January 20, 1976, stands out as a pivotal day in my life—a day when I first encountered the Transcendental Meditation technique. At that time, I was serving in the military, and from the outset of my practice, I sensed the profound impact of this simple and natural method. Within months, I quit smoking, experienced heightened alertness, and, most significantly, discovered a more profound sense of happiness and self-connection.

Shortly after completing my military service, I journeyed to the International Center of Transcendental Meditation in Switzerland. There, I contributed to organizing international courses for meditation teachers and had the privilege of meeting Maharishi Mahesh Yogi several times. His unique energy and profound teachings left an indelible impression on me.

Following eighteen months with the movement in Switzerland, I undertook an intensive eight-month teacher training course, culminating in January 1979. Returning to Israel, I began teaching Transcendental Meditation in Tel Aviv while pursuing studies in General Philosophy and Jewish Philosophy at Tel Aviv University.

Upon completing my academic pursuits in late 1983, I attended a unique gathering in the United States where 7,000 practitioners convened to practice Maharishi’s Yogic Flying technique. Inspired by this event, I joined the “Purusha,” an international group of meditation teachers dedicated to collective meditation practice. Over the next two decades, I immersed myself in teaching meditation across diverse settings—from prisons in the Philippines to schools in India and businesspeople in the United States.

In 2003, I returned to Israel, recommencing my role as a Transcendental Meditation instructor. Throughout the years, I continued to deepen my understanding of Vedic literature, with a particular focus on the Yoga Sutras. The profound insights gained through my meditation practice, guided by Maharishi’s teachings, enabled me to interpret these ancient texts anew. This journey led me to translate and provide explanations of the Yoga Sutras in Hebrew.

When I shared my endeavor to write a book on the Yoga Sutras with friends, some questioned the need, given the wealth of existing literature on the subject. Yet, I explained that Maharishi’s unique perspective on Vedic knowledge, including the Yoga Sutras, offered a fresh approach. Emphasizing the naturalness and accessibility of yoga practice, Maharishi taught that through Transcendental Meditation, anyone could experience transcendental consciousness—samadhi—from the outset and cultivate higher states of awareness without withdrawing from daily life. My book, titled “Transcendental Yoga,” aims to demonstrate that Patanjali’s goal in the Yoga Sutras aligns with this approach.

Writing this book was a form of spiritual practice, or sadhana, for me. My hope is that as you delve into its pages, you will explore the profound wisdom within the Yoga Sutras, apply its principles in your own life, and find ongoing inspiration and guidance on your yoga journey.