Editorial Review

Designated One of the 100 Most Important Spiritual Books of the 20th century, here is a verbatim reprinting of the 1946 first edition, with all its inherent power intact.Read about real-life saints and masters, how yogis perform miracles, the science of kriya yoga, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews

Guidebook for a Lifetime
Five stars are a poor symbol to represent Yogananda's opus. This is a great book-comparable to any of the world's scriptures in its ability to transform the reader's consciousness. Imagine Christ, Buddha, or Krishna telling their life story in their own words. That's what you get when you read Autobiography of a Yogi. With humor, wisdom, and heart, Yogananda relates the extraordinary events of his life. But those events serve as a mere instrument for conveying sublime truths-truths expressed in such clear language that everyone can grasp them. I thank Crystal Clarity Publishers for making available the original version of this great work, and I give it my highest recommendation. If you are interested in spirituality, buy it now.

Richard Salva--author of Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh [UNABRIDGED]

Ready To Launch?
I read this book several years ago for the first time, after many years of reading somewhat similar and associated material. Since then I have heard and read so many accounts of what this book has done for people, and it's true for me as well. For so many it has been a launch vehicle into a kind of magical world of unlimited possibilities. A world where reality is not set in stone, but is a product of the individual. And limited only by the individual's willingness and capacity to hold more. And once you have entered this world there's no turning back, even if you tried, but you won't. However, this is a very limited review intended only for those who are ready and waiting to launch. This book is a long proven and reliable space ship....... P.S. at some point you may want to look up David Wilcock and James Gilliland.

A life-changing account
Yogananda was one of the greatest spiritual figures of the 20th century -- we are very fortunate to have his autobiography!

This book is full of wisdom. Whether you read it quickly, or decide, like some do, to take the time and try to gain a deep understanding of yoga, you are bound to be inspired.

One of the wonderful things about Yogananda's writings is that they are so universal and accessible. Even my grandmother, an Episcopalian, is a big fan of his! This is one of those classics that can be appreciated by anyone who is open to true spiritual teachings, no matter their source.

To me, this original, unedited edition is also especially powerful. It seems to more purely express what I like most about Yogananda. I highly recommend it!

Mission Impossible: Teach Eastern Philosophy To Western Minds
If you have a problem with some of what Yogananda describes in the book, like mind reading, talking to animals, etc., don't blame it on the book. Blame it on your paradigm. (See, I told you "Mission Impossible".) So, before you pick up the book, be sure and drop your baggage.

Originally I borrowed it from a friend to read (thank you Judi), but bought a copy so I would be able to read it again.

Being able to experience what living in this physical world is like through the eyes of a yogi is a once in a lifetime opportunity. He did so much and kept a low profile. My kind of guy.

And, as if that weren't enough, how many Spiritual teachers, not to mention yogis, have a surf break named after them? (Swami's just below Encinatas, CA is named for Yogananda's gold domed temple on the cliffs above.)

Best Spiritual Book of All Time
I have read Autobiography of a Yogi about a dozen times. I saw an unedited version was released, and so I bought and read this. It is very much worth reading.

Finally, a yogi with emotions
Of all the books by and about spiritual leaders that I have read, this is the one I come back to again and again. Paramhansa Yogananda does not come from ego or judgment when he writes about his spiritual experience. He is not above feeling emotions such as grief and joy, nor does he believe that emotions are something to be surmounted or tamed. This is the only "saint" I have ever been able to digest and trust.

the truth
Great reading. Helped me deal with the passing of my Mother and gave me the perspective I needed to better understand life in general. Open the book anywhere and become engrossed in your reading. Yogananda certainly has no reason to make up the stories he relates...really heavy stuff about re-incarnation and the holy masters who have lived and are living in our time. I sent copies to many of my friends.

A book worth reading in a lifetime
This is a wonderful book. This book is valuable to me than all other books that I have read put together. This book has so much of wisdom that I cannot explain here in few words. This book is NOT about religion or is biased to any religion. Yogananda tells about the universal truth that everybody must be aware of. Please do not try to judge this book without reading, and you will know why after you read it. I am sure lot of your inner questions will be answered after you read this book. This book will definitely be an inspiration to seek the ultimate truth which can be attained by each and everyone of us.

Named one of the top hundred spiritual books of the twentieth century
Autobiography of a Yogi is the life story of the first yoga master of India who made it his mission to teach in the West, Paramhansa Yogananda, as written by his own hand. A reprint of the first edition published in 1946, Autobiography of a Yogi presents the original unedited text, with a final chapter presented free from changes other editions made after Yogananda's passing, and a new foreword and afterword by Swami Kriyananda, one of Yogananda's best-known direct disciples. Gentle anecdotes, spiritual insights, and a treasury of plain and simple sensibility distinguish this masterpiece. "The life of an advanced Kriya Yogi is influenced, not by effects of past actions, but solely by directions from the soul. The devotee thus avoids the slow, evolutionary monitors of egoistic actions, good and bad, of common life, cumbrous and snail-like to the eagle hearts." Named one of the top hundred spiritual books of the twentieth century, Autobiography of a Yogi distinguishes itself with insight and compassion, and is especially recommended for religious and spiritual studies shelves. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A Lama Foundation Book. Describes one man's transformation upon his acceptance of the principles of Yoga and gives a modern restatement of the importance of the spiritual side of man's nature. Illustrated. ... Read more

Editorial Review

All healers are "energetic" healers, whether they know it or not. Because every health issue has a physical and an energetic component, even a simple physical treatment like bandaging a cut also impacts the body's spiritual, mental, and emotional welfare. The Subtle Body is acomprehensive encyclopedia devoted to the critical world of our invisible anatomy, where so much of healing actually occurs. Compiled by intuitive healer and scholar Cyndi Dale, this 500-page full color illustrated reference book covers: * What is the "subtle body"? New scientific understanding of our quantum-state existence and the unseen fields that determine our physical condition * True integrative care: how combining Eastern energetic modalities with Western scientific rigor yields optimum results * The meridians, fields, and chakras: detailed information and diagrams about the role of these energetic structures in our overall health * Energy-based therapy principles from the world's healing traditions--including Ayurveda, Qigong, Reiki, Quabalah, and many more. For professionals who want to make the leap from being good healers to great ones, one thing is clear: we need to care for every facet of our well-being. With The Subtle Body, practitioners and patients alike now have an unprecedented resource for understanding the physical, energetic, and spiritual elements of human health--for an informed, complete approach to healing. ... Read more

Reviews

A marvelous contribution, February 16, 2009
The Subtle Body is a truly outstanding 5 star book, and a masterpiece of publishing and easy readability. In my view, it is an essential book on the subject of subtle energy and health/disease. The book is subtitled An Encyclopedia Of Your Energy Anatomy, however it is that and MUCH MORE. The book is beautifully and clearly written; and subdivided into 6 parts containing 40 chapters each addressing essential fundamental information on energy structures and systems - (the fields, channels, and bodies) -- that underpin our physical bodies and physical reality. Additionally, this book explores means of accessing the tools and techniques used to energetically modify (heal) dis-ease and illness examining techniques used in ancient times as well as today's contemporary theories of subtle energy. The 10 pages of Notes allows for additional detailed reading on any area of special interest. The extensive bibliography alone is worth the price of the book. The many color illustrations are of the highest caliber and clarity; plus the publisher used high quality paper in the book imparting a wonderful feel to the reader.
On a personal note, I am a practicing physician with over 30 years experience as a specialist treating patients with pharmaceuticals and surgery. However, over the years I begin to wonder why some patients healed, and others with the same diagnosis and treatment did not heal. A quest for greater knowledge sparked a journey that ultimately lead me to discover Cyndi Dale and her work in healing. There are many books now in print on subtle energy, however, this book by Cyndi Dale is by far the most comprehensive, most researched, and best written book I have seen on the subject. In my view it is essential reading for anyone who desires to participate in the next revolution in medicine.
James E.(Ed) Shotts, MD

Energy flows where attention goes, May 20, 2009
I have bought many different energy based books, and used different energy based techniques, with great results.

Quantum Touch taught me the importance of breath and how to move energy, and the principles of resonance and entrainment. EFT taught me how to release negative emotions within two minutes by tapping on specific energy points. Reiki taught me the importance of healing touch, and using Universal Life Force energy effortlessly.

Matrix Energetics taught me the importance of intention, and active imagination. I could go on, Qigong, Reiki, Touch of healing, Yoga, Tibetans, Huna..

Here we have a visually stunning book, with great diagrams throughout. It offers a complete energy system overview, and numerous diagrams, and chapters on anatomy, and the different medical systems. It's important to understand how energy correleates with anatomy, and this book does a great job of that.

It gives an overview of different practices. I particularly liked reading about shiatsu, which was discovered by a 7 year old Japanese boy who healed his mother of rheumatism, and I loved the explanation and diagrams of Reflexology. In addition, the description of chakras and how they work, and what each one means is displayed in a very easy to assimilate format. Visually compelling.

You can also learn about Reiki, Qigong, and many others.

In educating us on many different practices within one volume, we get the big picture, and so it is not a specialist book. For example, you will learn what EFT is but not the tapping routine. If you're like me, there are a couple of places where you might like more detail. If it had a bit more detail such as the tapping routine, I would definitely give it five stars.

If you wish to explore energy medicine more, I recommend:

The Energy Medicine Kit by Donna Eden, which shows energy testing being demonstrated, energy zipups and more advanced techniques, including a five minute daily routine to boost your energy.

Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal (Third Edition) by Richard Gordon.

Life Energy: Using the Meridians to Unlock the Hidden Power of Your Emotions by John Diamond MD, one of the best books I have read on energy medicine, and a complete manual.

The Touch of Healing: Energizing the Body, Mind, and Spirit With Jin Shin Jyutsu by Alice Burmeister. It's Jin Shin Jitsu, a complete system, very easy to learn and use.

The EFT Manual (EFT: Emotional Freedom Techniques)by Gary Craig is a simple tapping process useful for letting go of troubling emotions. Imagine easily letting go of issues such as anger, anxiety, fear, forgiveness, stress, procrastination, traumas. [...], and buy various books on Amazon.

I hope this was helpful.

Excellent Resource--Energetic Anatomy, February 21, 2009
This 2009 book is a wonderful resource book for those interested in understanding the methodology of healing the energy/light body (which also affects the physical body). There is a treasure chest of information here that you often have to go to multiple books to find. It is explained in simplistic language and in a beautifully illustrated 488 page book, approximately 8" x 10" in size.

This wonderfully informative book begins with Universal Energy and Energy Healing, and moves to the Human Anatomy (human cell, DNA nebula, electromagnetic field of the heart), then on to Energy Fields (subtle energy fields, global ley lines, magnetic field of the body, sine wave, Fibonacci sequence, merkaba, platonic solids, layers of the auric field, etc.) , then to Channels of Energy and Channels of Light (various meridians, the 5 Chinese Elements, emotions and organs, food and emotions, etc.).

Next is Energy Bodies: Chakras and Other Light Switches (the charkas in detail, various other charka systems--Cherokee, Tibetan, Incan, Egyptian/African, Kundalini an 12 Chakra System, The Tree of Life: The 10 Sephiroth, The Sephiroth and Chakric Associations, etc.) Following is the section on Energy Practices (Acupuncture, Gemstones, Color Therapy, Shiatsu, Buddhist mudras, latitudinal cross-zones, reflexology, sound and color, etc.)

Another feature I like about this book is that it names names, so you know what to search on to find more information on the specific subject matter. For example, let's say you were reading about Sound Healing, on page 401. As you go through facts such as how ". . .In the 1970s, researcher Fabion Mamon sounded a tuning fork on a cancer cell. The cell dissolved. . . " and the additional information that follows to help you understand the relationship between sound and healing, you can easily google "Fabion Mamon" if you want additional information on the subject matter. The subchapter also mentions Jonathan Goldman, as a respected sound therapist and author for energetically based sound therapies. If you want to know more, you can search on Jonathan right here on Amazon and pull up some of his CDs. I even found Alberto Villoldo and the Incan Bands of Power and the luminous energy field in here. Although the book does not specifically mention the Munay-ki rites by name, if you check for Alberto Villoldo on Amazon, his books will come up or you can also google him by name. From there you can read more about the 9 rites and search on where to get them (if you are so inclined).

Although the book can be very useful to anyone, it is even more useful to someone just beginning to learn about energy bodies and healing because it provides so much knowledge up front, in one resource book. Think of it as a good "Energy 101" course. As the Doctor said in his review--how come some people, with the same illnesses, heal and some do not. Even if you already know a lot, this book still provides a one stop resource for a ton of factual information. Excellent product. On a scale of 1 to 5, worth WAY more than a 5. (How much is your health worth to you?) Do yourself a favor. If even a little piece of you can believe, get this book and read it. This book can provide a lot of information on understanding alternative healing, which you can use to supplement your care. First, you must accept the possibility. Second, you must obtain the knowledge of what is out there. Then, you can begin to make a more informed analysis and decision on your health care needs when you talk with your primary care physician. I have been "into" energy/light body healing since about 1999 and I strongly believe in this stuff. Many people do themselves such a huge disservice. The power of your mind, your belief system, your perception is TRULY awesome! YOUR PERCEPTION IS YOUR REALITY. Believe it. But don't take my word for it. Read. Read. Read.

God bless you in your search for truth and wisdom.

Unmatched Resource for Anyone Interested in Energy Body Theories, February 23, 2009
This book is an amazing accomplishment - the author has compiled and detailed energy body teachings from virtually every known energy healing tradition. Among these are Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, native and shamanic traditions from around the world, Hindi, Tibetan and Kabbalah chakra systems, ancient Greek philosophy, Western mystic teachings such as those from the Rosucrucians, and many, many others. She has combined this material with sections on basic human anatomy, and coverage of cutting-edge science that supports the mind/body/spirit connection, including work in physics and research into various alternative healing methods.

This book is written as a reference manual for healers, and is expertly organized and indexed to facilitate using it in this manner. However, I am not a healer - just an occult 'geek' that practices chakra meditation and loves energy theories of all types - and I LOVE this book. The author does a great job of making the material accessible to anyone.

Prior reviews have summarized the contents, so I won't repeat that here, but let me just mention a few goodies not mentioned already - sections on Sacred Geometry, mudras, and kundalini meditation were favorites of mine. Also a favorite was the final section, describing what must surely be every energy diagnostic and healing practice in the world - from acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and crystal use to thai massage, numerology, radionics and mudras. Ms. Dale does occasionally compare systems, but doesn't try and reconcile the differences between them, or offer judgment on which are more effective or provable, leaving that, presumably, to the healer and/or reader.

As I said, this book is expertly organized and indexed, to assure that a reader can return to it over and over looking for guidance on a particular ailment, energy system, or healing practice. The pictures and diagrams are also beautifully done and comprehensive. I would think any healer would want to own this book and keep it close at hand, and anyone interested in energy body theories from a spiritual perspective as well.

Great book if you ignore the "science", May 27, 2009

Beautiful, Engaging and Exhaustive, September 10, 2009
For many years I was an arch-skeptic when it came to the subtle systems of the body, but then a great deal of personal experience lead me to do a U-turn, and for more than twenty years I have been teaching others how to feel, sense and work with these systems, with often remarkable results. Though critics still love to call this "Woo," the tide is turning against them, and this book is a huge help.

Any book about the "energetic" or "subtle" systems of the body will always attract a mixture of breathless enthusiasm and mean-spirited criticism. And sadly there are still some who believe that any mention of these systems is somehow New Age or occult, although there are almost one hundred cultures around the world that have recognized and discussed them, including the Fathers of the Christian Church. This book provides a wealth of well-researched evidence for skeptics and enthusiasts alike.

