Should I be a Sanskrit expert to use this tool?
The question can be answered in two parts with respect to knowledge of Sanskrit language and knowledge of Devangari script (eg. योगानुशासनम्).
Regarding the knowledge of Sanskrit, as a student and practitioner of Yoga, one would have heard and used a lot of Sanskrit terms. That much would suffice to search for and locate the references.
With regard to script, If you are acquainted with the roman script (yogānuśāsanam) and the transliteration code, that will suffice to locate references. You can even use the list of words and go for the readily available search results.
How is this tool beneficial to me?
Bachelors, Master’s degree –
In Bachelors and masters program in Yoga, Yogasūtras is an integral part. In India, in Sanskrit courses leading to undergraduate and postgraduates, Yogasūtras is part of prescribed syllabus.
You can go equipped to your classes with all the references across the commentaries, which can be easily located from here on the concept that the teacher is about to teach.
It will help you prepare well for your assignments and enrich your submission.
Your preparation for NET exams can be better with the wealth of authentic information at your finger tips.
PhD studies and Researchers
For both applied and literary research in Yoga, a better grasp of the commentaries will strengthen the foundational understanding upon which research questions can be developed.
Example: Vyādhi- Inputs from the Yogasūtras and Its Commentaries on a Predominantly āyurvedic Terminology (understanding the basic approach of yogasūtras on disease, will help design yoga therapy research studies better)
Many research papers can be conceptualised based on the consolidated wisdom of the classical commentaries over millennia. Historical study of various yogic concepts will be enabled by this tool.
Example: Facets of Nidrā - In Yogasūtra: Analysis Based on the Views from Vyāsa's Commentary and Its Sub-commentaries
Yoga teachers
As yoga teachers, wealth of information that is available through this tool will give you a complete picture of any given concept. The teacher with finality can say that this is the view of Yogasastra on a given concept.
Example: New light on Kliṣṭa and Akliṣṭa Vṛttis: Based on the traditional Sanskrit commentaries of Yoga Sūtras
(this paper based on the survey of the commentaries cover the concept of Kliṣṭa and Akliṣṭa Vṛttis as the basis of all limbs of Yoga. Teaching of the eight limbs can be made in depth based these inputs).
Professionals
The one who is better informed holds the edge in any profession. You can be better informed about any concept related to yoga philosophy and Yogasūtras and do justice to your profession and also derive a sense of satisfaction.
Example: Prayatnaśaithilya - A technique in the practice of āsana - A critical Review Based on the Comentaries of Yogasūtra
(this paper deals with finer inputs on the practice of āsana gleaned from the Commentary literature, which will help refine the practice of āsana with the correct technique)
If you have any more queries write to us – yoga-vaisaradi@kym.org