Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga (Paragon Living Traditions Series) [Paperback]

Georg Feuerstein (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a valuable reference work for both experienced yoga students and curious lay readers. Its detailed explanations, augmented by cross references, offer a broader understanding of Sanskrit terms than have previous dictionaries. Access to yoga's historical background is provided by references to traditional sources such as the Upanishads. The inclusion of English terms is helpful. The author, a scholar of international reputation, is dedicated to cross-cultural studies of spiritual values; most libraries will find his work a useful reference.
- Jeanne S. Bagby, formerly with Tucson P.L., Ariz.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Paragon House (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557782458
• ISBN-13: 978-1557782458
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,668,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential and Indispensable Guide, January 27, 2000

By	Robin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga (Paragon Living Traditions Series) (Paperback)

The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga is an invaluable and absolutely indispensable guide for students of Yoga, Samkhya, and Vedanta. Comprehensive in both scope and depth, it lucidly explains the terminology used in these Eastern religions, covering the most basic concepts to the most esoteric. This dictionary is a remarkable achievement and is a reflection of Georg Feuerstein's standing as a scholar of the highest order. I have referred to this book often. I shall refer to it again and again.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Quick Reference in English on the Most Important Subject: Union with God, September 9, 2005

By	cvairag (Allan Hancock College) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

This review is from: Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga (1st Edition) (Paragon Living Traditions Series) (Hardcover)

Yeah - As the other reviewer says - the book is indispensable. I haven't combed Motilal Benarsidass' catalog recently for an alternative - but there's really no reason. Georg (pronounced Gay'org) Feuerstein is one of the leading independent scholars of our generation (Post WWII baby-boom) in any field. His field, however, is the analysis of classical Indian sciences of enlightenment(including those many which have spread beyond the land of their origin) - and his work is among the best.
The dictionary, distilled from the vast Sanskrit literature into a single, easily accessed 425 page volume which integrates over eighty illustrations and photos into the text, along with extensive scriptural citations, is presented in a format that is comprehensive, authoritative, and accessible.
1) Each entry is systematically cross-referenced "so that the reader can follow up on pertinent conceptual linkages".
2) "There are ... orientational entries that furnish the reader with an overview of a given aspect of the Yoga tradition, such as its history, psychology, or major branches."
3) "Entries are all in English alphabetical order and , moreover, include key words in English, with references to their Sanskrit equivalents or other relevant Sanskrit concepts."
In an area of reading where one really needs a reliable, ready-to-hand, well-organized reference, the Encyclopedic Dictionary stands alone.
A note: The Dictionary was first compiled in 1990 - before Feuerstein's fruitful associastion with David Frawley, et al. Also, and perhaps fortunately in many cases, a number of important speculative dates are missing. A timeline would have been an appropriate inclusion. However, much of this research can be found in Feuerstein's later productions. If the Dictionary goes to another printing, it would be convenient to have some sort of dating for entries such as, for instance, Mahabharata.