Although you can have a look inside the book at the top of this page, and also on the Sounds True website, I think that it is helpful for a potential reader to see a breakdown of the six sections and forty chapters to get a good idea of the contents of the book.

Part I: Energy and Energy Healing
1. Energy Is Universal
2. Being an Energy Healer

Part II: Human Anatomy
3. The Cells
4. DNA
5. The Skeletal System
6. The Muscular System
7. The Nervous System
8. The Skin
9. The Circulatory System
10. The Respiratory System
11. The Endocrine System
12. The Digestive System
13. The Excretory System
14. The Reproductive System
15. Metabolism
16. The Immune System
17. The Senses

Part III: Energy Fields
18. A Primer on Energy Fields
19. Two Unified Field Theories
20. The Natural Fields
21. The Radiant Shine of Molecules: Lost and Found Research
22. L-Fields and T-Fields: The Partners Composing Reality?
23. Field Pollution: Geopathic Stress
24. The Power of Magnetism
25. Hands-On and Distant Healing: Proving Subtle Fields and a Nonlocal Reality
26. Sacred Geometry: Fields of Life
27. Human Energy Fields

Part IV: Channels of Energy: Channels of Light
28. The History of Meridian-Based Therapy
29. An Overview of the Meridian System
30. Theories of the Existence, Purpose, and Functioning of the Meridians
31. The History of Meridian Science
32. The Major Meridians
33. The Basic Acupuncture Points
34. Five-Phase and Related Diagnostic Theories
35. The Seven Emotions and the Corresponding Organs

Part V: Energy Bodies: Chakras and Other "Light Switches"
36. Energy Bodies
37. Kundalini, the Unifying Force
38. Scientific Principles Meet Chakra Theory
39. Chakra Systems from Around the World
40. The Jewish Mystical Energy System: The Ancient Kabbalah

Part VI: Energy Practices
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography

As you will see this book is extremely comprehensive! If you are new to the field it gently leads you by the hand. There is also a wealth of information for the more experienced practitioner or researcher. Despite many years as both a researcher and practitioner of a number of methods that use the subtle systems of the body, I found a lot of new material in this book.

Cyndi Dale writes well and I thought that her views and opinions were very fair and balanced. My only small quibble is the use of the word "Energy." I prefer the term subtle "systems" composed of the inseparable twins: First the subtle energies and second, the subtle fields that carry them. Without energy, the fields could not actualize, and without the fields, there would be nothing to carry the energy.


The book itself is beautifully produced and easy to navigate. I am delighted that Sounds True is producing ever more high quality books like this.

This is the only book on the subtle systems that you need. It is well worth the price, and is not only a reference and textbook, but also a wonderful book to browse through.

Very highly recommended.


Richard G. Petty, MD, author of Healing, Meaning and Purpose: The Magical Power of the Emerging Laws of Life

Gorgeous Energy Encyclopedia Covers Basic Information, July 14, 2009

Interesting take on the human body, February 26, 2010

Human Energetic Anatomy & Therapies, April 23, 2009

Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Reviewer, November 3, 2009
The soul is the substance of energy that organizes conscience and body and makes of it all, a coherent being for reality. And the spirit is the superior dignity of life.

-Unknown Author

A fascinating journey of discovery awaits you in Cyndi Dale's The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. By far this is the most in-depth collection of energy healing this reviewer has ever discovered.

What makes this book so unique is that it covers all of the top forms of holistic healing. Which includes chakras, energy meridians, acupuncture, reflexology, international healing, Ayurveda, Shiatsu, distant and hands on healing, energy fields, sacred geometry, color and sound healing, and magnetism. It is broken down into six easy to understand parts that include:

Part I: Energy and Energy Healing

Part II: Human Anatomy

Part III: Energy Fields

Part IV: Channels of Energy: Channels of Light

Part V: Energy Bodies: Chakras and other "Light Switches"

Part VI: Energy Practices

From the very first page I found that I was so mesmerized at all the knowledge that I was absorbing. With my background in healing touch and reflexology, I was able to quickly put to use the high quality illustrations that showed all the pulse points of the body.

No health care professional should be without a copy of Cyndi Dale's The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. This book is such an asset to the health care world I believe it should be introduced into the college setting. If all health care providers were to be exposed to all the information that this one book offers, mankind's health benefits would be unlimited. Very highly recommended. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Clear, natural translation with an insightful preface, August 6, 2001
This an especially natural and graceful translation somewhere between poetry and prose by a man who really understands the message of the Gita. This can be seen from reading Eknath Easwaran's wise and penetrating Preface written especially for this, the Vintage Spiritual Classics Edition, edited by John F. Thornton and Susan B. Varenne for Vintage Books.

Easwaran shows that the differing paths to self-realization and liberation that the Gita presents are a comprehensive whole. "The thread through Krishna's teaching, the essence of the Gita, can be given in one word: renunciation. This is the common factor in the four yogas" (p. xxxviii). Easwaran goes on to explain that what is being renounced is not material, although on first blush it seems that way. What is renounced are the fruits of action. Renunciation is not only the essence of karma yoga, but the essence of the bhakti, jnana and raja yogas that Krishna presents as well. The key is an amazing spiritual and psychological insight into human nature: we are miserable when we are concerned with the results of what we do, but we are freed when we devote the fruits of our work to God. What is renounced is also the delusion of a material self that acts, the famous slayer and the slain. Unlike some other, rather foolish, translations that try to find some artificial substitute for the word "yoga," an endeavor entirely alien to the Gita, Easwaran embraces the understanding. He writes, "the Gita is Brahmavidyayam yogashastra, a textbook on the supreme science of yoga" (p. xxxvi)

It is also clear from what Easwaran writes in the Preface that he understands meditation and the path of moksha gained when one is beyond the pair of opposites that dominate our material existence. Easwaran knows because he himself is a long time practitioner of meditation, which is one of the ways of liberation (raja yoga). So many writers on spirituality and on the practice of yoga really do not know meditation, but Easwaran clearly does. Easwaran also understands that the insights of the Gita can be found in other mystical traditions, including those of Meister Eckhart, St. Catherine of Genoa, Ruysbroeck, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, and others.

Easwaran also makes the important point that the Gita is not the sole property of any one point of view. "The Gita does not present a system of philosophy. It offers something to every seeker after God, of whatever temperament, by whatever path" (p. xxxv).

Easwaran writes, "to understand the Gita, it is important to look beneath the surface of its injunctions and see the mental state involved. Philanthropic activity can benefit others and still carry a large measure of ego involvement. Such work is good, but it is not yoga. It may benefit others, but it will not necessarily benefit the doer" (p. xxxix). This represents a profound insight into the nature of karma yoga, an understanding that comes only after years of study and practice.

Finally Easwaran knows something others don't know (even though this is central to Krishna's teaching), that the Gita, through the practice of yoga, frees one from the fear of death. When one "realizes that he is not a physical creature but the Atman, the Self, and thus not separate from God...he knows that, although his body will die, he will not die...To such a person, the Gita says, death is no more traumatic than taking off an old coat." (pp. xxiv-xxv).

There are ten pages of notes that follow the translation in which the shades of meaning of various concepts like dharma, karma, yoga, sannyasa, etc., and some other ideas are discussed. There is a guide to pronunciation and a glossary of Sanskrit words. This quality paperback is handsomely designed from cover to font, and the translation is one of my favorites.

A beautiful, clear, and enlightening translation, October 21, 2003
Eknath Easwaran's translation is poetic and beautiful making it readable and inspiring and managing at the same time to clearly state Krishna' spiritual message. Easwaran's translation manages to prove its merit for both spiritual and scholarly study. Many of the other translations are very dry coming from scholars who just know how to translate Sanskrit to English mechanically.Whereas Easwaran was a professor of English and now a spiritual guru; so he has a grasp on both worlds. They do not properly help explain the various yogas Krishna tells Arjuna; reading this translation has been the best explanation of yoga I have ever read before. Each chapter has an introduction to it and there is a glossary of terms in the back. The other translations I think fail also to understand and clearly explain the heart of Krishnia's message which is essentially that one's atman, soul, higher self etc. is one with brahman, the divine, the universe, the source of everything etc and that this liberation can be discovered through the path of yoga. There is not just one path of yoga but many like Karma Yoga(path of selfless service) and Raja Yoga(path of meditation.) The beauty of the Bhagavad Gita is that it explains a way to enter the path to liberation, no matter what stage of spiritual awareness you are it. The Bhagavad Gita manages to explain and apply esoteric and mystical practices to ones everyday life.This is why I think The Bhagavad Gita is the most popular text from India's spiritual texts. Also according to our karma and dharma, we will die and be born again and again until he are liberated. The Bhagavad Gita is a text that I believe should be read by anyone on the "spiritual" path. It is by far one of the greatest "spiritual" text ever written and we are fortunate to share this gift because of Easwaran's brilliant translation.

Vintage gives you less, May 13, 2001
The Vintage edition is the same translation as the Niligri Press, except they don't give you the individual chapter introductions by Diana Morrison. These introductions--as well as Easwaran's general introduction--were the primary reason to buy Easwaran's translation. Buy the Niligri Press version, or for beautiful language with no chapter introductions find another version. A sad case of dumbing down/cost savings by Vintage.

Excellent discussion of ancient wisdom for modern day living, August 6, 1998
This is an excellent treatment of millenia-old Hindu religious thought for the modern day thinking man. Easwaran begins his discussion with explanations of several terms (such as Karma and Atman)from Vedic literature in easy to understand terms that capture the reader's attention.

The main body of the book is of course Lord Krishna's explanation to his life-long friend and champion archer Arjun of life's purpose i.e. Self-Realization (realization that the individual spirit is part of the Universal spirit). However unlike several other books on the same subject, Easwaran has employed an unimitable style and simplicity of presentation that make the book impossible to put down.

The book does not have any Sanskrit script nor any transliterations of the original poetry of the Bhagavad Gita (literally "The Lord's Song"). But I heartily recommend it to any reader interested in obtaining an overview of one of India's greatest philosophical works!

Wonderful, Beautiful and Totally Timeless, January 23, 2003
The Bhagavad Gita must be the greatest spiritual book humanity possesses. Unlike other texts that purport to be the word of God, the Gita doesn't need to just be taken as authority because it's own merits are so strong. It completely condenses all of the important spiritual wisdom into a small, very readable book. No paragraph is wasted or repetitive.

I think that it is intended to be symbolic in setting. Whether there actually was a dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna (or even a historical Arjuna and Krishna) is neither provable, disprovable, nor important beyond historical curiosity. Arjuna represents man in his present state while Krishna is a representation of the Divine, or your True Self. It doesn't matter whether you literally accept Krishna or any other image of the Godhead, the knowledge still is real.

Though the authorship is unknown we cannot wonder much about the author's character. He must have been fully enlightened, if not an incarnation of Vishnu. He knew he was writing something eternal and transcendant. It is likely he realized that the Vedic scriptures were too copious and impenetrable to be popular, so he summarized them in a book for all mankind. He then placed it in the epic Mahabharata to ensure that it could be seen as a revelation in the midst of great struggle - whether that vast battle or every life.

Eknath Easwaran's translation is excellent. I have read quite a few versions and his is the best. There is an interesting introduction and chapter introductions, but no unnecessary Sanskrit or footnotes.

The Gita can always be read. Whatever your emotional condition it is amazing. This can be contemplated every day and still be inspiring. It is certainly the greatest sacred book. What Ben Jonson said of Shakespeare (the best of secular authors, an interesting comparison between East and West there) is true of this: "not of an age, but for all time".

A scholarly yet readable translation makes BG relevant today, May 15, 2006
This book is also available in a Boxed Set "The Classics of Indian Spirituality" Classics of Indian Spirituality together with Easwaran's Dhammapada and Upanishads.

No wonder this is the best-selling translation of this Indian classic work! Easwaran gives a full introduction, putting the Gita into the context of the literature and traditions of the time, and showing how it relates to modern philosophy. Sanskrit concepts that are quite difficult to translate into English are explained carefully, as is the relationship with Yoga. The translation itself is vivid and convincing, and the book is cleverly divided, with each chapter preceded by a clear explanation of the difficult concepts to come in that chapter.

Handy translation, without the devanagiri script though, November 15, 2005
I purchased this copy of the gita because I wanted a simple, accurate translation of the gita. This slim volume gives me precisely that, with an excellent explanatory introduction, and brief chapter introductions.

What I like most is his sensible perspective - there is little bias and what is said is just enough to allow the reader to grasp the deeper significance of the words in the gita, making the reading an active and exciting process. I believe this is how the Gita is to be read, no matter how much accurate and helpful analysis is available, because the value gained from the words is in discovering these insights for yourself.

There is a little bias in his interpretation. While he elaborates on Sankhya and Jnana, his views on the exalted status of Karma and Bhakti show clearly. I also feel some principles have been toned down. The ultimate goal of the Gita is a state beyond likes and dislikes, and external enjoyments. Were the whole world to collapse or attain some form of utopia, the realized soul would be undisturbed. Easwaran's suggestions fall far short of that state, for though caring for the world is noble, it too is a source of attachment and misery. Therefore, Easwaran's guide is best for beginners, and that too only those who are instinctively attracted to karma yoga and bhakti yoga.

I encourage you to start or supplement your study of the gita. I give it four starts purely because I feel the devanagiri script is essential. Hardly a problem for those who are interested only in the english translation.

Clear, focused, well structured, January 23, 2000
For a Westerner who has had little training in the Hindu culture this is the version of the BG to read. Eknath Easwaran provides clear previews of each chapter summarizing the major concepts in advance, giving the uninitiated reader a pathway through the text. The extensive introduction helps prepare the reader to understand some of the more esoteric issues. This book will stay in my library for many readings.

Excellent explanation of the essence of Hinduism, June 9, 1999
Sri Eknath Eswaran's book has beautifully described the core meaning and essence of the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. He has made it possible even for non-hindus and non-religious people to understand and answer the philosophical questions that haunt us, like why are we born on earth? what is each man's mission in life? how does the whole political and social system of the universe work? To me it has reinforced the faith and belief in the Supreme spirit that govers and rules this world and courage to stand for what I believe is Truth.

A great book to live by, January 6, 2000
"A great book to live by" could be applied to 90% of Easwaran's work, but this was the first work of his that I was exposed to.. and it was one that had a profound effect.

Easwaran has taken an ancient tale and translated it into more than just English; Rather, he's translated into our daily lives. For those who find religious traditions other than their own to be too foreign, this edition of the Gita, with commentary, opens up the tradition of Krishna to the West.

This particular translation, however, doesn't focus heavily on Krishna, Arjuna, or the traditions of Hinduism. Instead, it paints a picture of a human being, like any of us, in a moral dilemna. Few of us have an advisor like Krishna to call upon, but we do have Easwaran. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Autobiography of a Yogi is at once a beautifully written account of an exceptional life and a profound introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and its time-honored tradition of meditation. This acclaimed autobiography presents a fascinating portrait of one of the great spiritual figures of our time. With engaging candor, eloquence, and wit, Paramahansa Yogananda tells the inspiring chronicle of his life: the experiences of his remarkable childhood, encounter with many saints and sages during his youthful search throughout India for an illumined teacher, ten years of training in the hermitage of a revered yoga master, and the thirty years that he lived and taught in America. Also recorded here are his meetings with Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Luther Burbank, the Catholic stigmatist Therese Neumann, and other celebrated spiritual personalities of East and West. The author clearly explains the subtle but definite laws behind both the ordinary events of everyday life and the extraordinary events commonly termed miracles. His absorbing life story becomes the background for a penetrating and unforgettable look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence. Selected as "One of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century," Autobiography of a Yogi has been translated into 20 languages, and is regarded worldwide as a classic of religious literature. Several million copies have been sold, and it continues to appear on best-seller lists after more than sixty consecutive years in print. Profoundly inspiring, it is at the same time vastly entertaining, warmly humorous and filled with extraordinary personages. Self-Realization Fellowship's editions, and none others, include extensive material added by the author after the first edition was published, including a final chapter on the closing years of his life.

