Meditation is a topic that has both cosmic relevance and cosmic resonance. In spite of its universal appeal, for most people total control of mind remains an elusive goal and daunting task. From time immemorial, there have been many attempts throughout the world to unlock the mysteries of the mind and to achieve total control over it through a variety of techniques. One of the most powerful of these techniques is meditation. In his book, Meditation, Mind and Patanjali¡¯s Yoga, Swami Bhaskarananda provides a clear and concise exposition of the theory and practice of meditation to a global audience. The book is based primarily on the methods of mind control developed by the ancient Hindu sage Patanjali who had mastered the secrets of the human mind. Swami Bhaskarananda adds much more to his discussion of meditation beyond Patanjali¡¯s famous aphorisms by drawing from the experiences of many spiritual leaders, sages, saints, and holy people such as Buddha, Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. The author liberally uses anecdotes and familiar examples from contemporary life to illustrate and illuminate abstruse or esoteric points.

The book consists of a brief introduction and twenty short chapters. Chapter I sets forth the rationale for meditation. The focus of the next chapter is the teacher-student relationship in the practice of meditation. Chapter III outlines Patanjali¡¯s eight-step discipline to yoga and Chapters IV-X elaborate on these steps. Obstacles to and hazards in meditation are discussed in Chapters XI and XII, respectively. The well-known, but widely misunderstood, concept of kundalini power is the subject of Chapter XIII. The Sankhya theory of creation is briefly examined in the next chapter. A lucid discussion of Samadhi in its multiple forms constitutes Chapter XV. The post-Samadhi state is explained in the next chapter. The three chapters that follow discuss Japa, spiritual progress, and stress relief, in that order. Concluding remarks are offered in Chapter XX.

This is not a book for those who are looking for miracle mind control or ¡°power¡± yoga. Rather, it is intended for the true aspirants who are willing to diligently and earnestly practice the tried, tested, and time-honored techniques of meditation. The value of this highly instructive book is further enhanced by its many user-friendly features. These include the illustrations and photographs of sages and saints who have achieved Samadhi through meditation, a comprehensive glossary, and a detailed index. A list of recommended books for further reading is another appealing feature of this volume. In summary, the clear, concise, and non-technical discussion of the art and science of meditation, including many practical suggestions, makes this volume a must-have for any serious student and practitioner of meditation.

This is a most concise and comprehensive treatise on meditation in the Indian tradition, written with lucidity by a Hindu Monk from India who teaches meditation in United States. The sections on the obstacles to meditation are a must - read for all who practise meditation, and the author's advice on how to find a good teacher should be immensely helpful to those spiritual aspirants who are seeking spiritual guidance.

What makes this book stand out from other books on the fundamentals of Hinduism is its lucidity - even readers who have little background knowledge of Hinduism would not have problem understanding it.
The Author, a Hindu Monk from India who teaches in the United States, has taken care to make sure that no basic concept is left unexplained, and this he does with admirable conciseness.

I found this book to be filled with gem after gem, from the writing to the photographs. I can literally open to any page and immediately find something that is spiritually/devotionally inspiring for me. It's a small, succinct book that I take with me whenever I travel, because it helps to remind me of how valuable and important life is.

I like to read this book line by line and absorb every word into my heart. This book shows clearly what is the path to God and what is the path towards non-God. This book is just the right size to take to work and study during my lunch hour.

This book changed my life! I had been studying and practicing nearly every kind of spiritual philosophy for seventeen years, finding that each one only increased my questions and confusion regarding the true purpose and meaning of my life. Then I found this short, concise book of precious jewels of spiritual truth. I did not immediately understand everything I was reading, but it was like the author, H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, reached out to me as I read. I felt the birth of hope within my heart. I wanted to know more. I read the whole book right there in the store. And each time I re-read it, I gain deeper understanding and receive richer insights. This book truly introduced me to the real Path to God and to the Divine Personality who was to become my Spiritual Guide.

This is one of my favorite books because it is so simple and easy to read. For someone with no previous exposure to Hindu philosophy or religion, it logically explains how the unending disappointments of the world can only be overcome by attaining God and the Divine world. Swamiji clearly explains how the pursuit of pleasure always ends in disappointments, the futility of present-day psychic meditations and the precise difference between the material world and the Divine world. He describes the actual form and appearance of the personal form of god, Krishn, and the means of attaining him throgh Bhakti Yog. This book is very direct in its message. Anyone who is tired of the continual sufferings of the world and truly wants to find God will find the answers in this book.

This one book changed the direction of my life. As I read the first paragraph of Chapter 1, a thrill came into my heart that I had found someone I had been searching for my entire life. I could not stop reading it.

I found this book profoundly inspirational, deeply consoling, simple and clarifying in its presentation of spiritual truths. "The Philosophy of Divine Love" presents a series of "speeches" given by the author, presumably in a public forum. In his explanation of spiritual principles, he dispelled many previously distorted mis-leading and confused beliefs that I had held. He does this in a straightforward and simple writing style that is easy to understand. I found it most impressive that he backed up these principles with quotes from original Sanskrit verses as his source of knowledge and information. Personally, I have spent many years searching through books and lectures for a satisfying answer to some of the big questions most of us ask in our lives at one time or another such as; "What is the meaning of life?" and "Where do I find true happiness?" H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati answers these questions in such a way that not only do I believe him, but I feel the truth of his words resonate into the core of my being. He separates the psychic world and the world of pscyhology/self-development from the spiritual world, and a true path to God. He then provided guidelines through which I could begin to progress spiritually. I have already re-read this book several times! It filled me with hope, a sense of deep contentment and a strong desire to read more of his writings.

