Microsoft Word - Taimni - The Science of Yoga.doc

ten by a master mind in a language which is considered almost perfect. But it is one
thing to interpret a Sutra in a loose and careless manner and another to bring out its
meaning with due regard to facts of experience and recognized traditions of ages.
The sensible way, of course, is to take into consideration all the factors which are in-
volved, avoiding especially explanations which explain nothing.
Another difficulty in writing a commentary in English is the impossibility of
finding exact equivalents for many Samskrta words. Since the Science of Yoga has
flourished mainly in the East and the interest in Yoga in the West is of recent origin
there are no equivalents in the English language corresponding to many Samskrta
words which stand for well-defined philosophical concepts. And in many cases the
available English words with approximate meanings are liable to give a totally wrong
impression. To avoid this danger Samskrta words have been used freely in the com-
mentary if an exact equivalent in English is not available. But to facilitate careful
study of the subject, not only is the original Samskrta text given in the case of each
Sutra but also the meanings of the Samskrta words used in the Sutra. Of course, as
pointed out above the exact English equivalents of many Samskrta words are not avail-
able. In such cases only approximate meanings have been given and the student is ex-
pected to find the exact significance of the words from the following commentary. The
above procedure will enable the student to judge for himself how far the interpretation
is in accordance with the literal meanings of the words used in the Sutra, and if there
is a divergence, how far the divergence is justified. But, of course, the final justifica-
tion for any interpretation is its conformity with the facts of experience and if this kind
of verification is not possible, commonsense and reason should be the guide. The
seeker after Truth should concern himself especially with facts and the truth underly-
ing the various Sutras and should not allow himself to get involved in controversies
about the meanings of words. This pastime he can leave to the mere scholar.
A careful study of the Yoga-Sutras and the kind of preparation and effort which
is needed for attaining the objective of Yogic endeavour might give to the student the
impression that it is an extremely difficult, if not impossible undertaking, beyond the
capacity of the ordinary aspirant. This impression is certain to dishearten him, and if
he does not think deeply over the problems of life and clarify his ideas about them, it
might lead him to abandon the idea of embarking on this Divine adventure or to post-
pone it to a future life. There can be no doubt that the serious pursuit of the Yogic ideal
is a difficult task and cannot be undertaken as a mere hobby or to find an escape from