Customer Reviews

Light of the Soul

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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.

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?

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.

The priceless, disarmingly simple statements in this book are translated from the original sanskrit of the "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali". These statements (sutras, or seed-thoughts) may be interpreted at different levels of understanding. However, they were written to provide the spiritual aspirant, disciple and initiate with their own personal keys to liberation from the cycles of rebirth. Included in these keys are insights into the reason our human world is a world of pleasure and pain, and how we all have the capability to rise above limitations. Then, once we do rise above them, we learn about different kinds of enlightenment and the features of the new consciousness attained when we become One with our Soul.

This version of the sutras was first published by The Tibetan Master through Alice A Bailey, yet there are many other translations of the Yoga Sutras. This one is my favourite as it truly brings insights that make us stop and reconsider our life, and shift it up into the context of our true and eternal Life of our Higher Self or Soul.

Sure, the statements in this book are priceless, but the real treasure is to understand and live them. Raja Yoga is the name traditionally given to this "Kingly Science of the Soul". This book is the perfect platform for us to reach into our Soul realm.

In this book, the Tibetian Master Dwal Kuhl explains the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It is one of my favorite Alice Bailey books, explaining what is the nature of the soul, of this reality, and how one advances on the spiritual path through awakening the chakras, light in the head, and much, much more.

Brilliant and enlightening.

This version of translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is by far the most profound, contradicting none of the other commentaries but is further clarifying the timeless teaching of this extraordinary scripture.

Both the paraphrasing and commentary is geared toward a form of presentation of the teaching's inherent meaning that is clearly understandable to western minds, as much in terms of abstract knowledge as in pointing out its practical usefulness in everyday living.

The book presupposes some basic understanding of the eightfold path of yoga along with some esoteric insight or at least serious interest but even without the former it can be deeply enlightening to the earnest student as it can supply ample food for thought to those who are as yet at the stage of genuine curiosity.

Raja yoga is both the science and the path of the higher mind, leading one progressively onward and inward toward a deeper realization of one's self, a better understanding of reality, toward peace, contentment and a more harmonious relationship with other members of the human family.

This book is a deep study and reference material for advanced students but it can also inform the beginner and enlighten the seeker of truth at any stage in between.

This book is a paraphrasing of the "Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali," as understood by Alice Bailey. The Sutras are the basis of Raja Yoga, which is the Science of the Soul, hence the title, "The Light of the Soul." The 51 Sutras are explained in Book I. Book II consists of a description of the steps that lead to Union, i.e., the means of attaining that state which has been traditionally called the "mystical union" in Christian faiths. The results of this Union are shared in Book III by explaining another 55 Sutras. The last Book, # IV, is by far the most difficult to understand since it treats of ILLUMINATION, a state unattainable by man. The 4 Books are bound into one: "The Light of the Soul."

It was SHOCKING to me when I saw the rating of this book at Amazon. This is the worst book I have come across concerning the Yogasutras of Pantanjali so far. The writer (Alice) puts it in a Theosophy framework and as such, the end result is full of garbage. Consider...

"All the various Yogas have had their place in the unfoldment of the human being. In the first purely physical race, which is called the Lemurian, the Yoga at that time imposed upon infant humanity was Hatha Yoga, ....

etc. ...

In Atlantean days, the progress of the sons of men was procured through the imposition of two Yogas....

etc. ....

1. Belief. On his own plane the soul rehearses a condition analogous to the belief of the aspirant in the soul or Christ aspect, only in this case the objective is the realisation of that which the Christ or soul is seeking to reveal, the spirit or Father in Heaven. First the disciple arrives at a realisation of the angel of His Presence, the solar angel, ego or soul....

etc. ..."

and numerous references to the Christian Bible and also Theosophy ideas. Get the picture?