The Yoga Sutras

The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali

In the fall of 2004, a group of yoga-practitioners in San Luis Obispo, California, hosted a series of lectures on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra delivered by Dr. Howard J. Resnick (Srila Hridayananda Das Goswami Acharyadeva). The course was based on his own translations from the original Sanskrit text to English[1], explaining the meaning of each in a straightforward, practical, and easily assimilated manner.

One would be hard pressed to find anyone more qualified than Dr. Resnick to present the teachings of the Yoga Sutra. Dr. Resnick holds a PhD in Sanskrit and Indian Studies from Harvard University. He has decades of experience in translating and commenting on other important Sanskrit texts. Especially significant in this regard is his work in completing the final two cantos of translation and commentary on the Bhagavata Purana, or Srimad Bhagavatam, a voluminous work of eighteen thousand Sanskrit stanzas that was started by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Work on the Srimad Bhagavatam was entrusted to Dr Resnick by followers of Sri Srimad A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada recognizing his erudite scholarship in the knowledge of Sanskrit language, profound understanding of the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, and his dedication to the work and mission of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s devotional commentary on the Srimad Bhagavatam is the most appreciated and applauded work of this kind, and is regarded by religionists and academics all over the world as the most authentic commentary of this important Religious Classic published in the English language.

In addition to his work in writing and publishing, as a dedicated follower of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami, Dr. Resnick has traveled all around the world for nearly forty years, offering spiritual guidance and, by his authentic practice of bhakti-yoga, providing a role-model for thousands of spiritual practitioners.

Possessing a deep grasp and practical experience of the concepts and practices presented by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra, his presentation is remarkably clear and simple, demystifying the text and uncovering its relevance to all those interested in becoming better persons.