03/20/2026 09:27:17 PMarticleSince 2011, the artist, scholar, and Yoga practitioner Melissa Townsend has been producing illustrated translations and commentaries on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. The 55 sūtras that comprise Book Two, Sādhana Pāda (On Practice) were on display in the gallery at the Elm Fork Education Center (EESAT) from March 16 to April 3. Jain Studies hosted a reception and gallery talk with the artist on March 20, 3 to 5 pm, where we explored the fascinating connections between Jainism and the philosophy and practice of Yoga. About the ArtistMelissa Townsend is an independent scholar, artist, writer, and teacher of Sanskrit and Yoga philosophy. She has translated, painted, and authored The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali—A Visual Meditation and has presented and lectured on this work nationally and internationally. Books One, Two, and Three The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali: A Visual Meditation are available at: https://melissa-townsend.com/shop Web: www.melissatownsend.artInstagram: @melissatownsend.art  Visitors enjoy the gallery show. Melissa discusses her work. Special thanks to the Chestnut Tree Bistro for catering options that followed Jain dietary guidelines. in Jain Studies at the University of North Texas is made possible by the generosity of the Jain Education and Research Foundation. Our work is supported by the Jain Society of North Texas, the UNT College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Philosophy and Religion.