Review:
(Note: I read another edition of this book. Apparently, this one should contain the translation and commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, whereas what I've read did not. Since I haven't seen and read the Sutras, I'll comment only on the content of the copy I have studied - which should be the same less the Sutras.) This book deepened my understanding regarding spirituality and some aspects of Indian culture and mysticism. However, it is not an easy lecture, although I'm absolutely sure the original ancient Indian works are much more esoteric. Probably in the past the guru would have explained the esoterism, but these days people want it crystal-clear. Anyway, I've read it three times and I now understand it better. Obviously, it is directed towards (almost) total beginners, but as such it isn't very practical, because be talks about a lot of things, but only superficially, and this is the reason I rated it three stars only. The title is a bit misleading, for this is definitely not a meditation manual. He talks about concentration, yet with only one exercise or two and no gradual plan. --By Adrian S. on April 8, 2006
As the title suggest, this text is an excellent introduction to meditation, mantras, and yoga sutras. There are many meditation books and treatise in the marketplace, however a discourse from a great Swami - person who has experienced it, is essential. This is that book. The text is simple to understand and follow; ideally suited for beginners. I also highly recommend other books from Swami Sivananda and Sivananda society. I've found their texts lucid, easy to follow, and to the point. --By Akash Pai on April 10, 2012
As the title says, it's very heavy on meditation! I read this as part of my yoga teacher training program. It was fascinating. Parts of it were slower than others, but overall it's an amazing reference that I will continue to come back to. --By Elizabeth Haynes on November 10, 2013
About the Author:
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927 1993), a disciple of Swami Sivananda, was the founder of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres. He established the Sivananda Yoga Teachers Training Course, a unique program that allowed the trainees to incorporate the teachings of yoga into their daily lives. His book The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga is considered to be the bible for yoga practitioners. Swami Vishnudevananda was a Karma Yogi and a peace activist who flew on several peace missions over places of conflict, bombarding wartorn areas with flowers and pamphlets while repeating the peace Mantra: Om Namo Narayanaya. He created the Om Namo Narayanaya bank in the Himalayas, hoping to bring positive vibrations to the whole world. Although he left his body on 9 November 1993, his legacy and energy still shine throughout the organization, the centres and ashrams of which have spread all over the world, training over 30,000 teachers.
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