From Publishers Weekly
In America, Yoga is primarily understood as a series of physical exercises. But in this book, Adiswarananda, a monk who follows the influential 19th-century guru Ramakrishna and teaches in New York City, unpacks with clarity the spiritual systems of Yoga. A Hindu philosophy, Yoga is intended to bring about union with God. The author examines the four types of Yoga referred to in the title, using the same organizing concepts (philosophy, psychology, practices, obstacles) so that differences and similarities among the paths can be clarified, even about such heady topics as "ultimate reality." Along the way, a good deal of the Hindu understanding of God and human nature is translated, literally and figuratively, into Western-friendly ideas and terms. ("Meditation is not relaxation, as is often thought nowadays.") Sanskrit terms are explained in a glossary. Characteristic of explanations of philosophy, the text, though clear, tends toward lecture-like dryness. This would make a good reference for students of Eastern spirituality.
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--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From the Inside Flap
Explore each of the paths of Yoga and discover which suits you best in this insightful and comprehensive guidebook to one of Hinduism's most cherished spiritual traditions. Swami Adiswarananda introduces the overall philosophy of Yoga and then delves deeply into each path:
Karma-Yoga: the path of selfless action, for the active
Bhakti-Yoga: the path of divine love, for the emotional
Raja-Yoga: the path of meditation, for the contemplative
Jnana-Yoga: the path of knowledge, for the rational
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