... Read more

Reviews

Candid biography, inspired prose, unparalled insights, November 8, 2002
Like Gandhi, Yogananda writes humbly and includes his foibles and the pratfalls he takes as he journeys through life's lessons. In fact, unless you read elsewhere about his life you won't realize how much he understates his own accomplishments while he honors other spiritual seekers and teachers he encounters.

His stories of encounters with amazing saints of all regions and religions are spell-binding, and you may find yourself (like me) devouring the whole book on your first read -- just reveling in the wonders of these true spiritual seekers. On successive readings I delved deeper into the equally fascinating footnotes, learning about the exotic realms of Indian spirituality and its unexpected parallels with the original Christian teachings of Christ, St. John, and St. Paul.

In fact, the countless strata of insights and implications that surface with repeated readings of Autobiography of a Yogi argue for spending a few more dollars on the trade paperback rather than the mass market paperback edition, since you'll want to return numerous times over the years. The Self-Realization Fellowship editions are to be preferred over others. Yogananda himself started that organization (SRF), and the award-winning quality of SRF editing and printing shines through them - in contrast to bootlegged editions printed up by renegade outfits.

In all my reading in spirituality, yoga, and comparative religion, I have discovered no work that so completely fulfills Carl Jung's prophecy that yoga science (the whole science, not just the athletic postures) will offer you ''undreamed-of possibilities'' as Yogananda's autobiography. As the author explains, 'yoga' comes from the root meaning 'union' - and he reveals, ever more deeply, the underlying oneness of Christianity and yoga, of spiritual truth and scientific truth, of the worldly and the spirituality. It will deepen anyone's own faith and sensibility -- of whatever religion (or none), of the science of matter... or mind... or Spirit.

:o), April 2, 2005
I would say that this has been one of the best "books" I've ever "read." I got the CD version, and I've had other books on cd that I've listened to in the car, but I was definitely not expecting a 15 disc set with a book of notes about certain parts of each chapter written by Yogananda. It took me nearly 2 weeks to listen to it in my car, but it was the only thing I listened to. Yogananda's spiritual journey is the most fantastic I've ever encountered. Anybody who's open minded to the mysteries of life and nature will benefit from this book. And the author doesn't masacre Sanskrit words and names with his light British accent, but in fact, seems to have an excellent understanding of translingual pronounciations.

A GLOBAL REVELATION FOR THE 3RD MILLENIUM, September 5, 1999
Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi" is undoubtedly the best book I have ever read. The first time that I read it, I was so mesmerized by it that I had a hard time to put down the book until I had finished reading it. Since then I have reread it a few times. The book, you may say, touched my very soul. After reading the book, I signed up with Self-Realization Fellowship, Yogananda's Los Angeles based spiritual organization, to receive the weekly Lessons that the great saint had left for us before he left his body. What those lessons have done for me, there are no words to express.

This book is also a great contribution to the cause of world peace and understanding among the people of different faiths and creeds; the abstract concept of world brotherhood becomes more real and immediate a concept after reading this book. I would recommend anyone who has not read this book -- no matter what his or her creed maybe -- to order a copy right away; this may be the best investment in one's life!

A challenge to our western way of thinking, July 1, 2002
I very much consider this a very important book to read. It may not be the easiest, because you will find promotion of a way of thinking which is significantly different from our own western philosophy. This way of thinking opens the way for the stories of many "miracle workers" who perform feats that defy western logic. And these stories can be stumbling blocks to many readers.

These stories do, however, illustrate various points of the vedic philosophy.

I believe that any person interested in religious thought will find much of value here. Many precepts of the Hindu religion are explored throughout this autobiography, and some of them shed light from a different perception upon the Christian and Judaic faiths. If a person is open to looking at one's own beliefs through another person's eyes, understanding of all beliefs may be increased. A person who does not wish to understand beliefs of another person's religion should, however, stay away from this book.

Along with the personal, spiritual autobiography and the open sharing of belief and faith are stories of many swamis and saints, and also of two of current culture and times. One chapter is devoted to noted horticulturist Luther Burbank, and his friendship with Yogananda, giving a different view of the man and of his accomplishments than that generally learned in our schooling. Another chapter is given to Mahatma Ghandi as Yogonanda briefly knew him.

This isn't the easiest book for the western mind to understand, much less accept. However, it's worth the effort.

The story of experiments with Truth and Soul, August 14, 2005
Twenty-five years after my first discovery of this transformative volume, I would like to supplement my original review with a few additional considerations for prospective readers.

Always averse to things religious (as being arbitrarily authoritarian) and spiritual (as being delusional), I was at an initial loss to explain why this book riveted my attention. Yoga was way too 'airy-fairy' for my hard-headed mind. Somehow I was won over within a few sentences, spellbound by a spiritual author who wrote humbly, declined to adopt the self-righteousness of many a preacher, and yet related astounding spiritual events and principles - dating back to his infancy.

I was impressed to hear deep respect for the paths of all truth-seekers: of Hindus, Buddhists, Moslems, Christians, Jews; of humanists and scientists, transcendentalists and missionaries. His accounts were so personable and reasonable, his interdisciplinary insights so compelling, that I found myself questioning all materialist prejudices and weighing seriously his other-worldly claims.

During the first few chapters, in the background of my mind, I was quietly weighing explanations for this book, this mind, this spirit: was he a liar? a lunatic? or can the world really hold such miracles of life and Spirit as he depicts here? With liars and lunatics I'd had way too much acquaintance and knew: this was written by neither of these. I confronted myself: must I not overthrow my narrow, long-entrenched scientist's view of world and life, origin and death, reality and truth?

Through college and graduate school I'd always craved to meet a real leader - one who embodied Truth, exuded wisdom, lived a Gandhi-like life - that might transform this modern world. Instead I encountered feet of clay; even worse: minds of clay. So humbly did Yogananda write of himself in this autobiography (paying greatest homage instead to saints and sages of the ages) that it took me years to realize that in him I'd met the equal of any great world-teacher portrayed here (or elsewhere).

In his Autobiography and in the meditation Lessons he penned for SRF, Yogananda left a non-coercive approach to spirituality and self-development. He always asked his readers to take nothing on his word, but to *test* the principles and the methods - as he himself tested what he was given by the great teachers of India.

In both his life and writings Yogananda promoted the value of combining those highest spiritual principles held in common by Judeo-Christianity and by yoga: Devotion (love for the Creative Source of our beings) and Discipline of mind and body ("Be still and know... God").

Through his gentle wisdom, relentless love, and confident patience, Yogananda succeeds in touching every reader. I have known some minds that were closed to his ecumenism, some hearts unready for his divine affection, and many souls too solidly encased in limited ideas of mortality to receive all that he would like to have given them. I have known both materialist readers who were put off by the miraculous events vividly recounted here - and flighty readers who cared only to read about the supernatural events (escaping his incitement to enlightenment). But I've yet to meet anyone with hard enough heart and dry enough intuition that they are unmoved by his portraits of the higher possibilities accessible to human souls.

For the sincere seeker here are stories that empower lessons, insights that deepen self-inquiry, and constant prods to move beyond "spiritual experiences" to the Experience of Spirit. Yogananda always brings the reader back to disciplined (with love) meditation upon the Highest Power (and love) - explaining that through meditative mastery "even those who cannot believe in the divinity of any man may at last experience the divinity of their own souls."

[ If you want to be sure to get Yogananda's FULL story, get one of the gold-colored editions from Self-Realization (cloth 0876120826, quality paperback 0876120834, or mass paper 0876120796), not a (blue-covered) abridged preliminary version. ]

Is It Reality Or A Blend Of Reality And Fantasy?, June 28, 2006
I read this book thirty years ago(do you think I waited long enough to write this review?) and enjoyed it very much, but found it perplexing. I, myself, am a yogi, but this story would strike most people as being a blend of truth and fantasy. But what is wrong with that? It is a beautiful story that teaches us many things about the way yogis look at life--and death. Do not approach this book with a critical eye on truth. Instead, think of it as a type of epic poem. Reflect on the reality of it at your leasure! One thing is true about this book: the author wrote this book with great love of all humanity! If you have developed an interest in some aspect of yoga and want to learn something more of what traditional yoga(as opposed to the "designer" versions touted lately) is about, give this a try.

A Spiritual Classic For the Ages, June 6, 2007
Yogananda wrote his Autobiography with unprecedented balance between religion and science, devotion and yoga, the personal and the transcendent. It presents the ancient discoveries of yoga in a form that modern seekers can appreciate. It reveals the oneness of the central truths energizing all religions. Not all readers will be ready to open their minds to the possibility that Divinity lives within all human beings, but when a reader is ready, this volume will open a portal that reveals Oneness behind the loving service of a Gandhi, the cosmic appreciation of an Einstein, and the transcendence of a Christ.
The Autobiography of a Yogi is spell-binding in its graphic descriptions of spiritual encounters and yet somewhat casual about the grandest miracles and concepts. But don't be deceived into thinking that Yogananda saw the path of spiritual realization as an easy, wide-open adventure. Yoga is a *discipline* as well as an art, and the meditation techniques that Yogananda left behind in his SRF Lessons are disciplines.
The need for discipline in our pursuit of the Divinity within us flies in the face of lackadaisical, California-new-age approach of pursuing "whatever is exciting and cool" (I can take that liberty as one who was CA-born and -raised). Yogananda solidly presents the classic yoga wisdom (from his teacher) that "the way to God is not a circus," - and in the bio "Mejda" by his brother you may read how it took a while for the boy Yogananda himself to realize the spiritual inappropriateness of psychic mediumship, trance states, and similar dramatic phenomena. Both Yogananda and the current leadership of his Self-Realization society have always warned spiritual seekers to rise above mere psychic perceptions of subtle realms and to develop that discriminating intuition which develops from quiet, dedicated, inner spiritual work. The "anything goes" approach of modern explorations (personal or spiritual) has never been endorsed by master-teachers of classic yoga.
Some readers (myself included) may stumble upon the Autobiography's Chapter 26: The Science of Kriya Yoga and want to race immediately to learn the technique. I was at first sad to learn that a year's disciplined practice of more basic meditation techniques from SRF is required before one may apply for instruction in Kriya Yoga. But I eventually came to appreciate that building that solid year's foundation was an understandable prerequisite for meaningful practice of Kriya.
One acquaintance of mine could not understand why she was expected to practice *Yogananda's* meditation techniques during that first year in order to receive Kriya (she wanted to continue her TM instead). "Loyalty is the highest spiritual law," Yogananda once said. If reading his Autobiography does not inspire you with enough confidence to follow his guidance, this is probably not the right path/time for you. There are scads which welcome casual seekers.
I recommend you read the Autobiography and test it for yourself. In his Lessons, Yogananda asks students NOT to believe on the basis of his word; he asks you to TEST the practices and principles he provides... in the laboratory of your own practice. There's nothing to lose in learning to discipline your mind and offer up your heart to your Maker!

A WORD ABOUT THE PUBLISHERS: In his last years Yogananda often spoke of his complete confidence in those long-time students he hand-selected to continue - through Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) - his work after his death. He spoke especially highly of Daya Mata, who has for fifty years now succeeded Yogananda as president of the Fellowship. Her spiritual elevation and concurrent humility are evident in her dedication to guiding the SRF organization according to the instructions of its original founder. She has often said words to the effect of, "It does not matter what Daya Mata wants, it only matters what God and the master want." What makes the SRF publishers shine for me above the leadership of other organizations is their willingness and commitment to keep their own egos and personal prejudices subservient to their humility before the great yoga master who founded SRF and before the Father/ Mother/ Beloved Divine to whom he dedicated his life work. One need only read the prefaces which Daya Mata has written for Yogananda's books (e.g., The Divine Romance) to get a feel for her rare combination of wisdom and humility. The SRF Publishing Division's loyalty to the founder of this organization and his message is evident in their unswerving dedication to quality, beauty, and accurate presentation of his work in the publications they produce.

Paramahansa Yogananda is my new Hero ! SRF Founder, August 20, 2001
Since discovering Yoga and it's benefits, I have begun the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, and I am also studying about Kriya and the "Self-Realization Foundation," founded by Paramahansa Yogananda ("Mejda"). I devoured the book, "Mejda," written by his brother & I am now devouring this book--his Autobiography. I am so excited about this book that I could not even wait to finish it, before trying to get the word out!

If you are a person who is always striving to find Knowledge, or you are a Mystical person who is struggling to understand the World, the Mysteries or Spirituality, this book is calling your name. I have always been fascinated by Deepak Chopra and men like him. Paramahansa Yogananda's story helps me to understand these Great Men and their Message.

I cannot begin to explain how much I have enjoyed the story of Mejda's Journey and Spiritual Growth.

I am very seriously considering the idea of joining SRF, because of this book & his brother's book, "Mejda."

I see, from searching, that Paramahansa Yogananda has written MANY books. This makes me very happy. I know the story will not end for a long time! ... Read more

Editorial Review

This valuable book provides a complete manual for the studyand practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation.This new deluxe printing of these timeless teachings is a treasure tobe read and referred to again and again by seekers treading thespiritual path.The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000years old, cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, andphysical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situationsin daily life. The Sutras are presented here in the purest form, withthe original Sanskrit and with translation, transliteration, andcommentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, one of the most respected andrevered contemporary Yoga masters. In this classic context, SriSwamiji offers practical advice based on his own experience formastering the mind and achieving physical, mental and emotionalharmony. ... Read more

Reviews

Excellent book on the philosophy of yoga, November 26, 2001
This is *the* book to refer to get a proper understanding of the philosophy of Yoga.

I have gone through other books ( B. K. S. Iyengar , Georg Feuerstein , Swami Prabhavananda ) and some audio cassetes on the Yoga Sutras.
This is by far the best book on the subject. The sutras are beautifully explained in layman terms with ample annotations. The sutras in samadhi pada and sadhana pada are covered extensively.

Whenever there was a discrepency in the translation among different authors (such as sutras 18,19,33 of sadhana pada, which have been interpreted very differently) I found the translation and explanation in this book to be most logical, intuitive and complete.

Extremely well done but still leaves questions, January 27, 2003
Swami Satchidananda's book on the Sutras is one of the best for digging into the background and foundations of the Sutras, and his commentary, unlike Iyengar's and most other eastern commentaries, is clear, simple and easy to understand. Yet I finished the book still feeling that I did not fully grasp it. Swami Satchidananda is clearly in touch with the truth that he is illuminating with this book, and it's also clear from the powerful tone of authority with which he writes that he has reached the state of awaking which is the end purpose of the Sutras, but it seems too immersed in the history and culture of Hinduism to be fully appreciated and grasped by a westerm mind conditioned by concepts, ideas and images that are vastly different from the eastern traditions. So the book does not have a deep and profound illuminating impact as has McAfee's book on the sutras - "Beyond the Siddhis". But it is rich in historical information and its tone is true to the purpose of the Sutras. I would recommend it for for all aspiring yogis.

