The Philosophy of the Yogasutra

Karen O'Brien-Kop's introduction to the Yogasutra highlights its status as a significant work of philosophy. Approaching the Yogasutra as living philosophy, this book elucidates philosophical conceptions of yoga, recognises the logical structure the sutras follow and explains the rules and principles that have sustained Patañjali’s system of thought for centuries.

Moving beyond standard interpretations of Patañjali's text and commentary as an aphoristic practice manual, O'Brien-Kop uses branches of philosophy to read the Yogasutra. Covering reality, self, ethics, language and knowledge, Patañjali’s philosophies come to the fore. The book introduces his reasoned positions on dual and non­dual metaphysics, the relationship between mind and body, the qualities of consciousness, the nature of freedom, and how to live ethically.

Carefully-selected extracts from the primary text are translated for those unfamiliar with Sanskrit and commentaries run throughout. A glossary provides definitions of key concepts with useful translations. Accessible and up-to-date, this introduction broadens our understanding of Indian philosophical thought and explains why the Yogasutra deserves to be read alongside Parmenides’ ‘On Nature’ and Plato’s Phaedo as a classic of world philosophy.

“" The Philosophy of the Yogasutra by Karen O'Brien-Kop offers an insightful analysis of various philosophical arguments presented by Pata”

The Philosophy of the Yogasutra by Karen O'Brien-Kop offers an insightful analysis of various philosophical arguments presented by Patañjali. Her critical examination of recent discussions of Patañjali’s philosophy around various topics of contemporary relevance will definitely help to position yoga philosophy as a serious interlocutor in global philosophical conversations. Ana Laura Funes, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Eastern Connecticut State University, USA
O’Brien-Kop’s claim that Yoga is “a system of living, breathing philosophy” (not just an historical artefact) rings true in this fine book. This refreshing study succeeds in many ways—above all, it brings Patañjali’s text into dialogue with contemporary philosophical debates. The Philosophy of the Yogasutra belongs on the reading list of yoga practitioners and scholars alike. Geoffrey Ashton, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of San Francisco, USA
Karen O’Brien-Kop’s The Philosophy of the Yogasutra is a much-needed book that presents the Patañjalayogasastra as a work of philosophy. Such is an aspect that is often overlooked. The book’s thematic presentation of the philosophy of the Patañjalayogasastra should help even those who are untrained in Indian philosophy grasp it. Kengo Harimoto, Research Associate, University of Naples “L’Orientale”, Italy

Karen O’Brien-Kop is Lecturer in Asian Religions at King’s College London, UK. She is co-chair of the 'Indian and Chinese Religions in Dialogue' unit of the American Academy of Religion (AAR), is co-convenor of the Spalding Symposium on Indian Religions and a co-editor of the academic journal Religions of South Asia.

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