Already in the oldest texts, such as the Mahabharata (400 BCE- 400 CE) and the Yogasutra (4th-5th century, CE), they are called bala (power), siddhi (achievements) or vibhuti (manifestation of might). In academic contexts these powers were rather neglected since they have often been interpreted as an expression of 'magical thinking'.

Yeats once wrote ‘I know nothing but the novels of Balzac and the aphorisms of Patanjali’. In setting a worldly French novelist against a Indian mystical philosopher, Yeats is not merely recasting the dialogue of self and soul that has governed so much of his poetry; he is signaling that one side

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 83 minute seminar with Mr. Kartik Vyas, video recorded at the 3rd International Yoga Seminar, organized by Yoga Life in India.

Indian Streams Research Journal published an research article titled "Understanding the trance state in Patanjali Yoga Sutras and its similarities with the trance state in hypnosis".

The Divinity School of Harvard University recently added new course called "Yoga Sutras in a Comparative Perspective".

Video Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Chip Hartranft.  Presented by the Brown University. (1 hour 22 min long presentation)

Interview with Nischala Joy Devi. Unlocking the secrets of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali sacred text.

The Yoga Sutra's of Patanjali are life's threads, each one pregnant with knowledge, tools & techniques, that can be used to guide, not only the mind but one's very being to it's full potential. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar unveils each sutra making each one applicable , amidst a 21st century lifestyle.