Meticulously researched and compellingly written, The Gift of Consciousness is an engaging and approachable overview of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras through the prism of both Eastern and Western psychology. Grounded in a thorough knowledge of the Sanskrit original and training in psychology, Gitte Bechsgaard opens out these complex texts to the general reading public. Bechsgaard's clear-eyed approach makes this ancient text relevant to anyone interested in Yoga philosophy and practice. This book, with its emphasis on integrating Yogic insights into everyday life, will be an important resource for Yoga teachers and practitioners, academics, and general readers who have an interest in Eastern religion and philosophy, meditation and psychology.