Much knowledge and wisdom, January 26, 2005
I gained much from this book. A great book for those who are gaining an interest in yoga as a whole. The author is a monk who has devoted his life to God and it shows through in his writing. Each sutra is written in Sanskrit, then proper pronunciation, then translated in English and then given commentary by Satchidananda. Sometimes he seems to go on tangents and forgets about the Sutra at hand, yet even in those tangents, much is learned. This book will take beginners to the next level of discipline and practice; an extremely useful reference for experienced practitoners. I highly recommend this book.

The Best Translation Of A Vedic Scripture Ever!!!, June 5, 2006
I have been studying the Vedic scriptures since 1996. And, I must say, out of all the different translations; the bhagavad-gita, the rig-veda and etc....this one by Sri Swami Satchianda is the best!
His hands-on understanding of Vedically grounded Yoga/meditation, qouting the Vedic scriptures and truely knowing intuitively and intellecually Vedic principles is astonishing and inspiring.
The one thing I really like about this translation, is that Swami Satchitanda does not taint the translation with a particular Cult slant, like the hare krishna's bhagavad-gita...which is fill with their particular cult flavor and mistranslation of sanskrit words and phrases.
He also adds wonderful and helpful techniques and tips that have really helped me in my meditational practices.
Since first studying this particular translation, I have grown tremendously from this Vedic scripture and this translation.
It was always interesting, lively to study,and always compelled me to want to study more...a far cry from studying the ISKON/hare krishna translation of the bhagavad-gita, which took me three months to read,which was dry, boring, mistranslation of the sanskrit word and phrases abounded, bashing of other groups and philosophies filled every page and a hard core push for their spin on the vedic literature.
With this translation of the Yoga Sutra....You will not find any of this!....it was such a pleasure to study it and it was soooo rewarding in reading it. It made me feel very good and uplifted to study this book.
I wish that this Swami would have translated more of the Vedic scriptures.
Please take a look at this translation..you will love. I have grown alot from it.

Very clear and uplifting explanations of the Sutras., June 30, 1999
Swami Satchidanandaji explains clearly the Sutras by giving practical tips on how to apply them in our own life. The book is full of wisdom and is not meant to read and keep aside, but read and reflect and that too repeatedly. Verily, a treasure for the spiritual aspirants. Personally, studying few stanzas each day and reflecting on them, provides immense peace and upliftment. The original Sanskrit text with meanings also provides an additional benefit for seekers to commit the sutras to memory.

How to tell a good commentary on the Sutras, January 3, 2007
How to choose a useful commentary on the Sutras? A rule of thumb is to examine the author's take on the first five sutras. These are the ones in which Patanjali defines what Yoga is and in a nutshell points to what the enlightened state is. Authors who have no idea either don't get this, or are not able to explicate it well. Satchidananda is one of the happy few who are able. An illustrative comment is on P7, in reference to Sutra 3: "You are that true Seer. You are not the body or the mind." The thing that makes the Satchidananda commentary reliable is that he never loses sight of that intrinsic point of the first, definitional sutras. Beyond a certain cultural context, Satchidananda does not abandon "no-body and no-mind" for a moralistic exhortation. He keeps clear sight of the concept-free nature of universal reality.

This version is not as good as the out-of-print The Authentic Yoga Sutras of P Y Deshpande, nor does it have the clarity of Osho's limited commentary - but it is miles ahead of commentaries of some of the more famous names in contemporary Yoga.

Jani Baker
Principal, Australian College of Classical Yoga.

Delve Deep!, September 5, 2001
If you don't read Sanskrit, this is the translation of the Yoga Sutras to use. Swami Satchidananda, founder of Yogaville in Virginia, has translated and provided commentary on one of the most basic texts of Raja Yoga. Each reading of each and every sutra invites the serious student to delve deep and deeper into him/herself and discover the truth. Highly recommend!

Practical,humorous, guidance from an enlightened teacher, November 9, 1999
I am not a 'follower' of Swami Satchidananda. I have previously studied Indian philosophy from an academic view. That is not the audience for this book. I personally have only tried to make Indian philosophy part of my life when outside sufferings force me to. This is a book for that! Swami Satchidananda's whole style is warm, straightforward and very modern. He never compromises the truth of the teachings, but his tone is beautifully supportive and gentle. If your desire is to try to understand the truth of the Yoga Sutras in your current life situation then I can't imagine a better book.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali-Commentary by Swami Satchidananda, February 18, 2006
This is an excellent book. It gives the Sanskrit for each of the 200 sutras, then the English translation, followed by a comment by Swami Satchidananda. These comments are essential for helping make some of sutras more understandable. I would highly recommend this book.

A Trustworthy Translation, June 15, 1999
Satchidananda presents a warm hearted translation of this classic. It is saturated with the kindness, compassion,warmth, touching sense of humor, and open mind that define the truly spiritual. He draws from all religions, not seeing any one as better than the others; as is the case with all masters from every tradition, Satchidananda sees that "the paths are many, but Truth is one." He makes a good representative of Yoga and True Religion in general. I can't believe that no one else has reviewed this book already. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Amazon.com ReviewArtist and veteran Pixar animator Sanjay Patel lends a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice to one of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales. Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, Ramayana tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king. This illustrated tale features over 100 colorful full-spread illustrations, a detailed pictorial glossary of the cast of characters who make up the epic tale, and sketches of the work in progress. From princesses in peril to gripping battles, scheming royals, and hordes of bloodthirsty demons, Ramayana is the ultimate adventure story presented with an unforgettably modern touch.

Q: What was your inspiration to tell this story?

Patel: Well I finally read the thing. I mean I suck at reading and everything. But I came across a great adaptation of the Ramayana by an author named Ashok Banker. I actually discovered the book via Nina Paley's blog. She's the one woman force behind Sita Sings the Blues, the feature length animated work about the same subject. After reading a few pgs on Amazon I ordered the first book by Mr. Banker which weighed in at over five hundred pgs. Keep in mind that was just book one of a seven part series.I just read and read and the thing slowly unlocked. And what I found was an ancient mythology with themes and symbols that were timeless and essential.Really meaningful stuff all wrapped up in a visually rich world of epic adventure. The story was just begging to be illustrated.

Q: How did you get started working at Pixar?

Patel: The only thing I was ever good at was copying drawings from comic books. I just drew, and nothing could ever get me to stop. All throughout school I was considered "the artist," which really just meant that I could make really bad drawings for people’s letterman jackets. A friend told me about Cal-Arts and animation. The school was the key. Most of Pixar’s directors have come straight out of Cal-Arts and its character animation program. I just walked in their footsteps and they ended up recruiting me after my second year. I've been at Pixar ever since, close to thirteen years now.

Q: Describe your creative process. How do you create your illustrations?

Patel: Once I have a concrete idea of the story point that I want to communicate, which is usually nailed down in the writing, I then think of one “story telling image.For instance, it's a big story point when Hanuman, the monkey with special powers, uses his burning tail to set fire to the Ravana's capital city. Since this story has been told many times before I try and research what visual artist have done previously to communicate this moment. Here I pulled together reference from paintings and from vintage comics.

Click on the image to learn more about Patel's creative process and see more example illustrations.




Q: How long did it take you to create the scenes in the book?

At one point the illustrations were getting churned out at about one every two and half days. I was at a good clip till I decided to redo the entire book three times. I kept fighting with trying to make the art light hearted and cute, but the story was anything but that. The Ramayana is pretty dramatic and graphic, and I eventually found a style and voice that captured those things. It only took me four years.

Q: Which characters in the Ramayana did you have the most fun illustrating?

Patel: I can doodle Ravana the ten-headed demon king in my sleep at this point. I also love sketching Hanuman and Rama. They both have really fun shapes to fiddle with. The cover of the book was actually a blast, it was probably the last illustration I did.

Some of Sanjay's Favorites:

Favorites Illustrator(s)
Marc Boutavant
J Otto Seibold
Saul Steinberg
William Steig
Ronald Searle
Richard Scarry
Martin & Alice Provenson
Mary Blair
Charley Harper
M. Sasek
T. Biskup
Lewis Trondheim


Favorite movie(s)
Back to the Future
Amelie
The Wrong Trousers
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Mission
Raising Arizona
Princess Mononoke
Dumbo
Abyss
Bottle Rocket


Favorite band(s)
That's a toss up between M83 and Sigur Ros

Favorite restaurant(s)
Usually places that serve french fries and hot sauce.


Favorite book(s)
Phoenix Karma by Osamu Tezuka:
Calvin & Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book by Bill Watterson
Angry Youth Comix by Johnny Ryan

Editorial Review

In EASTERN BODY, WESTERN MIND, chakra authority Anodea Judith brought a fresh approach to the yoga-based Eastern chakra system, adapting it to the Western framework of Jungian psychology, somatic therapy, childhood developmental theory, and metaphysics. This groundbreaking work in transpersonal psychology has been revised and redesigned for a more accessible presentation. Arranged schematically, the book uses the inherent structure of the chakra system as a map upon which to chart our Western understanding of individual development. Each chapter focuses on a single chakra, starting with a description of its characteristics, then exploring its particular childhood developmental patterns, traumas and abuses, and how to heal and maintain balance. Illuminated with personal anecdotes and case studies, EASTERN BODY, WESTERN MIND seamlessly merges the East and West, science and philosophy, and psychology and spirituality into a compelling interpretation of the chakra system and its relevance for Westerners today. ... Read more

Reviews

Profound - And Needed, June 15, 2005
I have to say, this author knows her stuff.

As I've learned from reading many of her books, she has long had a history of studying the chakra system. Through personal experience, she has adapted some of the esoteric systems with her own style, which are discussed more fully within her books.

This book in particular is an important one. In our culture, we all suffer abuses of some kind or another, even abuses we probably wouldn't consider abuse. Take noise pollution for example - it's a real assault on your senses, although we drown it out and let our body deal with the consequences.

But this book deals with the heavier stuff too - relationship issues, physical or sexual abuse, eating disorders, mental imbalances, whatever it may be, it's probably covered in this book. And what I have noticed is this author really knows what she's talking about - she provides insights I have not heard come from anyone else in my entire life.

I strongly encourage this book to everyone, regardless of who you are. This is a book for humanity.

A map of the human psyche, January 24, 2000
I loved this book - I found so much of myself in it, it was scary! I really think she has found a way to map the human spirit - and gives gentle encouragement and exercises to assist in healing any parts that have been blocked or damaged. Anyone who is even mildly interested in the Chakras (or even looking to deepen a yoga experience) should consider this book.

Fantastic read, can't put it down, September 14, 1999
This book clearly summarizes the chakra energy systems and links them to psychological information that is incredibly useful and insightful. I can't say enough good things about this book.....it is very illuminating and the author has put an enormous amount of work into the research. It is easily read, thought provoking and her charts of the different personality types and what causes the different types to develop as a result of childhood trauma is very well done.... I found this book to be inspiring and extremely well written.

One of the best, most comprehensive books on this subject!, January 20, 2000
I would recommend this,"Hands of Light" by Barbara Brennan, and "Energy Medicine" by Donna Eden as the best books for those interested in managing their energy. All three give concrete examples of causes of dis-ease and ways to reverse damage to our energy systems. In Anodea's book, she gives physical, mental, and spiritual exercises to work on and she makes the information easy to understand!

In-depth yet readable, April 3, 1998
I love how easy this book is to read. It reads as easily as a novel, yet contains a wealth of information about human growth and development as it pertains to the chakra system. I highly recommend it!

Extremely detailed and insightful, July 10, 1998
Anodea's writings are easy to understand as well as incredibly detailed. The reading was enjoyable and insightful. I was fascinated with her psychological point of view and found it to be very accurate.

I attended Anodea's training recently in Pennsylvania. She is delightful. The material in the book was put into workable situations so that processing and healing can be accomplished. Her "mystical, magical" way keeps you interested... no time for falling asleep.

Highly recommend this book as well as Sevenfold Journey for anyone interested in gaining a greater understanding of the Chakra system. Sevenfold Journey helps with the clearing and balancing process. Excellent adjunct reading!

Bringing Eastern & Western Philosophy together, February 9, 1999
This is an extraordinary book, succeeding in bringing Eastern and Western psychology & philosophy together in a comprehensive, down-to-earth, understandable way. Anodea Judith presents the chakra-system as a personal ladder to spiritual and emotional growth, almost analogue to the stages of development in the model of Erikson. What's unique (or at least, special) is the well-succeeded integration of Eastern and Western models of child and adult development. Hats off to Anodea Judith!

one of the best books I ever read, February 3, 2005
Ever had things happen to you that made you wonder why cetrain type of things seem to be happening to you over and over again? I stumbled up this book during the time of my divorce, when I was desperate to figure out why it happened, what was my lesson, and how do I make sure I learn it. One of the books that taught me a great deal about myself. I am now using it to raise and support my son better than my parents knew how. Tattoo of second chakra from this book made its way on my lower back as a permanent reminder of the fact that we are so much more than this mortal body.

Finally! The Western bridge to Eastern esoteric thought!, August 21, 1997
A successful merging of Eastern and Western thought about the human condition. The ideas behind the Easern Chakra system are perceptively linked to Western psycho-social issues. The philosophies of enlightenment, embodiment and integration merge to become a profound discussion of the human condition

Eastern Body, Western Mind, February 16, 2007
The information in this book literally freed me from the bondage of childhood abuse. This should be required reading in high school. It offers real life assistance in overcoming the damage done to young people by careless, neglectful, and sometimes downright abusive parents, thoughtless teachers, and ignorant peers. Anodea, GOOD WORK!!!!

Warm blessings, Linda Quest ... Read more

Editorial Review

In The Little Book of Hindu Deities, Pixar animator Sanjay Patel brings to life Hinduism’s most important gods and goddesses in fun, full-color illustrations, each accompanied by a short, lively profile. The stories of Hindu mythology cover everything from love and jealousy to petty grievances and epic battles, with characters ranging from monsters and demons to noble warriors and divine divas. Find out why Ganesha has an elephant’s head (his father cut it off!) and why Kali, the Goddess of Time, is known as "The Black One" (she’s a bit goth). ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Profound knowledge profoundly interpreted, August 30, 2004
It is amazing that with all the technology modern man has invented, he is unable to answer some deep questions every human being comes across - what is life, why should there be death, etc. He has to go back about four-five thousand years to find out the answers. The answers are in the Upanishads - ancient religion-independent literature, that are recordings of experiential knowledge those wise sages knew. Unlike the Vedas, which are about religious rites and practices, the Upanishads discuss only fundamental questions. Questions such as - 'What is that if one knows, that he/she knows everything'. Amazingly, man found out the answer and had the vision and genorosity to share such findings in the Upanishads. Upanishads are such a fundamental required reading that in ancient India, children would dedicate a significant amount of their early life - 10-12 years - before they set up to establish themselves in the world. In essence, without knowing one's Self, you would be wading dark waters all the time as the Upanishads themselves say.

Eknath Eswaran's transalation makes the Upanishads simple to read. That alone is a great achievement given the voluminous nature of the texts and the language of expression - Sanskrit. We should remember that the text is thousands of years old and has a strong inclination towards flowery, verbose and at times redundant expresssions. But if repetition gets the message across, so does reading such texts! Throughout the translation, Eknath Eswaran's experience with spiritualism, his dedication to such a life, his knowledge and wisdom about English literature and world religions come across making the reading valuable.

As he states of professor William James, the great American psychologist, 'The faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention over and over again is the very root of judgement, character and will. An education which should include this faculty would be education par excellence'. I wouldn't agree more with the author - reading the Upanishads is such education, essential for every one.

