This book not only gives us an insight onto the physical aspects of Yoga, but also enriches our mind body and soul with some spiritual facts about Yoga explained to us by Swamiji in very simple and comprehensible words. Reading the book and applying the knowledge has helped develop and improve my entire personality. It's a must read!

This book not only gives you an insight on the basics of Yoga but also fills you with a spiritual insight about Yoga through Swamiji's vivid and clear words. Recommended for all yoga-interested people

While 'Dharma' does contain some interesting historical information on Indian religion, its true purpose is clear. It is merely indoctrination propaganda for the hare Krishna religious sect. It has an obviously one-sided look at the historical events surrounding the creation of this sect of Hindu, and the origins of the Bhadavad-Gita, its most sacred writing. My copy was given to my by a Hare Krishna on a street-corner who was handing them out and asking for donations. People who are interested in the Hare Krishna movement will probably find this book of interest, but it isn't for everyone.

The Sanskrit word dharma is one of the oldest and most amabigious terms in the Vedic literarture. Here, Swami Prabhupada explians its use, what it relates to, and most importantaly, how to practice dharma or "one's duty." This book is a collection of lectures and discussions given by Swami Prabhupada in the late 1960's and 70's. Everything is explained so that even someone who is not familiar with the Vedic teachings will understand, yet the deepth of the teachings will inspire even an experienced student. Definitely a must read for spiritual thinkers and those interested in Indian religions, especially the bhakti tradition.

I found this book to be an accessable and easily readable introduction to (and manual of) Hatha Yoga.

I highly reccomend it to student of Hatha Yoga.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a classical text on Hatha Yoga. Swami Vishnudevananda's book is an easy to understand manual for the successful practice of Hatha Yoga. The book contains the English translation (of the not included sanskrit original), Brahmananda's commentary (which is very helpful) and Swami Vishnu's own commentary, which makes the topic easy to understand even for beginners. I carry the book with me most of the time. Having studied with the organisation (Sivananda Yoga Vedanta) and having been initiated by Swami Vishnu, I might find it easier to understand than a complete beginner though. Some basic knowledge of the Yoga terms is needed to make the most of this book. I recommend it to any serious student of Hatha Yoga. I found it very helpful to use this book together with the book The Yoga of Light - Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Hans-Ulrich Rieker. The latter explains some points very well, which helps to clarify certain passages and shows them in a completely new light. With the two books together it is possible to study the subject quite deeply. I wish success to all the Yogis who strive for self-realisation. Om Namah Sivaya.

Muktananada takes verse 24 of the Vijnana-bhairava Tantra and elaborates on it with a wide ranging commentary. He gives the basics of the process of how the breath works in helping us steady our thoughts and empty or fill our minds as required.

It is a very basic beginning as are most of his publications and those of Siddha Yoga. The serious student should go to the original Vijnana-bhairava by Jaideva Singh.

The key is to absorb the dharanas (centering techniques) that are obvious and over time as one's yogic study deepens, many of the others will become apparent. The Vijnana-bhairava was written as the original home-study, Self-study course revealed by Bhairava (God. The practice of any tantric technique is by it's very nature done by oneself.

This is a very remarkabe and profound book. I will have to read it many times over in order to gain a fuller understanding of its wisdom. Nonetheless, it is very useful in that it reveals the mantra and its technique that the sages of India use to gain liberation. I find it very natural and elegant. The author claims it is the ultimate mantra.

The words of wisdom coming from a great Self-realized yogi are always welcome and so is this book. The book is written in the question and answer format. The questions cover very wide topics relevant for a day to day life. There are also many stories told by Swamiji which are entertaining but there is nothing new in them to one who has elementary knowledge of Eastern philosophy. These stories can be found in many other books with some small differences in detail. The crux of the matter seems to be self-improvement rather than trying to improve the world. This has been told so repeatedly that during the latter part of the book I knew what the answer could be to the question asked. This book is not written by Swami Himself but the answers have been compiled by someone else. Anyone who has no idea about Eastern philosophy may enjoy this book immensely but who is already conversant with its nature will not find anything new in it. As against this anyone will enjoy the earlier book ' Play of Consciousness.'

Is it possible to attain spiritual liberation in this lifetime? The author, a great yogic master who brings the ancient wisdom of India to the West, answers with an emphatic yes! He himself has done so, and in this book he enthusiastically shares his vast knowledge of the path to liberation with serious seekers in lively answer and question sessions. What I learned is that the search for spiritual liberation is not necessarily a haphazard activity leading invariably to dead ends. Instead, the author shows that there is a carefully laid out path, with clearly marked road signs and a detailed roadmap. I am convinced of the truth of his teachings because my daily meditations have already improved greatly. I also recommend his three earlier works that are written in the same format, entitled "Conversations with Swami Muktananda - the Early Years" , "From the Finite to the Infinite", and "Where are You Going".

i think, it just gives the preview that where and when he lived his life, i expected more how he lived his life..not where and when..well..still it wasnt that bad.

A fascinating journey into the life of the most charismatic, dynamic and inspirational spiritual leader produced by the world in the last century. Extremely well-written with a number of insightful anecdotes. Swamiji's life is an inspiration to the youth of today and this book certainly generates a deep reverence and awe for this great persona.

It is an insightful look at Patanjali's yogasutras. These 'sutras' (principles) are gist of meditation guidelines given in the upanishads. Vivekanands, with his broad and deep knowledge of ancient literature provides a good expostion of these profound principles. The stimulating and magnetic style of Vivekanada's lectures and books is not to be found in this book. The principles are difficult to understand by themselves and call for the direction of a teacher for correct understanding and Vivekananda fulfills this role very well.

great book for the interested

Panchadasi does an excellent job discussing telepathy, clairvoyance, and other occult subjects. This book holds a wide range of topics including astral projection and psychic influence. The author gives definitions and how-tos in each lesson, providing all the information a reader may look for.

i'v had this book for acouple of years, i have an OLDER copy i found in an antique store. VERY good book, breaks the metaphysics down to a very physical science, to the point of approximanting the wavelenght of the engeries of the mind, and at the same time keeps the metaphysics intact. the 1919 printing contains a few editing flaws, some of the pages are out of order, but they are still there. this is a book for any and every metaphysics library, none of the new age fluff you find in many books today

Anyone who would like to know more about Sri Ramakrishna and his most intimate disciples should read this- it is an inspiring account of not only Swami Vivekananda but the other great leaders and yogis of the Ramakrishna Mission. Has nice little anecdotes from his closest disciples....