Jerusalem: The sutras (teachings) of "Father of Yoga" Patanjali have been translated for the first time to Hebrew along with commentary to enable followers of Indian tradition in Israel to properly understand its message.

Priya Hart, the translator of the ancient Indian text considered the foundation of yoga, told PTI that she undertook the project during last year's war against Hezbollah.

"I was looking for peace of mind during troubled times. I thought spreading the down-to-earth message of Yoga Sutra, which one can adopt in day today s life, could be a worthwhile venture in my search for peace", Hart said.

Yoga Sutras have been translated to Hebrew in the past as well, but without commentary making it difficult for everybody to understand. The latest translation, however, has been an instant hit among young patrons of the Indian culture who have been buying it in large numbers.

"Most of the people who bought the book from our shop were young and seemed like they had travelled in India for quite long", Boaz, a bookseller at Tsomet Sfarim chain said.

Yoga is very popular in Israel and even enjoys the status of a cult with centres mushrooming across the country.

"One can notice widespread acceptance of Indian culture in Israel. Thousands of youngsters travel to India every year, most of them for longer duration, and when they come back the craving for Indianness stays", Hart said.

She has taught Sanskrit in the past at Hebrew university, but has been teaching yoga at her residence near Jerusalem for the past several years after becoming a disciple of Swami Venkatesnanda.

The translation of Yoga Sutra to Hebrew is based on Ventatesnanda s book in english and has been published by Moda Hotsaha La or publishers.

Source : PTI