Simply the best, January 5, 1998
Simply the best read of the Upanishads in bookstores today. Easwaran uses his background as teacher/communicator to build a highly accessible bridge from our Western way of thinking to some of the deepest insights from the East. I highly recommend this book - and its companions (The Bhagavad Gita and The Dhammapada) to any serious seeker of life's deeper meaning.

If you are searching for peace and answers, you have arrived, March 7, 2000
I discovered this book quite by accident and it has changed my life. I have it by my bedside and read it every night, and hope to someday read every book by Easwaran and incorporate the teachings from this one into my life. I no longer jump off the wall every time things go wrong and can smile at things that made me NUTS before this! Now, I know better. I recommend this to anybody who has made it this far in their search. If there is one book on Hinduism you read, make this the one. I have grown up reading the Bhagwad Gita and I think this by far supercedes that in giving direction and answers in a way that we can still manage in year 2000.

Easwaran translates another Hinduist classic, December 12, 2000
After reading the Dhammapada translation from the same author, it was not a surprise to find a similar high-quality translation of the Upanishads - the philosophical part in the Vedas of Hinduist religion. Some points to highlight in Easwaran's work: Poetic but precise wording, great introduction and commentaries, easy-to-read without creating a scholar-only work, impeccable introduction to the Historical context of the work and it's importance in Hinduism.

Mr Easwaran's work convinced me to buy all Three books that form a Trilogy: The Dhammapada, The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita. Without a doubt, especially considering the price, this Trilogy is a steal.

The Truth, January 20, 2003
Words fail me in my attempt to describe the book, perhaps it is best I describe the emotions I experienced, as I read this book.

The book captured my breath and concentration and I was unable to think of anything else till I finished the book. I took quite some time over a few days to finish it, simply because each page makes you think. There are books that hit you hard with the force of their ideas, and then there is this book... which gently caresses your mind as a wave would caress the shore, as our eyelashes caress our cheek when we blink. The book and its delivery is so gentle and calm, that my mind was immediately transported into the vivid imagery that EE creates, of a guru in a remote hut and his simple lifestyle and his disciples. EE strikes a chord when he points out the massive gamble that these disciples take, in deciding to pursue nothing but the Truth and sacrifice all else in its path. His writing gentle and kind, and one feels like a young boy in front of an affectionate father, the father doesnt seem to teach, but just seems to speak calmly, and one feels like listening.
EE brings out the Upanishads for what they really are, an incredible advancement into the inquiry of Truth, using the principles of concentration and meditation, and the medium of story telling to pass down the wisdom of the ancients. I could not resist my tears as I read with joy of the tales of Yajnavalka, nor could I feel but astonished at the clarity of thought and the level of the discussion between Yama and Nachiketa.

I could go on, but there is little to say except that one should read this book. For those in search of additional readings, there is a book called "The Vedas", which is an english collection of the discourses of the Head of the Kancheepuram Shankaracharya school. It's a tough read, to be read with pencil and paper, and perhaps committing to memory some of the terms... but it is the Definitive primer into the Vedas and India's true heritage.

The Song of the Upanishads, May 20, 2005
When it comes to translation, there are two kinds of accurate - one is to focus on the ideas, the other on the feeling of the text. This text - as all fo Easwaran's - focuses on the feeling side, and thus opens the beauty of the Upanishads to new readers, while re-inspiring those who have encountered the more intellectual translations. It is the best place to begin a study of the Upanishads, and no good library of Hinduism should be without it.

I took off one star because some of the subtler meanings are not presented nor even suggested - though the language is so good, really only a half-star deduction is merited

Important volume on one of humanity's greatest religious works, October 4, 2008
In the Upanishads there are two selves. They are symbolized by two birds sitting on a tree branch. The one bird, the self with a small "s" eats. The other bird, the Self with a capital "S" observes. The first self is the self that is part of this world. The second Self is merely an observer that doesn't take part and is in fact beyond the pairs of opposites such as pleasure and pain that dominate our existence. This Self is formally called the Atman. In an important analogy, it is said that the Atman is the drop of water that glides off of the lotus leaf into the ocean of Brahman, with Brahman being the entirety of all that there is, in other words, God, the God beyond all attribution.

This presentation of the Upanishads--necessarily a selection, of course--by Eknath Easwaran is the best single volume that I have come across for the following reasons:

First, the translation by Easwaran is readable, edifying and congenial to the Sanskrit in so far as that is possible. The poetry in the original language and the word play are lost in translation as is always the case with poetry and highly symbolic language, and especially language that is meant to be taken on more than one level. However Easwaran's notes after each Upanishad help to give us an idea what the original is like and give the reader a feel for the some of the nuances.
Second, the chapter introductions and the concluding essay by Michael N. Nagler lend insight and clarity to the reader's understanding.
Third, the selections themselves and what is included in the selections are efficacious. By that I mean the ideas and the "feel" of the expression, the psychology, and the philosophy of the Upanishads and the larger Vedic tradition are made manifest. Some voluminous translations give us much more of the repetition and ritual than we need, while some volumes give us perhaps not enough.

In this regard I want to call the reader's attention to the slim volume The Ten Principal Upanishads (1937) by the poet W.B. Yeats, and Shree Purohit Swami. Easwaran's book contains more of the Upanishads and offers a more extensive commentary, but Yeats and Purohit are more poetic. I recommend that the reader read both books. Alas Yeats's book is out of print and so you'll have to find it at, probably, a college library.

Here is how Easwaran translates the invocation to the famous Isha Upanishad:

All this is full. All that is full.
From fullness, fullness comes.
When fullness is taken from fullness,
Fullness still remains.
Om shanti shanti, shanti

Now here is how Yeats and Purohit have it:

This is perfect. That is perfect.
Perfect comes from perfect.
Take perfect from perfect; the remainder is perfect.
May peace and peace and peace be everywhere.

I think the former is perhaps truer to the spirit of the philosophy of the Upanishad, but I think the latter is more poetic.

The Upanishads, usually acknowledged to be the culmination of the wisdom of the Vedas, form the basis for Hinduism as well as serving as a wellspring for Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, and yoga. Many ideas central to these ways of life are found in the Upanishads. In particular the Bhagavad Gita finds its inspiration and even some of its expression and even a bit of its form in the most famous and most often read Upanishad, the Katha. Nachiketas of the Katha becomes Arjuna of the Gita, while Death becomes Krishna of the Gita.

In his essay, Nagler writes, "Taken as a whole, the Upanishads contain the raw material of a profound philosophy."

In the tradition of India, philosophy and religion are not separate as they usually are in the West. In truth all religions contain not only religious ideas, but philosophical ones as well; but more than anything, religions are psychologies--guides on how to live life, and how to die. In the Upanishads we do not die. Death happens only to the bird that eats. Our real essence, the Atman is eternal, and therefore death is an illusion, a compelling illusion to be sure, but one that can be tossed off through an understanding that "thou art that" ("tat tvam asi") meaning that you and the universe (or Brahman) are one. Nagler writes, "Indian religious systems hold as a core belief that the individual is not that which dies but is instead the forces which brought the body and personality into existence and will continue shaping its destiny after what we call death..." (p. 287).

Easwaran is the author of many books on religion. I was particularly impressed with his book on The Bhagavad Gita (1985; 2000). See my review at Amazon.

Excellent abridged version, December 22, 2005
On Upanishads:
Excellent read, puts you new lines, way beyond your day to day thoughts. Katha upanishad was the most interesting and captivating as I found the narration very good.

On the translation:
Translating a centuries old document into English is a challenging task. A word by word translation would be disastarous. Search in the web for Upanishads and compare it with the translation by the author - Eknath. Eknath Eswaran has done a wonderful job

On the commentary:
Some of upanishads do not need any comments are they are very self-explanatory (thx to the excellent translation).

But some of the upanishads are very difficult to relate to, and probably needed more commentary.

A Required Book For Any Collection of Eastern Wisdom, March 12, 2006
This book, along with its companion translations of the Dhammapada and Bhagavad Gita, also by Eknath Easwaran, should be required for any serious student of Eastern Wisdom. If you can't afford Swami Nikhilanandas multi-volume set of complete translations of every Upanishad, and even if you can, you should also have this volume on your shelf.

The Vedantic basis for effective education., February 4, 1997
If you have stumbled into knowing what Upanishads - also sometimes known as Vedanta - are, you don't want to miss reading this lucid presentation in English. What is more, the author skillfully observes, by quoting the American psychologist William James, how the essence of the Upanishads can form a basis for fundamental education of the human mind ... Read more

Editorial Review

In this remarkable book, Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the hidden yoga of the Gospels and confirms that Jesus, like the ancient sages and masters of the East, not only knew yoga but taught this universal science of God-realization to his closest disciples. Compiled from the author's highly praised two-volume work, The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You, this insightful and compact book transcends the centuries of dogma and misunderstanding that have obscured the original teachings of Jesus, showing that he taught a unifying path by which seekers of all faiths can enter the kingdom of God. Topics include:
•The lost years of Jesus in India
•The ancient science of meditation: how to become a Christ
•The true meaning of baptism. ... Read more

Reviews

Insightful Look At Jesus and His Teachings, October 8, 2007
This book captures Paramanhansa Yogananda's spoken words and writings and puts them into clear focus in one volume on the much misunderstood teachings of Jesus. This new book "The Yoga Of Jesus" is a hundred years in the making. The editors and publishers do a great job of putting Yogananda's thoughts in a logical order so that it reveals a much deeper message--one that shows the hidden yoga of the gospels.

This book will awaken some people to new ideas while others may just have their inner truth reaffirmed. The book is a significant spiritual work and will remain a best seller (As does his classic "The Autobiography of a Yogi") for decades if not centuries.

There is even a chapter devoted to the missing years of Christ's life, which were spent in India according to Yogananda. The references and footnotes help build strong support for what this book is revealing about the life and teachings of Jesus.

The book is an eye opener for non-yogis and a blissful confirmation of truth from those who follow the teachings of Yogananda. This is one of his best books. I would suggest reading this book along with "The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You" - which blazed huge new spiritual roads just a few years ago.

This book, as with many of Yogananda's books, shows parallels between the teachings of all the great Christian saints, mystics and other enlightened founders of spiritual thought. This book should help unify and promote inter-faith understanding for those with open minds and hearts.

This book is well worth adding to your spiritual library. It can be read in a full afternoon but it may take a lifetime or longer to full grasp all the truth that is within its pages. The book is best read slowly while allowing time to ponder and digest the meaning of what is read. There is so much wisdom and love within these pages. This book receives my highest possible personal recommendation. This is a MUST READ BOOK!

Well worth at least a read, to see what you think of his views., November 10, 2007
This book is really great! I bought it to read to decide if I thought it was worth pursuing Yogananda's Second Coming of Christ set, which is rather expensive. Once I read this book I had to order the set, and am ready to start reading that now. This book and Yogananda's views are able to clear up some questions of the new testament which had never been clearly answered previously. It just really clears up a lot of murky areas.

I would suggest that someone new to this topic do like I did. Read this book to see if you think the things he says make sense to you. If they do, and you believe he could be right, then move on to the other set to get a more thorough saturation. I still have not decided for sure, but after reading the Second Coming I'm sure I will have made up my mind. I will also say that years ago I had read many of PY's works, and I have always found him to be a very good, decent person. Honesty and integrity of the highest caliber. (This last just in case you are not familiar with him.)

Marvelous interpretation of the Bible, December 18, 2007
I've often found myself confused by the Bible, and rarely have I really grasped the pertinence of its teachings to the dilemmas of our present society. Never before reading this book have I found the Gospels to be so interesting, so universal in scope, and so applicable to my daily concerns.

I found this book (as well as the larger "the Second Coming of Christ") to beautifully and engagingly present the truths of Jesus in great detail and specificity, as well as in terms of universality and Oneness.

Master of Yoga, the real Jesus, January 14, 2008
Finally a book which depicts Jesus in his true light. Yogananda reveals Jesus as an Oriental master of God conciousness and strips away Western concepts of Jesus which have been fostered since the second century.

Yogananda and the Yoga of Jesus, December 4, 2007
Yogananda and the Yoga of Jesus - I've found it to be valuable in helping me to personalize and deepen my Christian heritage with my evolving spirituality. I am a yoga practitioner, seeking Enlightenment, and also respectful of where I've been and how I'm "traveling". The interesting thing is that all religious paths lead to one end, we just have different symbols for how we name and classify the roadmaps. Reading this book has helped me to be open to the spectacular opportunities for connection with the Divine which are possible in this lifetime for me and anyone else who is interested in pursuing them.

Yoga of Jesus, March 30, 2008
Great book written by a great man. It has renewed my perspective on Christ (original perspective was that of a Catholic who received First Communion in a French church in Rabbat Morocco, and later attended Catechism in Southern Spain as child). The author, Yogananda, really taps into the beauty and truths that I always suspected were the things that all religions had in common.

Judging A Book By Its Cover, January 18, 2009
I'm always a little disheartened by people who proclaim to "love" Jesus but do nothing to become like him. I have always had an affinity for Jesus. I remember when I was just a little boy of five, my mother gave me a beautiful picture of Jesus - not the blonde haired, blue eyed "surfer boy" Jesus, but a Jesus who was dark haired and dark eyed and had a look in his eyes like he knew something I didn't and I can remember just looking at that picture every night before bed and saying, "Teach me to be like you, Jesus...teach me to be like you..."

I didn't know that this simple prayer was actually manifesting itself in me even though I had to go through a relatively painful process to lead me "full circle" back to that realization that I wanted to drop the burdens and the cares of the world off my mind and heart and reveal the Light and the Love and the Life of the Holy Spirit that were already within me waiting to come forth.

And how, exactly, does one come to these inner revelations?

Meditate.
Meditate.
Meditate.

The cover of this book is absolutely stunning and really, if it didn't contain the always straight-to-the soul writing of Yogananda, I would've bought the book just for the cover. It pictures a meditating Christ which is refreshing because for centuries we have been bombarded by images of a crucified Christ, a mournful Christ, a betrayed Christ and I don't think we know the full implications of these "negative" images on our psyche. But the cover art of this beautiful book is that of a meditating Jesus...a Jesus whose face is partially obscured by the Light of God and I don't know if you've ever had that experience in meditation of where you completely dissolve in the Light of God, but if you have, then you'll agree with me that you can never again go back to a "normal" mortal life and a "crucified Christ", a "mourning Christ", a Christ that can be "betrayed" is not only impossible but also highly improbable. And for those of you who disagrre, I invite you to open your heart and

Meditate.
Meditate.
Meditate.

A lot of people don't want to think that there are things "hidden" in the Gospels....they like to think that everything they've ever read in the Bible can have only one interpretation and it's usually theirs. But maybe...just maybe...Jesus spoke and taught on all kinds of levels all at once. Maybe the things that weren't outwardly spoken were the most important aspect of his teaching. Maybe he said things so that one could go into their "inner room in secret"...and have God reveal things to them just as God revealed things to him through

Meditation.
Meditation.
Meditation.

I really believe that Jesus wanted us to be like him. I don't think he wanted us to follow behind him as much as he wanted us to walk with him. This book helped me to remember that childhood longing; to be like him...to be a place of Love...a space of Light...to bring to the world those things that are already in Heaven...to know that I do not have to wait, but can ascend and transcend with him even now.

If you don't want organized supestition...I mean religion...to tell you what to think about Jesus, I, from a True Place of Love, recommend this book and to just read a few of its lovely passages every morning and evening and meditate in the glad knowing that the Christ truly does overcome the world everytime we are willing to let go of the outer distractions and into the stillness of the Heaven within where we simply breathe in....breathe out and just allow ourselves to

Be.
Be still.
Be still and know.
Be still and know I AM God.



