Veggie Blog

These lectures Delivered at the 32nd Anniversary of the Theosophical Society held at Benares, on Dec. 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th, 1907.] are intended to give an outline of Yoga, in order to prepare the student to take up, for practical purposes, the Yoga sutras of Patanjali, the chief treatise on Yoga. I have on hand, with my friend Bhagavan Das as collaborateur, a translation of these Sutras, with Vyasa’s commentary, and a further commentary and elucidation written in the light of Theosophy. These have never been finished or printed.] To prepare the student for the mastering of that more difficult task, these lectures were designed; hence the many references to Patanjali. They may, however, also serve to give to the ordinary lay reader some idea of the Science of sciences, and perhaps to allure a few towards its study.

Who is An Introduction to Yoga meant for?

The Amazon description says the lectures prepare the student for the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, but may also give the ordinary lay reader some idea of yoga, and perhaps encourage a few to study it.

Who is behind An Introduction to Yoga?

The author named in the title is Annie Besant. The speaker in the description says a translation of the Sutras with commentary was in preparation with Bhagavan Das but had never been finished or printed.

What topics does it cover?

The topic is yoga, in the form of an outline from lectures given in December 1907 at the Theosophical Society in Benares. The text refers often to Patanjali because the lectures were designed as preparation for the Sutras.

This summary is based on the book description on the Amazon page.

How should I read a century-old lecture on yoga?

A lecture series from 1907 is best read as a historical source. Terminology, translations and even the picture of what yoga is for have all moved on, so check unfamiliar terms against a modern reference. Questions worth asking include who the audience was, what the speaker wanted them to take from it and which claims were beliefs rather than observations.

Modern research on yoga is mostly about practices such as postures and breathing, studied for stress, sleep, pain and balance. The NCCIH guidance on yoga summarises that evidence and cautions that results depend on the style. An old lecture will not tell you what current studies show, and the reverse is also true.

If you decide to try anything a text describes, learn it under a qualified teacher and tell your doctor, particularly if you have a medical condition.

More on this blog: A Short History of Yoga: From Ancient Texts to Hatha Classes and a Record Number of Americans and What Is Yoga?

Book: An Introduction to Yoga by Annie Besant
View this book on Amazon (affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you)