Yoga, Power & Spirit

Patanjali the Shaman

Look inside
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the classic Hindu text on the spiritual practice of yoga. Written more than 2,000 years ago, these teachings provide a rich, contemplative understanding of yoga and philosophy.

Derived from an ancient oral tradition, when the Divine feminine was worshiped, the Yoga Sutras were later taught by priests and scholars from a masculine tradition that obscured their deep wisdom. While there are many scholarly translations of the Yoga Sutras, in this book, best-selling author and shaman Alberto Villoldo reveals how these teachings are available to us at all times—without gurus, temples, or decades of study. Villoldo’s own fieldwork with the high shamans of the Americas has shown that the goals of shamanism and yoga are identical, and he demonstrates the parallels in their practices.

In a series of short, inspirational passages from the Sutras, the reader is led toward self-realization and enlightenment in its simplest form. In this treasured book, Villoldo brings to life the spiritual teachings of yoga in a pure and practical way—stripped of dogma and brimming with poetry and spirit.
"Alberto offers a poetic and transformative translation of the Yoga Sutras that breathes life and radiance into Patanjali’s wisdom in a way that is thankfully different, but complementary to other scholarly translations."
— Shiva Rea

"Alberto’s poetic and inspired interpretation of these sacred treasures spoke directly to my heart. I recommend them to every seeker on the Path."
— Deva Premal
Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., has trained as a psychologist and medical anthropologist, and has practiced yoga for more than 25 years. He has traveled to the source of India’s holy rivers in the Himalayas to rediscover the wisdom of the Sadhu, India’s ancient shamans. Dr. Villoldo directs The Four Winds Society, where he trains individuals in the U.S. and Europe in the practice of shamanic energy medicine. Dr. Villoldo has written numerous best-selling books, including One Spirit Medicine; Shaman, Healer, Sage;and Power Up Your Brain. Website: www.thefourwinds.com

About

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the classic Hindu text on the spiritual practice of yoga. Written more than 2,000 years ago, these teachings provide a rich, contemplative understanding of yoga and philosophy.

Derived from an ancient oral tradition, when the Divine feminine was worshiped, the Yoga Sutras were later taught by priests and scholars from a masculine tradition that obscured their deep wisdom. While there are many scholarly translations of the Yoga Sutras, in this book, best-selling author and shaman Alberto Villoldo reveals how these teachings are available to us at all times—without gurus, temples, or decades of study. Villoldo’s own fieldwork with the high shamans of the Americas has shown that the goals of shamanism and yoga are identical, and he demonstrates the parallels in their practices.

In a series of short, inspirational passages from the Sutras, the reader is led toward self-realization and enlightenment in its simplest form. In this treasured book, Villoldo brings to life the spiritual teachings of yoga in a pure and practical way—stripped of dogma and brimming with poetry and spirit.

Reviews

"Alberto offers a poetic and transformative translation of the Yoga Sutras that breathes life and radiance into Patanjali’s wisdom in a way that is thankfully different, but complementary to other scholarly translations."
— Shiva Rea

"Alberto’s poetic and inspired interpretation of these sacred treasures spoke directly to my heart. I recommend them to every seeker on the Path."
— Deva Premal

Author

Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., has trained as a psychologist and medical anthropologist, and has practiced yoga for more than 25 years. He has traveled to the source of India’s holy rivers in the Himalayas to rediscover the wisdom of the Sadhu, India’s ancient shamans. Dr. Villoldo directs The Four Winds Society, where he trains individuals in the U.S. and Europe in the practice of shamanic energy medicine. Dr. Villoldo has written numerous best-selling books, including One Spirit Medicine; Shaman, Healer, Sage;and Power Up Your Brain. Website: www.thefourwinds.com