Light of the Soul [Paperback]

Alice Bailey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1983

- The Sutras have a power and a timelessness about them which demonstrate the accuracy with which they pinpoint the basic truths of human evolution from subservience to personality clamours to the serene freedom of the soul. Most human problems today originate in selfish desire; the prostitution of the feeling nature to self-centred physical appetites. This is also brought out clearly in the teaching of the Lord Buddha, the treading of the Noble Eight-Fold path providing the only way out of the maze: Right Values; Right Speech; Right Mode of Living; Right Thinking; Right Expression; Right Conduct; Right Effort; Right Rapture or True Happiness. These are attributes of the soul. Patanjali explores exhaustively the means, the techniques and the mental posture which create the connecting thread between the form- centred personality and these stages towards spiritual achievement and soul fusion. The four parts of the book develop: 1. The Problem of Union (51 sutras). 2. The Steps to Union (55 sutras). 3. Union Achieved and Its Results (55 sutras). 4. Illumination (34 sutras). Many different training techniques have been available over the centuries, depending on the condition of human consciousness and the phase of spiritual growth to be accomplished. Each Yoga has had its place, fulfilled its function, and become an absorbed part of human experience. In this book the factor of mind in meeting present-day needs is again given prominence as the agent of the soul, and the key to personality release. These Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are based on Raja Yoga, the kingly science of the soul. Through the science of Raja Yoga the mind will be known as the instrument of the soul and the means whereby the brain of the aspirant becomes illuminated and knowledge gained of those matters which concern the realm of the soul. The soul is concerned with the working out of planetary purpose and plan; so again we find that mental training, and the self-achievement of the individual, lead to cooperation and service on a scale far more comprehensive and of far greater evolutionary significance than merely the individual effects on the life of the disciple. Sutra 31 of Part IV rings out like a bell and a clarion call to those who venture on the path of union with the soul. When through the removal of hindrances and the purification of the sheaths, the totality of knowledge becomes available, naught further remains for the man to do. This book is part of a set of 24 books by Alice A. Bailey, written in cooperation with a Tibetan teacher between 1919-1949, constitute a continuation of the Ageless Wisdom--a body of esoteric teaching handed down from ancient times in a form which is always suitable to each period. Intended to precede and condition the coming era, the Alice A. Bailey writings offer an unparalleled spiritual approach to such subjects as the teaching on Shamballa and the Path of spiritual evolution; the spiritual Hierarchy; the new discipleship and training in meditation as a form of service; the teaching on the seven rays and the new psychology of the soul; the teaching on esoteric astrology; and the new world religion, which emphasizes the common thread of truth linking all the major world faiths. Many translations have been made from the original Sanskrit of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. They have become well loved, well used, and well applied by many in all parts of the world and of all religious beliefs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

*Alice A. Bailey, (1880-1949) From her conservative British background, Alice Bailey's life led her in many directions, but always in one direction--towards the time when through drastic personal experience of many kinds she had acquired a synthesis of outlook and understanding, and an absolute conviction that one divine life pervades and animates the one humanity; that the Plan for humanity requires the cooperation and service of trained and dedicated human beings intelligently informed about world affairs, in collaboration with those who form the spiritual Hierarchy, the inner government of the planet. Her life work became an integral part of this synthesis and this realization. Without in the least losing any of her very human qualities and involvement, her soul took up its commitment to her Master, and her personality provided full cooperation in the field of her accepted service. Basically her work developed as a duality--her discipleship service which included the establishment of an esoteric school; and her initially reluctant agreement to work with the Tibetan, Djwhal Khul, in the writing of a series of books presenting the next phase in the continuity of the Ageless Wisdom teaching for the present and the immediate future. An extract from the Tibetan teacher, written in 1934 briefly explains the intent of these teachings: The books that I have written are sent out with no claim for their acceptance. They may, or may not, be correct, true and useful. It is for you to ascertain their truth by right practice and by the exercise of the intuition. Neither I nor A.A.B. is the least interested in having them acclaimed as inspired writing, or in having anyone speak of them (with bated breath) as being the work of one of the masters. If they present truth in such a way that it follows sequentially upon that already offered in the world teachings, if the information given raises the aspiration and the will-to-serve from the plane of the emotions to that of the mind (the plane whereon the Masters can be found) then they will have served their purpose. If the teaching conveyed calls forth a response from the illumined mind of the worker in the world, and brings a flashing forth of the intuition, then let that teaching be accepted. But not otherwise. If the statements meet with eventual corroboration, or are deemed true under the test of the Law of Correspondences, then that is well and good. But should this not be so, let not the student accept what is said.

