Which copy of the Sūtra’s will explain the philosophy with the best examples and clearest commentary for a Western audience? I have found, that from buying several different copies that many are clear in their translations, and there are many varieties from different era’s, however one translation contains the commentaries from the most well known and important commentators, and this book has been a completely transformative text for my understanding of the Yoga Sūtra’s;

Edwin F. Bryant’s (2009) “The Yoga Sūtra’s of Patañjali; A new edition, translation, and commentary”

A second hand copy can be found easily and shouldn’t be too expensive.

Within this book attention is given to the different commentators interpretation’s of the original Sūtra’s; historical and philosophical context is provided, and where further research is needed it clearly signposts the reader to other resources. Compared to other works, I actually found this book easier to read, more informative, and certainly more educational as a result.

Sūtra 2.18;

“That which is knowable has the nature of illumination, activity, and inertia (sattva, rajas, and tamas). It consists of the senses and the elements, and exists for the purpose of [providing] either liberation or experience [to purusha].”