On Al-Bī rū nī ’s Translation Strategy: on the Arabic Translation of the Sanskrit Text of the Yoga-Sū tras by Patañjali

The Khorezm encyclopedist Abū Reyhān Muhammad bin Ahmad al- Bīrūnī (973–1048) is one of the most famous thinkers and scholars in Muslim world. But only few people still know on his Arabic translation from Sanskrit second part which published below — “ Kitāb Bātanjali Hindī ” (“The Book Hindu Patanjali”). Before us an exposition or transcription Yoga- Sūtras Patañjali, along with explanatory commentary. text dated to first quarter XI century, starting, obviously, chronology Indian campaign Mahmud Ghazni, whose army author came India. so reader- oriented that it practically devoid any “Indian” scientific specifics, which, by way, often insurmountable obstacle translations perception source its spiritual impact reader. In studies this text, can find statement “Kitāb Bātanjali” absolutely not true. thing be noted formal structural correspondence Bīrūnī’s paraphrase Patañjali text: contains a division into four parts, but at same time includes extensive prologue, original Patañjali’s text. Al- uses adialogical format, while aset sūtras, aphoristic sayings are convenient for memorizing heart, require detailed commentary their understanding.