousness and immense hope for a world of wisdom and pure consciousness. The most ancient simplification of this thought is Vyasa’s commentary. This is much more than simple annotation of the sutras. This is a true work of pure philosophy, creating a wonderful system of rationality, formulating ideas, addressing a number of key themes which the scholars of India would debate right throughout the course of history. Vyasa’s Yogabhasya is possibly the best introduction to Indian thought. A French translation is provided here. In principle, it aligns itself with the interpretation given by Vijnanabhiksu. It also points out the divergent interpretations of another of India’s great minds, Vācaspati Miśra. A wealth of exceptional resources for any research on psychology, for any philosophical reflection and for all yoga practice and teaching.