Peace and Blessings,
john, 'the Light Coach'

Not quite a home run, but a stand up triple!!, August 4, 2008
While I would agree that this book is of very high value, it seems to me that a lot of great topics were glossed over and didn't reach the depth of insight that I have come to know and love from Paramahansa Yogananda. My opinion is a bit biased, as I own and am currently reading his most elegant tome: "The Second Coming of Christ," which is quite detailed and has an abundance of depth to it. "The Yoga of Jesus" is of course a watered down version of "Second Coming" and is certainly well worth the time if you want a quick study, that is; "How Sri Yogananda Interprets Jesus - 101" kind of thing. It will definitely get you thinking, with quite a few "ah-ha!" moments. I strongly recommend you read "The Yoga of Jesus" before "Second Coming." A 4 star recommendation today!

A transforming book, March 9, 2008
The Yoga of Jesus from P. Yoganada is a must read book, specially for all the Christians of our time. It's a transforming reading, in which the teachings of Jesus are explained, from the message of the Gospels. I understood more the teachings of Jesus after 30 years of being Christian. I recommend this book to everyone.

An inspiring Introduction to the Original Jesus, March 3, 2008
there has been so much discussion in recent years on what Jesus really said and did,
and even whether He really existed.
Paramahansa Yoganandas commentary sampler "The Yoga Of Jesus," from
Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers LA USA really clarifies a lot in these matters.
This volume serves as a handy and welcomed introduction to the Masters larger and acclaimed work
"the Second Coming of Christ;Resurrection the Christ Within You" from the same publisher in 2004.

This work will most likely answer in the most direct and inspiring way all the questions you had about Jesus life and teachings.
It is truly inspiring and eye opening. For students of scriptures and seekers in general this work
could easily be considered to be "the real Restoration of Jesus teachings before it was so distorted by the
forces of time and politics etc,

For those who need deprogramming [those still attached to the status quo] this volume will be a very effective
starting point to renewed understanding of one of the worlds great prophets/gurus.

It will renew and advance your faith in the real Christ!
It was one of Paramahansa Yoganandas primary missions to RESTORE THE TRUE TEACHINGS of JESUS.

I would also recommend reading the complete work >>>>>
"The Second Coming of Christ; Resurrecting the Christ Within You." ... Read more

Editorial Review

Stephen Mitchell is widely known for his ability to make ancient masterpieces thrillingly new, to step in where many have tried before and create versions that are definitive for our time. His celebrated version of the Tao Te Ching is the most popular edition in print, and his translations of Jesus, Rilke, Genesis, and Job have won the hearts of readers and critics alike. Stephen Mitchell now brings to the Bhagavad Gita his gift for breathing new life into sacred texts.

The Bhagavad Gita is universally acknowledged as one of the world's literary and spiritual masterpieces. It is the core text of the Hindu tradition and has been treasured by American writers from Emerson and Thoreau to T. S. Eliot, who called it the greatest philosophical poem after the Divine Comedy. There have been more than two hundred English translations of the Gita, including many competent literal versions, but not one of them is a superlative literary text in its own right.

Now all that has changed. Stephen Mitchell's Bhagavad Gita sings with the clarity, the vigor, and the intensity of the original Sanskrit. It will, as William Arrowsmith said of Mitchell's translation of The Sonnets to Orpheus, "instantly make every other rendering obsolete."


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Editorial Review

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CHAKRA SYSTEM?

Many people focus on a single chakra - like the Crown Chakra for Spirituality, the Brow Chakra for Psychic Powers, the Heart Chakra for Universal Love, the Solar Plexus for Power (especially for those into the martial arts) and so on - each chakra's special attribute. And some people try to repress the 'lower' chakras as morally bad. BUT the real importance is to understand the chakras as The Energy System of the entire Mind/Body/Spirit Complex.

WHEELS OF LIFE presents the Chakra System as a “Formula for Wholeness and a Template for Transformation” - actually a “Map for the Journey through Life”

“At the inner core of each one of us spin seven wheel-like energy centers called chakras. Swirling intersections of vital life forces, each chakra reflects an aspect of consciousness essential to our lives. Together the seven chakras form a system of modeling that consciousness that enables us to better see ourselves - in mind, body, behavior and culture. This system is a valuable tool for personal and planetary growth.

“Chakras are centers of activity for the reception, assimilation and transmission of life energies. As all our action and understanding arise from and return to points within ourselves, our chakras, as core centers form the coordinating network of our complicated mind/body system. . . . The chakras are the master programs that govern our life, loves, learning and illumination. Like a rainbow bridge, they form the connecting channel between mind and body, spirit and matter, past and future, Heaven and Earth. As we spin through the tumultuous times of our present era, the chakras are the gears that turn the spiral of evolution, drawing our attention toward the still untapped frontiers of consciousness and its infinite potential.” (from Chapter One)

Wheels of Life is a system about a system - journeying the reader through the seven major chakras with theory, example, practical application and experiential exercises to accomplish the great work of personal transformation. Each consciousness is a unit in the evolutionary process moving us from what we are to what we can become, and through that process we realize ourselves as magicians, healers and visionaries.

Wheels of Life takes us through each chakra to fulfill its potentials and then transforms and makes us whole.

The journey is taken step-by-step, with each step bringing practical advantages in the development of inherent skills and abilities to meet the increasingly critical challenges of life in our times. Your life is filled with meaning and purpose. Its destiny is Enlightenment. Now, you must take the first step.
... Read more

Reviews

Good book!! How can 100,000 readers go wrong??, November 18, 2002
This was my first book on the Chakra system and to be quite frankly it has been one of those books I always go back to look for references. My personal opinion is that Anodea Judith, PhD, has done an excellent book, both for the beginner in working and understanding the Chakras as well as the advanced.
Each chapter is dedicated to a particular Chakra. You will learn, the Sanskrit name to each Chakra, it's meaning, location, Element, Function, Inner State, Outer State, Body Parts, color, Mantra sound, Hindu Deity, as well as other deities from other pantheons. Also each chapter has a meditation on that particular Chakra as well as Yoga exercises to harness that particular Chakra to your favor. I have been directed to other books, because people say that there are better books out there. But to be honest this book for beginners is simple and right to the point. Anodea Judith, PhD writing is down to earth, and direct. Think about it, how can 100,000 readers go wrong. If you are looking for your first book on Chakras, you will not go wrong here. This is a good book, full of a wealth of information.

Definitely the book to have on Chakras, November 22, 2003
I had been looking for awhile for a good book on Chakras that was straightforward and easy to undertsand. There are so many books on Chakras and many of them (at least the ones I found) went way too deep too fast and lost me. I needed a book that went Chakra by Chakra, explaining what each represents and providing some exercises to work them. This book was perfect! Each chakra chapter starts out with a one-pager with words that help explain that chakra (e.g. 1st Chakra - earth, roots, grounding, survival, body, food, beginning, etc). Then there is a meditation. Then there is text that walks through each type of description (e.g. "grounding"). Judith connects the concepts to the body and explains how its all connected. There are yoga exercises as well as recommended reading of other books to learn more about each Chakra. Excelent book - It really lays things out in a simple way that is straightforward and unmuddied. Lots of hand drawings throughout as well as some great quotes to ponder. Gods and Godesses are also mentioned in the text which is great. Excellent book!

The most concise information on the chakra system., November 21, 1999
This offering from Adodea Judith has the most useful information on the caring for the chakra system that I've found in 10 years of performing chakra therapy. I recommend it to my clients often. Anyone interested in chakras and how they interact with our physical bodies would benefit by reading this work as well as having it for reference.

Should have been called Anodea's thoughts on Chakras., October 14, 2007
I bought this book , after reading all the reviews written by Yoga teachers on this page. I was kind of disappointed with the quality of information in the book in quite many ways.
This book preaches a lot of good and useful things , right from diet to exercise to visualization. I liked the concept of balancing of chakras for kids and would help guide new or to-be parents. Also the fact presented in the book that women are ignored in most yogic scriptures which explain self realization.

But, there are some major doubts on the main subject being discussed in this book.
1. The author has suggested that use of LSD or Marijuana might be good to get a glimpse of what to expect when higher chakras get excited. There is no mention of which research led her to conclude the same. Please Do not believe this!!
2. For every Chakra the author mentions the Tarot Suit, Sephira, Archangel names. But there is not mention of why is there this association.
3. There is no or very less reference to Kundalini power. I would have expected a chapter dedicated to this with detailed references to the Nadis in the appendix. Any serious book on chakras would do that.
4. Too much visualization and imagery , and a lot less information of
Mantra Yoga ( Chanting Yoga used to steady the mind ).
5. Well , Jogging a aerobic exercises have been suggested to help balance the chakras. I agree , aerobic exercises and weights are excellent workout ( I myself am a kettlebell fan ).But these activities actually
increase excitation and the author seems to have left out important information on Pranayama. Seems strange for a PHD and Yoga teacher.
6. Kapalabhati and Mool Bandha, Ashwini Mudra are for the first 3 chakras, the author mentions them only for the 3rd chakra, and that too with no mention to their sanskrit names or their meanings.

Well, I would suggest anyone who wants to seriously understand chakras , to look elsewhere.There is a wealth of information on the internet.
No book may give you all the knowledge, but atleast take care that it does not give you incorrect information. Every person find's his or her own way to self realization.
I dont believe, that to understand eastern philosophy, the author needs to mix it with western philosophy and vice-versa. They are different schools of thought and both of them can co-exist independently. A person wishing to understand either of them just needs to gain a better understanding of the perception of each philosophy before diving into the details. I am going to go further in my study to understand and realise the chakras, but I am done with this book.

Regards
sachin

Large Collection Of Information, Theories & Exercises, April 7, 2003
This book has a lot of ideas about chakras and some practical exercises, although in containing ideas collected from a variety of sources it includes some misleading statements and false assumptions, which the reader will have to discern through their own experience and research. This is a nice book for a reference collection or for those seeking a thorough overview of chakras and the metaphysical traditions associated with them. The author is enthusiastic about the subject matter, and tends to be open to a wide range of ideas about chakras, though she does not claim to have an authoritative understanding of chakras and metaphysics. There are many books available about chakras, and this is a fairly good one, since it exposes the reader to a wealth of information and ideas rather than a single narrow viewpoint or dogmatic teaching.

THE chakra book!, May 27, 2000
Anodea does it again. This is THE chakra manual. It is a helpful text for professional body/energy workers, and clear enough to understand for those who are new to the chakra concepts. Each of the 7 chakras are explained in detail, both historically and from a western viewpoint. Along with exercises that one can do to enhance the health of each chakra. A MUST for anyone interested in the chakra system.

Ultimate Chakra Read, April 11, 2000
This is a must read for anyone working with the chakras.It is very detailed and simple to understand.It also has diagrams and charts for easier understanding of using and working with the chakras.

A complete and comprehensive study of the Chakras, January 15, 1997
This book has everything you will ever need to know about the Chakra System. The author takes you step by step through the Chakras, explaining them in detail, their color their sound, their meaning, the parts of the body they represent, possible malfunctions and remedies as well as exercises. A work well done! Gail Fo

If you only buy one this should be it., September 23, 2005
This book goes well beyond the basics that are found in other books. Anodea Judith laces her work with insightful theory and psychology, to help you grow and connect. It has all the basics, but also much more. This is a great book to help you establish a chakra balancing practice. These are tools you can use throughout your life to help you keep balanced even in times of disaster and suffering.

Magnum Opus, May 24, 2005
The magnum opus of chakra books! I've had this book for years now and it has stood the test of time, I still refer to it often for insight and clarification. Anodea is a master teacher, her presentation is wide-reaching. Whether you are new to this field of study or you've been at it for a while like I have, this is a resource with something for everyone. To complement this book, I find the guided chakra meditation on the audio cd, Crystal Voices, to be an extremely valuable practice as well. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A fundamental tool for recovering people for 40 years, this classic book began the tradition of using meditatins as a daily source of strength and renewal. The traditional values of Twelve Step recovery are highlighted with an inspirational thought, meditation, and prayer ... Read more

Reviews

Help each day, December 1, 2000
This book is good for daily meditation. I would also recommend the book An Encounter with A Prophet to get closer to God.

a great way to start each day, May 25, 1999
I have read this book daily for almost 20 years. The original book, given to me in 1979 is somewhat worn and now I require a replacement. It has been and will remain my first reading each day.

A Daily Friend to Me, April 1, 2000
Primarily thought of as a book geared for the recovering alcoholic, this wonderful book could really apply to whatever addiction one may suffer, including selfishness. A wonderful book that compliments the AA program, that when read each morning it gets me started off on the right foot, and reminds me to put God and the needs of my friends and family first, thus keeping my selfish tendencies under wraps. A great companion, and certainly a great gift for someone starting recovery from alcoholism.

Great Book !, May 8, 2000
I read this book every day, it is set up with a daily meditation and prayer. Although it only takes a few minutes to read I feel it has greatly helped me to stay sober for six years, by concentrating on 24 hours a day. Gary H.

sober23and counting, May 21, 2007
The last writer is on a Jesus soap box. This book and AA meetings have made a better person, a more loving person and a better Christen out of me. All recovery depends on a decision to trust God, make amends for past sins, and live a clean and sober life. Most people may want to stop abusing but cannot or will not change the way they think and live. I believe Jesus delivered me but someone else may think Buddha helped them. I tried the way of religion and the way of no religion and still was miserable. This book guided me to a new spiritual life that no church or religion could do.

twenty-four hours a day excellent, June 10, 2007
AN EXCELLENT WAY TO START YOUR DAY. IT STARTS THE DAY RIGHT AND IF YOUR DAY IS HECTIC THINK BACK UPON THE READING. DON'T FORGET TO BREATH DEEP AND REALIZE WHATEVER THE PROBLEM IS YOU ONLY HAVE TO HANDLE IT FOR 24 HOURS A DAY.

Used for going on 20 years!, September 30, 2007
Can't start my day w/o this one...have used it for going on 20 years...AA now has their own meditations book;but, I never switched from this one. After all these years, it still hits home and has been a foundation of my recovery...

One page per day, August 7, 2007
That's all you need to help stay focused on recovery. This is a pocket sized paperback. Therefore it is convenient to keep handy. Some good places for this book are the glove box of the car, night stand, purse, kitchen table, the bathroom, or wherever it helps you to remember to read this everyday.

Each page is labeled by date and contains: A.A. thought for the day(which contains a question as well), meditation for the day, and prayer for the day.

This is a good book for all people to stay balanced and focused on the spiritual side of life. You do not need to be in A.A. for it to be helpful.

Alcohol killing you? There is life in this book ; ), April 25, 2007
"Before taking a night-club DJ's job in the 80's writer did not drink; 9 years later on especially grim days my consumption approached a gallon of cheap vodka a day and I could not function. Over the last dozen years of clean & sober living, the "grace" of Almighty God led me to AA, AA's "grace" led me to many new places including this treasured little book (head & shoulders above anything else in its field). "24 Hours a Day" is composed of a short, meditational trilogy for each day of the year, sourced from Hazelden (the world's largest addiction recovery program) and another blessed little book (buy it also from Amazon) titled "God Calling". Concluding, am surprised by the book's "only four star" rating; for me there are not enough stars in the universe to pay it, Hazelden and "AA" sufficient tribute. Succinctly put, if you have a substance abuse problem of any genre "24 Hours" WILL help you beyond words. But if you are like the chap whose impoverished review spoke of "Repetitive magical drivel for people who want to stick in a rut.", likely it WON'T help. You'll need a book on "ATTITUDE" for that. Or put another way, "Sir - did you forget to say no to drugs today?" ; )

MORNING INSPIRATION FOR RECOVERY, December 23, 2007
MUCH OF THIS BOOK IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM THE BIG BOOK OF AA / 12 STEPS, 12 TRADITIONS, THE BIBLE AND MANY OTHER INSPIRATIONAL WRITINGS.
RECOVERY IS ABOUT A CHANGE IN BOTH PHILOSOPHY AND LIFESTYLE.
THIS BOOK WILL DEFINATELY HELP YOU MAKE THE JOURNEY. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Beautiful book!, July 22, 2010
Highly recommended for yoga students and teachers or anyone interested in learning more about the stories behind the poses. I've always found these stories to be a bit confusing and hard to remember, but this book is written in a way that makes them very real and relatable. The graphics are lovely as well. This is a book to return to time and time again.