Product Details

• Paperback: 458 pages
• Publisher: Lucis Publishing Company (April 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0853301123
• ISBN-13: 978-0853301127
• Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #472,516 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Science of the Path, December 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Light of the Soul (Paperback)

The Light of the Soul is a very able translation and commentary on the teachings of one of the greatest spiritual teachers the world has seen - Patanjali. The book will be of vital interest to those who have found the reality of the spiritual path within themselves.

The Light of the Soul consists of 4 books of sutras, each book being a continuation of the teaching of the last book. The teaching covers the greater part of that path, starting from when we first recognise its existence. The entire approach of the sutras is a mental and deeply spiritual one. It outlines the practical, though inner, steps that the spiritual seeker must take in order to move from one point to the next. Much of the text is about how to spiritualise the mind (and our entire self using the mind correctly) and prepare ourselves for this spiritual transformation.

That all this is in abbreviated form in one book is a test for those who would study it, as it takes a great sense of proportion, discipline and gentle patience to tread the path with care and a sense of direction and purpose at each point. It is too easy (and fruitless) to flit here to there, grasping some interesting ideas, and then moving on again.

The sutras are to be taken as objects for our deepest contemplation and by no means should the reader limit themselves to the commentary given. The commentary is there as a guide only, for those who find it helpful.

The Light of the Soul is an explanation of how to make this divine light a living, practical reality in our lives. No spiritual person, truly interested in treading the spiritual path, should be without this book.

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the true path if one seeks enlightenment., November 18, 1999

By 

Gary Nicholson "Prairie Kestral" (Nebraska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Light of the Soul: Its Science and Effect : A Paraphrase of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Hardcover)

I've reread this work several times in the last 20 some years and of all the religious and philosophical inquiries I've pursued this really is the method by which a human can find peace, wisdom and the right approach to humankind and spirituality in this era. This coming from a rather grounded worker in engineering, and part time intellectual.

Why have traditional religions not revealed this mystery?

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Looks like a consistent framework for finding your Self, April 25, 2006

By 

J. J. Landheer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Light of the Soul (Paperback)

My first commented version on The Yoga Sutras.
I enjoyed it very much. It gives a very structured overview of the process of "Union with the Soul". Your Soul.

Yes, I guess it is from a western point of view only using some Hindu terms. Yes, I guess it is from a "Theosophy" source.
But frankly, up till now I am not worried by that.

For one, Ms. Bailey gives quotes from several other (probably old) commented translations mentioned in her bibliography. This paints a picture consistent with my earlier experiences: "who the hell are we to say which one is the right one"? Among Hindu you also have numerous "sects" with very subtle differences of opinion. Can you tell? I can't. By all means: read multiple versions if you want to get in and pick the one that gives you the best feeling.

I am not worried by the Theosophy part.
Yes, it's in there, but I don't think it is substantial.
I can read and I am not stupid. Several statements refer to Theosophy internal history (or when reference is made to "Christian Science") and I am sorry to say I just skip these as "irrelevant". There are statements in there about "Atlantis" and the like, but again I am not worried yet. My "Inconsistent!" bells have not started ringing yet, so I take these as "a statement" and I go on. But again, this is not substantial.

There is plenty of value in the Sutras, but don't expect a checklist with steps numbered 1 - 51. Work has to be done.
This is the only thing that counts: work done by you.

Respect for Patanjali.
And for Alice Bailey and D.K.