The Flower of Yoga – Introductory Notes for the Study of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

By Ianthe H. Hoskins (1912 - 2001).

60 Pages | First edition 1994, second reprint 2004 | Softcover | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170592399.

Ianthe H. Hoskins was a teacher by profession, who also had several years of experience in teacher-training. Her work for the Theosophical Society has been varied, including administration of the English Section of the Society, writing lecture around the world and talks to those interested in the philosophy of Yoga and Vedanta.

From the Foreword:

" These notes offer an introduction to the theoretical and practical study of yoga. Among the explanatory statements given here, of especial importance are the words 'self-applied in an individual case'. In modern parlance, yoga is a 'do-it-yourself' science. Unless this is understood from the beginning, it is useless to embark on the study. Hidden treasure, says the Viveka-chudamani, does not come out at the mere mention of the word 'out': there must be reliable information, digging and the removal of stones. Similarly, the treasure of the Divine Indwelling - the goal of yoga - is not attained without the instruction of Wise Teachers, feminine or masculine, accompanied by the discplines of the yogic life.

The notes are intended to be used in conjunction with one - or preferably more than one - translation of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Some recommended versions are given at the end, together with a short reading list. 

I.H.H. "