Great for teachers, September 10, 2010
Yoga teachers have to read a ton of information and sometimes it becomes overwhelming (the yoga practice! the spiritual growth!) This book does a great job of summarizing many of the asana's origins in a light hearted way without dumbing it down. You'll find yourself enjoying the poses a little more and maybe even smiling a bit when you hear them called out in class.

Fun addition to a yoga class, September 25, 2010
Myths from this book enrich a yoga class, giving students a sense of connection to the past in their yoga practice today. Good book for a teacher to have.

This is an excellent book, September 23, 2010
This is an excellent resource for yoga teachers and students alike. Alanna is an extremely entertaining writer and adds beautiful insight into classic tales. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in yoga.

A reader recommends "Myths of the Asanas: the Ancient Origins of Yoga", November 10, 2010
After reading an excerpt from "Myths of the Asanas: the Ancient Origins of Yoga" in the October 2010 issue of "Yoga Journal" magazine, I got online and ordered a copy of the book from Amazon.com. A student of the works of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung, I immediately recognized the authors' understanding of, and respect for the mythic tradition. The writing, like magic realism, is reminiscent of children's literature, yet contains deep truths relevant to those in all stages of life. The book is a collection of short stories: synopses of the myths which correspond with the asanas or postures familiar to contemporary practitioners of yoga. Highly informative, but not patronizing, each short section is a relaxing read which gives those who practice yoga a greater understanding of the longstanding tradition in which we take part.
I have enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who practices yoga or is interested in mythology/collective consciousness. My only complaint is, however, like so many things "yoga" the presentation is uber-feminine, specifically the cover art. Not everyone who practices yoga is female. Is it too much to ask the marketing gurus to take a more androgynous approach? ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Seek No Further, August 9, 2009
Serious yoga practitioners need seek no further than this fascinating and inspiring translation and commentary. While not the easiest version of the Yoga Sutras to read, its virtues more than compensate for the difficulty. Prof. Bryant's comprehensive knowledge of Indian philosophy, fidelity to the intent of the text (without the usual filtering to suit various Western prejudices and agendas) and passionate fondness for this material lift this version far above any others. The glossary and index of Sanskrit terms are themselves worth the price. Read this book in small chunks, take your time, and it will amply repay your efforts.

Life Changing, July 31, 2009
I was able to read the completed manuscript in Prof. Bryant's Yoga Sutras class in 2007 (in the book it says 2008!) and have been waiting ever since for the book to come out. Having no background in philosophy I found Bryant's book to be surprisingly friendly to read, easy to understand, and beyond intellectually stimulating. Many of the ideas and concepts proposed in the Yogic tradition are abstract, and lack English equivalents, which in other cases might prove a daunting and tedious task; but Bryant tackles these idealogies in terms and examples which any one could read and comprehend.

If I could afford it I would buy 1,000 copies of this book and hand it out to people.

Essential reading, September 19, 2009
There's a growing selection of commentaries on the Yoga Sutras but this one stands out as a useful crossover between more scholarly texts and those aimed at more 'everyday' students. Edwin Bryant has chosen a selection of classical commentaries to reference in his own commentary, including Vyasa and Vijnanabhiksu, making this an invaluable 'one stop shop' for reference. In addition to the commentary on the Yoga Sutras, this book includes a useful history of yoga, placing it in context with the Vedic Period, Upanisads, Mahabharata and Sanhkya. Also included is an explanation of the subject matter of the Yoga Sutras and in the Appendix, a transliteration and translation of the Yoga Sutras. Apart from the overall quality of this text, what you get represents real value for money!

Although I've only recently received my copy, I can see that this book is likely to become my 'go to' for the Yoga Sutras. However, it's less likely to become the copy that I take to the Yoga Sutra group I go to but only because the sometimes extensive commentary on individual sutras makes it too unwieldy for reference in the class situation. In my opinion, this is a book to savour when you have time to sit with it, absorb and contemplate the commentary properly.

In summary, Edwin Bryant's commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali should be on the bookshelf of any serious yoga student.

Best edition of the Sutras in English, bar none, May 30, 2010
Edwin F. Bryant presents the sometimes enigmatic aphorisms of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras in clean, clear, sparse, perfectly comprehensible English, and provides the reader with the key thoughts of the major commentators who offer context and interpretation to this seminal Yoga text.

An important point to make is that while Bryant's impeccable scholarship satisfies the most demanding academic, these sutras, for the first time, I believe, come to life for the general reader with a sincere interest in Yoga. (The Isherwood-Prabhavananda edition, How to Know God, presents the sayings in lucid, poetic English, but there is none of the depth of commentary.) Bryant presents the individual sayings ("sutras" literally means "threads")in Sanskrit in both Devanagari script and the Latin alphabet, and translates each word precisely, then offers his own translation of the sutra in contemporary English. The individual sutras are followed by readable narratives which interpret each saying and various commentaries from ancient to modern times.

As someone who has practiced Yoga since childhood and has written a master's thesis on the sutras, I recommend this book enthusiastically. Every student and teacher of Yoga, whether as a popular fitness program or the highest pathway to enlightenment, should own this book. Furthermore, individuals with no special interest in Yoga will find that it offers an excellent complement to other philosophical and religious reading, since the Sutras' teachings mirror the pathways of many world religions. I hope it becomes available in hardback and as a Kindle book because it is a work that should become part of one's permanent library and, in fact, part of one's very life.

Excellent in-depth commentary from a current day master, September 13, 2009
I attended a seminar on the Sutras given by Edwin a couple of years ago and have been waiting for this book to be published ever since. He is truly one of the great minds of our time. Edwin "unpacks" the sutras, revealing their wisdom layer by layer in an understandable format. This rendition is every bit what I thought it would be and I would recommend it to yogis and yoginis everywhere. The commentary is in depth and explains even the most abstract (and sometimes seemingly contradictory) concepts of the Sutras well.

Brilliant, August 16, 2009
I have been looking forward to adding Edwin Bryant's translation and commentary on the yoga sutras to my collection, but I not expecting to be so blown away. He has created a very clear, deeply historical, profoundly personal, wonderfully moving translation and commentary on the yoga sutras. You should not be without this book.

Devotional perspective, erudite and profound., September 30, 2009
This book is extremely well-written. The author is profoundly familiar with Sanskrit, the Vedas, the Bhagavad-gita and Puranas and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the sutras. Mostly, he connects the practicality of yoga and meditation to the deepest part of the sutras which is devotion to God. Patanjali didn't just write short threads of advice or how to go into samadhi by practicing halasana. He carefully organized and arranged his material with the observant eye of a practiced bhaktin or devotee. Here we have a very rich interpretation of what Patanjali wrote. It is filled with the rays of God shining on every page, and in time will become a classic.

The Definitive, The Best; Faithful Translation, August 23, 2010
Yoga Sutras' structure and the connections between the sutras and the logic is uniquely brilliant. Yoga Sutras is meant for the enlightenment of humanity and remains vital today.

For more than a decade, I, as a seeker of truth, have been sincerely searching for an easily accessible Yoga Sutras translation which also faithfully retains the original message without any speculation/vagueness.

After extensive comparative studies of numerous translations, I found out that this book is what I had been looking for because:
- The original spirit of Yoga Sutras is vibrant throughout as it a modern presentation of the authorized translations and commentaries of Yoga tradition.
- The presentation is brilliant, engaging and universal in its appeal
- This is not from an arm-chair philosopher. The author is a practitioner, which means he's put his heart and soul into this work.

the yoga sutra of patanjali by edwin bryant, October 27, 2009
This is an excellent book for those are interested in learning complete yoga. i have fully enjoyed the book that has increased my understanding and appreciation of patanjali's sutra. i highly recommend to must read this book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Bhagavad-Gita or, The Song Celestial

(From the Mahabharata)

Being a Discourse Between Arjuna, Prince of India, and the Supreme Being Under the Form of Krishna

Translated from the Sanskrit Text by Sir Edwin Arnold

The content of the Gita is the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra war. Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince and elaborates on different Yogic and Vedantic philosophies, with examples and analogies. This has led to the Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and also as a practical, self-contained guide to life. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi describes it as a lighthouse of eternal wisdom that has the ability to inspire any man or woman to supreme accomplishment and enlightenment. During the discourse, Krishna reveals his identity as the Supreme Being Himself (Svayam bhagavan), blessing Arjuna with an awe-inspiring vision of his divine universal form.

- Excerpted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Editorial Review

Chances are you've heard of the chakras. They're those spinning vortexes of energy associated with places along the spine. But you might be wondering, "What are they good for?" If you've ever had that question, you need Chakras for Beginners.
This book is filled with exercises and meditations that will allow you to balance out the energy in each of your chakras. This will allow you to make better decisions (3rd chakra) and get more pleasure out of life (2nd chakra). The other chakras can help you improve your communication skills, and overcome your fears. They'll help you find your spiritual path in life and bring back the zip and zing which may have been missing.
Author David Pond explains how to do all of this. You see, all of your chakras are working, but chances are they do not have balanced energy. Through simple techniques and meditations, Pond shows you how you can add the Universal Energy to your own. You can then use this to balance the energy of each chakra. When you do, your fears will fall away. Decisions will be easier to make and you'll feel able to make the right choices more often. You'll learn to share universal love, be able to communicate better. And all of this will come from the simple exercises and meditations in this book!
Isn't it time you found out the truth about the chakras? Isn't it about time you made use of them to improve your life? It's your birthright! Take advantage of it. Get this book today and start improving your life right away.


... Read more

Reviews

Inspired Work and Play with Chakras, March 17, 2000
David Pond's book is an inspired text with highly practical information. Just like his other book "The Metaphysical Handbook", he provides the reader with rich information on the history and background of chakras while making this ancient healing system apply directly to the current cultural climate. He guides the reader playfully and honestly through each chapter in the ascending order of the chakras so the reader can build up with useful exercises and hands on material. I have studied chakras for many years in my work with clients in the health care field as a bodyworker and educator and found that David's book to be very accessible and a pleasure to use personally. I have numerous clients who have used the techniques in the book as well and report positive results. For anyone interested in working with yoga, energy systems or just want to feel better this is a must read!

Chakras for Beginners, June 10, 2002
David Pond says that "understanding the chakras is one of the most effective means of accessing the various levels of consciousness available to you." In Chakras for Beginners: A Guide to Balancing Your Chakra Energies, he describes the chakras and what it takes to keep them functioning properly.

Chakras are energy centers. Pond calls them the "batteries for the various levels of your life energy." Their source is the universal life force. Of the many chakras we each have, seven are considered as primary. These seven are in a straight line along the length of the spine. Any blocks or imbalances in the chakras can result in disease or emotional difficulties.

After discussing chakras in general, Pond devotes a chapter to each of the seven primary energy centers. He first describes the "drive" or purpose of each chakra. For example, the first chakra is concerned with survival, while the fourth chakra deals with the quest for love. He then discusses all the ways in which the chakra can be out of balance, including problems related to too much energy as well as difficulties stemming from too little energy. After explaining how to balance the chakra, Pond discusses how to keep it in balance.

Each chapter includes exercises designed to balance and maintain the individual chakras. He finishes with a section on special tips and techniques for activating the chakras. He also explains how colors and crystals can affect the chakras.

The last part of the book is a collection of essays about chakras. In those, he discusses subjects like kundalini, spirituality, and transmuting negative energy into a positive force. He also includes several meditations.

Pond's intention with Chakras for Beginners is to help people acquaint themselves "with the chakra system, how it works, and how it should operate optimally." Readers will find that he has provided all the information they need for understanding how to keep their chakras free of blockages or imbalances.

Great journey through the Energy Centers, February 20, 2000
I really enjoyed this book. The author, David Pond, clearly knows his subject and with ease takes you on a journey through each chakra. As well as giving the traditional vital statistics for each, he augments this information with psychological, emotional, and intuitive perspectives. Accompanying each section are exercises and meditations for nourishing and balancing these energy centers. This book is well integrated, clear, and elicits a strong sense of how important self knowledge of the chakras is to our individual vitality, our society, and our planet as a whole. I thoroughly enjoyed the essays towards the end of the book. These tied it all together and gave perspectives on how chakra energy is utilized at every moment of every day, at every level of our being. This book made the chakras come alive for me. They are no longer just a great metaphysical idea, but an integral element of our process of being. Thank you, David. Good work.

Just the introduction I was looking for!, October 31, 2005
I have practiced yoga regularly for several years now, and this has led to an interest in exploring the chakras, the seven "energy centers" of the body. I was able to obtain some basic information online, but I wanted a book which would provide more details as well as exercises--hopefully incorporating yoga--which would focus on balancing the energy of the chakras. Happily, this book met my needs very well.

After offering an overview of the chakras and the importance of keeping them balance, author David Pond addresses each of the seven chakras individually. In particular, he describes both the balance and unbalanced perspectives of each chakra as well as offers several exercises both for connecting with that chakra and awakening the energy contained within. Some of the exercises do contain suggestions for yoga--i.e., performing tree pose to attain balance--but most of them are more meditative in nature.

In the second half of the book, Pond presents a selection of "Essays," which are basically short chapters (2-3 pages on average) about the relationship between the chakras and other issues, including the ego, vows, negative energy, visualization, and other similar topics. I found this section to be less helpful, as here, Pond's tendency towards new-age thinking (he is an astrologer by profession, after all) became a bit too much for my tastes. However, he concludes the book with additional exercises, meditations, and a chakra chart, all of which I found useful. All-in-all, this is a very nice introductory book about chakras which provides good basic information as well as easy-to-follow meditative exercises.

Good beginning book for working with chakras, January 11, 2002
Having a slightly more than beginners knowledge of the chakras, I found this book to be a great introduction to the charkas. To me, it seemed as though he was writing to a female audience. This book is also good for pagans or non-pagans. Pond goes through all of the chakras and gives some meditations at the end. I found the chapters on the sixth and particularly the seventh chakras to be a bit confusing but perhaps that is the point - that they are hard to commit to paper.

The only criticism I have is that I wish there were more meditations. Other than that, I recommend purchasing for beginner / intermediate students

Very clear explanations... but lots of other info missing, June 1, 2001
I bought this book last week, and loved the first part of it. David Pond has described all 7 chakras quite clear in this book, but I'm a bit disappointed about the lack of practising information. I mean... yeah sure, I knew what the Heart Chakra was after my first "exercise" and I've also tried that Yoga position, but it's more theory than practise. Too bad!

excellent introduction to chakras, June 21, 2005
I have read many books on chakras, and this one really stands out in its ability to relay concepts with Simplicity and Clarity, which renders them more accessible to most readers. His meditations are pleasant, and I hope he writes more of them for us in the future.

Thank you, David Pond.

one of the best books ive ever read!, January 30, 2001
This is one of the best books i have ever read and is the best book on chakras ive read! David Pond wrote the book in a very friendly and readable manner. Each chakra has its own chapter and is broken down into very comprehendible exercises and explanations. Definitely a must read!

