This book offers a systematic and radical introduction to the Buddhist roots of PÄtaÃjala-yoga or the Yoga system of PataÃjali. By examining each of 195 aphorisms (sÅtras) of the YogasÅtra and discussing the YogabhÄáya it shows that traditional and popular views on PÄtaÃjala-yoga obscure its true nature. The book argues that PataÃjaliâs Yoga contains elements rooted in both orthodox and heterodox philosophical traditions including SÄákhya Jaina and Buddhist thought. With a fresh translation and a detailed commentary on the YogasÅtra the author unearths how several of the terms concepts and doctrines in PataÃjaliâs Yoga can be traced to Buddhism particularly the Abhidharma Buddhism of Vasubandhu and the early YogÄcÄra of Asaága. The work presents the YogasÅtra of PataÃjali as a synthesis of two perspectives: the metaphysical perspective of SÄákhya and the empiricalâpsychological perspective of Buddhism. Based on a holistic understanding of Yoga the study explores key themes of the text such as meditative absorption means supernormal powers isolation Buddhist conceptions of meditation and the interplay between SÄákhya and Buddhist approaches to suffering and emancipation. It further highlights several new findings and clarifications on textual interpretation and discrepancies. An important intervention in Indian and Buddhist philosophy this book opens up a new way of looking at the Yoga of PataÃjali in the light of Buddhism beyond standard approaches and will greatly interest scholars and researchers of Buddhist studies Yoga studies Indian philosophy philosophy in general literature religion and comparative studies Indian and South Asian Studies and the history of ideas. . Language: English