Acknowledgement

It has been over 17 years now that I have been initiated on the beautiful path of ‘Yoga’ by my first Guru, Yogacharya Shrikrishna Alias Anna Vyavahare who ignited in me, the spark of curiosity towards this treasure trove of ancient and eternal wisdom.

Without the sagely guidance and perseverance of my research guide, mentor and philosopher Dr. Shriram Agashe, this thesis perhaps would not have seen the light of the day.

I am deeply indebted to both of them.

Paramahamsa Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the Founder of Bihar School of Yoga, and who in the modern times took the priceless ‘Yoga Vidya’ from ‘door to door’ and ‘shore to shore’ for being inspirational light on spiritual path and Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati of Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, from whom I took initiation into Jigyasu Sannyas, and also Pramahamsa Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati of Rikhia. These Parama Gurus have given me a true insight and perspective on our very existence itself. I am truly blessed to receive their grace.

Dr. Kala Acharya, Director of K. J. Somaiya Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham and her staff continued to provide support and assistance in my endeavor. I am thankful to them.

My interest in the ‘Patanjal Yogasutras’ was first kindled by Swami Ananda Rishi (who was ordained into Navasannyasa by none other than the enlightened ‘Osho’ himself) and Mr. Shrikrishna Marathe. I am very grateful to them for opening this fascinating subject for study.

There are many people to whom I owe a word of thanks, who had a contribution, direct or indirect in my completing this Thesis. Some of them whose mention must be made are…

Working in the corporate world in a city like Mumbai as a professional, the demands on one’s time and mind space are always very high. The Chairman of my company, Mr. Krishna Kotak and Managing Director Mr. Dhruv Kotak not only allowed me to take time off from my professional responsibilities and duties but also wholeheartedly encouraged and supported me in my pursuits. I would not be able to express my gratitude to both of them adequately enough.

I am extremely grateful to my wife Dr. Suvarna Newalkar and Mrs. Madhavi Agashe for their constant encouragement and acting as my critique and sounding board at every step on the way.

My Parents Mrs. Manorama and Late Mr. Gopal Newalkar and family Mrs. Sucheta & Mr. Harishchandra Mayekar, and my daughter Dr. Gautami have always been my emotional anchors. I am thankful to them.

Makarand Gopal Newalkar