Would not recommend this as a beginning chakra book., October 28, 2007
I am brand new to chakras, and after reading the reviews I thought this would be an excellent book to start with. I started reading it as soon as I received it. I was extremely disappointed. I MADE myself keep reading, until I was up to about the 5th chakra, and then decided I wouldn't torture myself anymore. I picked up another book I had ordered on chakras, started reading it, and was immediately fascinated by the subject. The other book was by Ambika Wauters, I think her introductory book, called The Book of Chakras; Discover the Hidden Forces Within You. The Book of Chakras: Discover the Hidden Forces Within You She is very informative. But the best part was, she's easy to understand, but doesn't talk like she's on the playground. I'm not sure exactly how to explain it, but I didn't like the style of this guy at all. After reading it, it just sounded like garbage to me. This book is very simplistic and informal; maybe I just need a more intellectual type approach, I don't know. I was looking for a beginner's book, but definitely not this one. I'm glad I got one that was really cheap!

Possibly, this book might be good for children. I guess I felt this was written more at a child's level; very minimal useful information is given, as far as I'm concerned. (I realize the author specifically says this is for beginners! But that's what I am!)

Great introduction to Chakras, November 26, 2002
Well written and thorough, this book gives a good introduction to the chakras. For each he lists the core issue and drive. What would have been great is if he could list what physical ailments arise when a particular chakra is out of balance.

Overall a great introduction. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Bhagavad-Gita has been an essential text of Hindu culture in India since the time of its composition in the first century A.D.One of the great classics of world literature, it has inspired such diverse thinkers as Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi, and T.S. Eliot; most recently, it formed the core of Peter Brook's celebrated production of the Mahabharata. ... Read more

Reviews

Not the best, but still not bad, August 7, 2001
Professor Miller's is not one of the better translations of the Gita. We can see this immediately by her choice of subtitle, "Krishna's Counsel in Time of War," which works against the real significance of what Krishna is saying and misses the profound message of the Gita entirely. If the Gita were only advice about how to act during war, it could hardly have even a minuscule part of the world-wide and timeless significance that it has. Regardless of how literally one may want to read the Gita, it is an unmistakable truth that Krishna's counsel is not about war, per se, but about how to live life, and how to face death.

We can also see in her introduction and in the "key words" section following the text that her understanding of the Gita is mostly academic. She has not practiced (at least not to any great extent) any of the yogas central to the Gita. It cannot be emphasized enough that a true understanding of the Bhagavad Gita requires not only study but practice in one or more of the four yogas presented by Krishna, namely bhakti yoga, karma yoga, jnana yoga or raja yoga.

To illustrate some of the problems in the text, let's look at the beginning of Chapter Five as an example. Miller calls this, "The Fifth Teaching: Renunciation of Action," which is not exactly right since what is renounced are the fruits of action, not action itself, which according to the Gita, is impossible to renounce. We always act; even in inaction we are acting. Just "Renunciation" would be a better title for the chapter. Miller uses the word "Simpletons" in the fourth verse as the converse of "the learned"; but this is just poor diction. The intent of the Sanskrit is "unlearned" or "immature." Swami Nikhilananda, in his translation (1944; 6th printing, 1979), even uses the word "children." The natural word is "fools" which Miller avoids for no clear reason.

In the next verse, Miller has: "Men of discipline reach the same place/that philosophers attain;/he really sees who sees philosophy/and discipline to be one." She certainly has the spirit of the meaning correct, but "Men of discipline" is not only needlessly vague, it is misleading since discipline alone does not work at all, which is one of Krishna's main points. While hers is a literal translation of the Sanskrit "yogair," a more meaningful translation would be "Men of yoga." R. C. Zaehner, who translated the Gita for the Oxford University Press (1969), uses "men of practice" although that too is not entirely agreeable. Eknath Easwaran (1985; 2000), who really knows yoga, has Krishna simply say, "The goal of knowledge and the goal of service are the same; those who fail to see this are blind." Easwaran can deviate from a strict literal translation because he really understands the purport of the Gita. Swami Prabhupada, whose translation serves the further didactic purpose of promoting "Krishna consciousness," is also a man who has a deep understanding of the Gita. He puts it this way: "One who knows that the position reached by means of renunciation can also be attained by devotional service, and who therefore sees that sankhya and yoga are on the same level, sees things as they are."

Another disagreeable choice made by Miller is the epithet, "Lord of Discipline" that she has Arjuna use in addressing Krishna in 10.17. This unhappy phrasing comes about because of Miller's reluctance to use the proper and natural word "yoga." Easwaran has "supreme master of yoga," while Nikhilananda has simply, "O, Yogi...O, Lord." Prabhupada has "You...O Blessed Lord," and Zaehner tries to explain with "athlete of the spirit...You, Blessed Lord." Stephen Mitchell's recent translation (2000) has the eminently sensible, "Lord of Yoga."

I think Miller was overly influenced by the very literal and also largely academic translation by Franklin Edgerton from 1944, a translation admired in academic circles since it was the one included in the prestigious Harvard Oriental Series, but a translation neither poetic nor especially insightful. It is difficult to make strictly literal translations true to the spirit of the Gita because the Gita is poetic and is profound in a way not immediately apparent. Miller worked hard at a literal rendition of the text, but she also sought to make it contemporary for a particular (young) American generation. Ainslee Embree, Professor of History at Columbia University, is quoted on the cover as saying, "Miller's is the translation for her generation." Unfortunately, it is not clear that Embree meant that entirely as a compliment!

Having said all this, Miller's is a sincere effort, and captures most of what the Gita is about. No reasonable translation of this great spiritual work is in vain.

Celestial Song, January 19, 2001
'Bhagavad-Gita' which means `Celestial Song' or `Song of theLord' is an immensely popular sacred text in India.....

What makes 'Bhagavad-Gita' so popular? To begin with, its lines are steeped in extraordinary lyrical grace. The eight syllable or occasionally eleven syllable quarters exude a rare poetic energy.

Secondly, the text centres around two very popular characters from Indian religion and mythology: Krishna and Arjuna.

Thirdly, the context , that is the great war scene of 'Mahabharata' adds to the drama of the narrative.

Apart from all these, the most endearing quality of 'Gita' lies in the practicality of its teachings for all times. The great war is about to begin, but the hero Arjuna is beset with self-doubt, hesitation and remorse. Krishna, his charioteer, engages him in a long dialogue, which forms the main body of the narrative. Krishna's counsel not only dispels Arjuna's fears and doubts, it also provides solution to the eternal struggle between the spiritual and material in every human being. It answers all existential questions of man. Each man is facing a battle of Mahabharata within himself in his everyday life. To live, man has to fight, for life is a battle in which forces of good and evil are at constant war.

Krishna's advice for man is to be deeply interested in his action and moral duty, yet to remain inwardly unattached, because man's real enemy is desire due to attachment. This enemy can be overcome by arming oneself with discipline and acting in a manner so as to cross the narrow limits of desire. Man must perform his duty disinterestedly, without selfish desire and without losing sight of ultimate spiritual reality. This al reality is surrender to Krishna himself. Krishna says,

`Relinquishing all sacred duties to me, make me your only refuge; do not grieve, for I shall free you from all evils.' (XVIII, 66)

'Bhagavad-Gita' is much more than my summary -- it is in fact the essence of Hinduism. 'Gita' touches upon all the basic concepts of Hindu religion such as duty (dharma), discipline (yoga), action (karma), knowledge (jnana) and devotion (bhakti).

Barabara Stoler Miller's translation of 'The Bhagavad-Gita' faithfully retains the charm, lyricality and essence of the original. For the Western reader, the `Introduction' and the `Afterword' titled `Why Did Henry David Thoreau Take 'The Bhagavat Gita' to Walden Pond,' comes as a great help for understanding the poem itself and realising the guiding principles of Hinduism. The section on keywords is in fact an extension of the lucid commentary given in the beginning.

I recommend this translated version not only to the new readers of 'Gita', but also to those, who, bogged down by the numerous explanations of the scripture, seek a fresh look at it.

Good undergraduate class edition, August 3, 2003
The size and low price of the book make it appealing to assign to college courses. This decision is reinforced by the clarity of the translation, which uses such terms as "infinite spirit" instead of "Brahman," which tends to confuse the reader. The presentation on the page is also satisfactory, especially compared to the Penguin edition's sloppy appearance.
To those who think Stoler's translation misses the mark because of an emphasis on war in it, this is incorrect. She properly places Arjuna's dilemma in his supposedly real life situation. This is how Hindu texts operated: put a person in a practical, believable situation the reader can identify with, then respond to it with the message from the wisdom-giver. It makes perfect sense, and Stoler does not miss the warfare of the soul also present in Arjuna.
Also recommended is Eknath Easwaran's translation into English.

One of the truly great pieces of world literature, August 15, 2002
Despite the literary criticisms made by some other reviewers, the fact is that the main messages of this age-old text still come through clearly in this modern translation. The introduction is excellent, and its engaging style is probably easier for first-time readers to swallow versus other academic translations. For the book's small price and size, it's a great investment and, as a piece of world literature, has to rank among the greatest ever produced.

While I think most religions of the world are fundamentally the same if you explore them yourself, from a documentation perspective, Eastern texts seem to go further than many Western texts in trying to explore and understand the nature of, and the relationship among, reality, God and ourselves. It seems you don't have to travel someplace far to finally understand it, or at least understand it better; the knowledge is in the here and now. Like Krishna's friend Arjuna, you have to become aware and accept it. And the first step in doing that is opening a book like this.

Poetic wisdom, June 11, 2000
I felt compelled to review this translation so that I might emphasize its uniqueness in comparison to other translations I have read. In a word, "beautiful". While the 5 other translations I have read (Swami Prabhavananda, C. Rajagopalachari, Eugene Whitworth, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Yogananda) are all noteworthy and valuable, Barbara Stoler Miller's translation is particularly poetic. The wisdom flows easily and vividly as a result of this translator's interpretations. It's always the first translation I lend or recommend when asked.

Recommended for the Novice, August 8, 2003
If you are unfamiliar with Indian philosophical terms, I recommend this translation of the Gita. Miller was kind enough to substitute numerous terms so as to simplify the language while retaining the quintessential message the Gita attempts to convey. Her poetic rendition of the Gita into English is well-done and a pleasure to read. Reading another translation which preserves all the original terms and the multitude of names for Krishna and Arjun can be frustrating, especially if you do not know how to pronounce long, intimidating Sanskrit words.

In addition, it is also an inexpensive translation, all the more reason to buy it.

Bahavad Gita: Miller translation, November 10, 2006
This is without question the best translation (readable and accurate) for use in the classroom. The accompanying essays by this brilliant scholar are excellent.

A Great Translation, July 24, 2006
The Bhagavad-Gita has to be one of the greatest spirtual works of all time. And Miller's introduction not only places the teachings of Krishna in the context of the Hindu religious tradition, but is also careful to place the story of the Bhagavad-Gita within the context of the larger story (The Mahabarata) from which it is excerpted. Avoiding the nuisance of footnotes at the bottom of every page, Miller's introduction, with its thorough, though brief synopsis of the enormous Mahabarata, and with her skeletal, though sufficient notes on Hinduism, offers the reader well enough information to grasp the meaning and context of the Bhagavad-Gita. This edition provides a six page appendix ("Key Words in the Bhagavad-Gita") which serves as a helpful summation of Krishna's instruction. A somewhat tedious, though brief article is also appended for those interested in the influence of the Bhagavad-Gita upon Thoreau and Emerson.

A good starter text for those interested in learning about Hinduism.

Best translation of Bhagavad Gita available, August 23, 2005
I have read many different versions of the Bhagavad Gita, and in my humble opinion, this is the best translation out there. Miller avoids the flowery translations that many other translators offer, choosing instead to glean the pearls from each sloka, and therefore presenting a simple, crystal-clear interpretation of the message of the book. She is not writing poetry for poetry's sake; she is mining the complicated text for its essence, and it comes out here. I would read this translation over all others. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The remarkable benefits of yoga, which include improved flexibility, balance, muscle tone, endurance, and vitality, only hint at the extraordinary power of this deeply spiritual practice. When adhered to and practiced mindfully, yoga can unlock readers’ full creative potential, their capacity for love and compassion, and ability to find success in all areas of their lives. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga brings spirituality back to yoga. It shows how the Seven Spiritual Laws play a crucial role in yoga’s path to enlightenment while providing readers with a wealth of meditation techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and yoga poses. Whether a newcomer to yoga or an experienced practitioner, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is a portal to yoga’s deeper spiritual dimension and a beautiful step to a happier, more harmonious, and more abundant life. ... Read more

Reviews

For Yogis and Yoginis and the rest of us!, June 22, 2004
I enjoy yoga, and have been practicing since before it was popular! So far, pretty much all of the books I have read on the subject have been the "same old, same old." But this book is different. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is really special. It has helped me take my yoga practice to another level, where I can experience much more of the spiritual aspect of yoga. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success has always been my favorite book in the whole world - so to have these laws applied to yoga is simply the ultimate! This book is definitely a winner - it belongs on every mat in every yoga studio, and on every bedside table for all of us "at home" practitioners.

A Book of Many Insights, January 19, 2007
I chose this book because I was looking for help in returning to my practice of yoga. Deepak Chopra books always provided words of guidance. He did not fail in this attempt. He begins the book with insightful questions to help you find the real "you" and then progresses to explain the different types of yoga practices. But the real value in the book is the section discussing the Seven Spirtual Laws. For me, that alone was worth buying the book.

After many years of practicing yoga I now understand the importance of not forcing the body to obey moves but it is in allowing the inner Self to assist in all of the movements. There is a wonderful section on yoga positions with excellent photos and descriptions of how to attain the pose. Chopra also discusses meditation, how to practice it and methods for success.

This is a book I keep in my workout area and read each day before I begin my sessions. It is not only physically helpful, it is a spiritual inspiration.

wonderful!, June 25, 2004
If you love yoga then you'll love this book! There's so much more to yoga than the physical postures that we have come to know. Yoga is a beautiful study, one that can really help deepen any spiritual practice. This book explains so much. I really enjoyed it, and will read it over and over again!

Change of Life Book, November 6, 2006
Dr. Chopra's book is a very uplifting yet calming way to study the spirituality side of yoga. While the poses are not difficult, the incorporation of the 7 laws gives a whole new meaning to the asanas.
This book has taught me the importance of meditation in my yoga practice.
I think it's a great book for newcomers as well as experienced yogis.
Namaste!

Great Book, September 9, 2006
This book is a indispensible daily guide that helps readers implement the spiritual benefits of yoga--both on and off the mat. Chopra and Simon's simple yet descriptive language allows for complete comprehension of the philosophy, meditation, bandhas and practices of yoga. I especially like the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga (which fall under Philosophy) and refer to and implement them on a daily basis. As a new student of yoga, this book has greatly helped my approach to and understanding of my daily practices.

Great book!, July 16, 2009
I bought The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga because I was asked to teach a yoga and writing class and I needed/wanted more information to support the writing segment of the class. In reading the book and then applying the principles of yoga to my own everyday life, not only deepened my yoga practice, but actually deepened my everyday exepriences and the way I choose to be in the world. Hopefully, my students will have the same experience. Awesome book. Easy to follow asanas, pictures, and a solid foundation for not only 'newbies' but seasoned yogies as well!

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, October 29, 2010
This is a wonderfully concise book that goes beyond hatha, the yoga of postures, to explain the rest of yoga - spirtual practice, breathing, lifestyle, meditation. ... Read more