Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography [Paperback]

Swami Muktananda (Author), Swami Chidvilasananda (Introduction), Paul Muller-Ortega (Afterword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

This bes selling spiritual autobiography of Swami Muktananda tells the story of his journey to self-realization under the guidance of Bhagawan Nityananda, candidly describing his extraordinary experiences. Beginning with his spiritual initiation on August 15, 1947, and continuing through his enlightenment nine years later, this is a guide for seekers moving toward the same goal.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Swami Muktananda introduced the Siddha Yoga path all over the world, creating what he called a "meditation revolution."

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Siddha Yoga Publications; 3rd edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0911307818
• ISBN-13: 978-0911307818
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #681,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT!, December 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography (Paperback)

It is difficult to put into words what is contaned within this book, many who have read it, myself included, find it more of an experince, than just a read. A subject that can often be laborious to comprehend, Muktananda weaves into a colorful, amazing, stimulating and often unbelievably true tale. I found myself mesmerized and willing to set the book down only when I was so saturated with his energy that I would pass out. A deffinate recommend and a great gift to anyone who is on a spiritual path..

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An unusual book about different states of consciousness..........., November 4, 2005

By 

Siva Balan "Cosmic Consciousness" (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography (Paperback)

This book is divided into two "sub-books"; 'the path of the siddhas' and the 'teachings of the siddhas'. Swami Muktananda's explanation of his meditation experiences forms the core of this book.

The way he reveals his different states of meditation experiences may be different from other saints who have reached the state of samadhi or bliss but I have no doubt that his experiences are authentic and he was not hallucinating. The point is that Muktanananda has already reached the highest states of consciousness or Nirvana during his meditations.

The reason why I gave this book a 4 star rating and not a 5 star rating is because Muktananda had failed to give a more detailed biography of his guru. If he had included a more comprehensive account of his guru, this book would deserve a perfect rating.

I would also like to recommend the "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda. This saint (who is also my guruji) had also attained the state of samamdhi.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fruitful, December 21, 2007

By 

Danitra (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography (Paperback)

This book is about the experience of meditation through yoga. I read this book when I was 13 and some of the concepts were a little advanced for me at that time. Nonetheless, this book helped me to understand some experiences I had with meditation when I was young.

I was raised with Siddha Yoga. Growing up, there was no place I felt safer than I did at the Siddha Yoga Ashram. For me it has been and always will be home. My spiritual journey extends beyond the confines of Siddha Yoga, but my spiritual awareness and love for God was nurtured and developed through Baba and Gurumayi's teachings, guidance, and love. I use their teachings daily.

There is concern with truth or falsity of the Guru only when the seeker is looking for someone to worship rather than for a path of growth and spiritual development. I have learned a lot from people who weren't "Gurus". The word guru means to bring from darkness "gu" into light "ru". In this sense, we are surrounded by gurus all the time. All we have to do is seek them out, and they appear.

It is Baba and Gurumayi who have taught me to search for the diamonds within the coals. When I am not in the right state of mind, I remember this simple teaching, and then I am surrounded by diamonds instead of black coals.

In reading this book, find the diamonds and pearls in Baba's words and take them with you. Then you will feel rich and you will not be disappointed.

I would also like to add that Siddha Yoga is not for everyone. The teaching of Siddha Yoga is that "God dwells within you as you". The teaching of Siddha Yoga is NOT "The Guru is your God". I have never heard Gurumayi suggest we be dependent solely on the Guru. I have on the other hand heard Gurumayi say that the Light of God dwells within us. A teacher deserves respect - whatever, or whomever that teacher may be. Yoga will reflect your state of mind, and it is not always easy or comforting to see our own reflection. But seeing is necessary for growth. Co-dependency and obsessive behaviors may surface for some, but it is not the fault of Siddha Yoga, and should be taken up with a therapist.