After many years of studying the work of Swami Rama, this book being a great 'one' to lead to inner knowledge-the book has simple methods to find how to meditate and just what is required to develop a good practice... we were shocked to learn of a split in the organization over the past years- that includes now three different groups called Himalayan Institute- each as a seperate non-profit. The scandal developed when the one based as publisher of these books in USA has canvased for funds to send to Indian hospital of same name- and we visited this hospital in the past years to learn that our donated money never arrived in India, they are seperate groups now--yet the book on 3rd to last page still asks for donations to US group for Indian Hospital. So the book is great- the search for knowledge can go on- but send funds directly to India if donations are in order. Namaste

In my efforts to put together a presentation on Meditation for a Conference on Therapeutic Touch (in Toronto, Nov./99), I re-discovered my copy of this book (from 1973, labeled "vol.1") and wanted to use it on my Suggested Reading list. Through the internet I discovered it is still available - with a prettier cover. My own copy is well-worn, with underlining on every page. As I reread the book I discovered how much of my current awareness of meditation I had learned from this book. It is remarkably easy to read, The biblical quotations add credibility for Christians new to this concept. The writings by Swami Rama and Pandit Usharbudh Arya are particularly interesting, as they present a view from a different perspective, having been raised, I expect, in a non-Christian environment. The book suits lapsed Christians who may have longed for such an experience within the church, and are delighted to find this information, and it may dispel the concerns of some Christians who have been taught that meditation comes from the devil and is thus to be avoided. I leave it on my desk...and watch the reactions of those who see it - going from mild curiosity to a request "May I borrow this?" Now I can tell them where to buy their own!

This is the book which changed my life completly.The knowledge of the author is the highest knowledge in the universe.In this book I had found answers on all problems of my life and I had choosen the author Paramahansa Swami Maheshwarananda for my spiritual master.I am certain that his path will leads me to the highests consciousness,for which I search all my life.

Highly recommended for students of Advaita Vedanta. Explores the progression of Advaitic thought both before and after the time of Sankara. Presents a totally unique perspective.

the book provides lucid explanations on the nature of the human mind, hurdles in the process of controlling the mind and some really wonderful and practical guidance on how to do it, and be successful. i owe a great deal to this book.

The author, Swami Muktananda, was a great yogic master who brought Siddha Yoga to the West. This book is a distillation of wisdom on a path which offers the serious seeker the possibility of enlightenment in one lifetime. It is in the form of a collection of 1008 aphorisms, each acting as a signpost on the difficult and often treacherous path to enlightenment. It is a goldmine of information.

This is a book that has verses that will further liberate the soul and help reach the ultimate goal - Bhagavan Krishna.

A beautiful book! I read it after only 6 months of practising spiritual yoga and immediately warmed to it. It explains the nature of Divine Love, for example its all-inclusiveness, its compassion, purity, supremity; the practices we should use to help us attain this high state of experience, and what we should avoid, for example, the pleasures of the senses, the EGO! This advice is clear and practical for the serious seeker.

Swami Tyagisananda states the book is:"with Sanskrit text, word-by-word meaning, English rendering of the text and elaborate explanatory and critical notes". These notes are well-presented, covering different angles of viewpoint, they are comprehensive and informative, and very interesting. There are headings at the top of each page for ease of reference. The Sanskrit terms are defined as necessary in the notes and the notes are flowing and readable, not interrupted by constant footnotes, endnotes and other distractions.

This book has uplifted me and helped progress my spiritual journey.

The work has the standard structure of original Sanskrit text, roman transliterations, synonyms, translations and elaborate purports by His Divine Grace Prabhupada. This is a important work in understanding the science of devotion inspired by Lord Caitanya. The work has only eleven verses. Text one identifies that only who can control his speech, mind, anger, tongue, belly and genitals can be guru. Next verse identifies the items that destroy bhakti. Next two verses deals with ways to develop bhakti. Next two verses instructs how to recognize different kinds of devotees and how to relate to them. Verse seven talks about sweetness of God's Name. Verses 8-11 discusses the glory of Radha and Bridhavan. It is preferrable if it is heard from pure devotees.