#460 - The Yoga Sutras For Children
by Roopa Pai and illustrated by Sayan Mukherjee
“The Yoga Sutras For Children” by Roopa Pai and illustrated by Sayan Mukherjee. Published by Hachette. A brilliant adaptation of the ancient text for children in a relatable and contemporary manner.
When we say “Yoga Sutras”, what is it that comes to mind? A manual of sorts about asanas? Or instructions maybe for the rishis who lived in the forests during the ancient days? What if it is neither of these?! Well, here comes the stumping answer. The text might as well have been called The Ultimate Handbook of Mind Control. For that is what it is meant as. Written by “Maharishi P”, a cool sounding name laced with an air of mystery that the author has coined for Maharishi Patanjali :) Sounds overwhelming?! Don’t be daunted.
The book is definitely going to surprise one. It is a much needed set of techniques to help not just the children but all of us. The sutras are a set of techniques to awaken and harness the full potential of our minds through our actions, attitudes and awareness. And nope, there are no asanas involved here at least in the way we imagine it to be. These ancient sutras can compactly be fitted in an A4 sheet of paper but they are cryptic in that form.
That is where the commentaries written on the text come in handy. And this book has taken it many steps further by breaking the sutras down into an easily understandable format with plenty of examples and relatable situations. Read the book to walk down the well marked paths of this ancient world of sutras to make a difference to yourself.
We attended the launch of this book at the brand new Funky Rainbow store last month. It was a delight to listen to Roopa Pai talk about the book. To say that this fascinating book just blew our minds away would be an understatement. Both me and my nine year old son plunged ourselves headlong into the book for almost a month. He was curious to know who Maharishi P was and what did he have to say 2000 years ago which is relevant even today. The fact that one could become a mind ninja by following the yoga sutras and maybe gain superpowers was quite interesting for him. The context had been laid out by the author so well in the beginning itself before she went on to explain each of the 10 secrets and then the practices needed to be done for achieving a calm mind. Each of these is peppered with “Think about it” and/or “Do it!” sections making it quite interactive and engaging. The best part of the book I would say were the analogies drawn by the author to explain the sutras and the practices. We found them so practical and relatable. Our favourites were watching the vrittis go by like trains and the relationship between senses, manas and buddhi being compared to a chariot being pulled by five horses.
The book is a MUST READ for everyone. After all who doesn’t aspire for a better, calmer and more peaceful version of themselves! I am sure this is a book which we will keep going back to and treasure over the years. After all, the wisdom in the book is timeless. We now look forward to reading some of her other books on ancient texts such as the Gita and the Vedas and Upanishads.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for everyone aged 11/12 and above for self reading. But can be read to a slightly younger child with a little bit of explanation/discussion like we did with our 9 year old.
Reasons to Read
This thoughtfully written book simplifies the yoga sutras for children making it relatable and approachable. It helps them to learn how they can use the complete power of what their minds can achieve with focus, confidence, calmness, freedom and peace by getting rid of fear, self doubt and unwanted thoughts.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Hachette, for review. Thank you to Tanu, from Hachette, for sending across the book!