Just finished reading this wonderful book for the second time, and once again I am gobbling it up rather than savoring it. We are shown that holiness (wholeness?) comes in very different packages. To see this is inspiring after so many "holy" biographies that leave out much that is human. What great joy it must have been to serve these holy men as Swami Yogeshananda has served them. Beautifully written, I highly recommend this book to all.

Just a comment on another reviwer's observation: the Swamis mentioned in this book are not the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna; however, they were the disciples of the direct disciples. In other words, they were the direct disciples of the Ramakrishna order.

An interesting insight of six monks who were direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and who came to USA and England to propagate universal philosophy of Vedanta.

The Sundar Kand is such a delight!It is an allegory describing the Individual Soul's search for his Perfect or True Nature which has been stolen by the selfishness of Ego. The Individual Soul is played by Lord Rama (the Avatara of Lord Vishnu). His wife, Sita, plays the role of True Nature. Hanuman, the Lord's devotee, plays the role of Pure Devotion. What touches me the most deeply is the descriptions of the Lord and the Love he shares with his devotees. When a devotee understands the intrinsic nature of Consciousness (of Lord Rama), he shall have no desire to stop singing to the Lord. his only prayer will be to be blessed with eternal devotion.The final verses say "The Lord of Light is the Repository of all Qualities which lead to Happiness, the Destroyer of all Doubts, and the Remover of all Sorrow. Oh Foolish Mind! Leave all the vain hopes and false desires of this world of objects and relationships, and always sing and listen to the word of God. The song of the qualities of the Leader of Light is always beautiful and bestows all welfare. Who will listen to this with respectful attention will cross this ocean of the world without any other spiritual discipline. This excellent translation of one of the most beloved works of Hindu sacred poetry beckons us to enter into a relationship with the Lord and to see our own consciousness reunited with our true nature.

The Sundar Kand is a very magical chapter of the Ramayana. I have seen it sung in India and the US many times and I can attest to the power of reading or singing this story. I know of people whose lives were dramatically changed by singing the Ramayana only once. This book allows a sincere seeker to read both the original verses and the English translation and be moved by the beauty of this ancient poem. It is most wonderful when read or sung with a group of people.

With his English translation, Swami Satyananda breathes life into the story of Hanuman's adventures in Lanka. The Sundar Kand is also a story of the very personal relationships that Sita, Hanuman, Lakshman and Vibishana have with Rama. These relationships come to life in this wonderful translation. The author has brilliantly captured the beauty and emotion of Tulsidasa's poetry

For me, the emotional impact of the Sundar Kand is it's demonstration of God's love for his devotees. The author's translation allows us to listen in as Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Vibishana so elegantly express their love for each other. For instance, one of the most poignant moments in the Sundar Kand, is when Sita, Rama's wife, is being threatened by Ravana, the ego. He tells her that if she won't sleep with him, she will be killed within one month. Sita cries in despair, "O Lord, you have completely forgotten me." Then Hanuman appears before Sita and gives Rama's message to her. Ram says "Since you have been separated from me, dear Sita , everything has been it's opposite. The new shoots of trees appear like fire, night appears to be the dreadful night of dissolution and the moon is as bright as the sun. A person's pain becomes a little less if they share it, but with whom can I speak who could understand? The truth of my love for you, my Beloved, only my mind can understand. And that mind is always with you. Know this to be the essence of my love. Listening to the message of the Lord, Sita became so absorbed in thoughts of love that she forgot her body.

Later in the Sundar Kand, when Hanuman returns to Rama with the good news that he has found Sita and she is alive, we find this exquisite exchange between Rama and Hanuman. "Listen, Hanuman, neither among Gods, men or men of wisdom has any embodied being performed such a great benefit to me as you have done. I cannot think that I will ever be able to perform a benefit to you of a similar value. Listen dear one, I have thought it over extensively and have concluded that I cannot be free from my debt to you." Tears came to his eyes and his body trembled.

Hearing the Lord's words and seeing his pleased countenance, Hanuman was filled with Delight. He fell to earth at the Lord's feet and called,"Protect me, protect me, oh Supreme Divinity." Again and again the Lord tried to raise him, but lost in deep love he would not get up.

The intensity of the love of a pure devotee like Hanuman for God is palpable in these flowing verses. Many books talk about devotion, but Swami Satyananda's Sundar Kand lets you feel that devotion. If you only read the English translation, you will be blessed by beautiful devotional poetry that captures a profound spiritual mood. If you chant or sing the verses you will be moved by this ancient scripture. This is a book that any serious spiritual aspirant will enjoy.

Mahavir Nanda

The Sundar Kand is a very magical chapter of the Ramayana. I have seen it sung in India and the U.S. many times and I can attest to the power of reading or singing this story. I know of people whose lives were dramatically changed by singing the Ramayana only once. This book allows a sincere seeker to read both the origonal Sanskrit and the english translation and be moved by the beauty of this ancient poem. It is most wonderful when read or sung with a group of people.

With his english translation, Swami Satyananda breathes life into the story of Hanuman's adventures in Lanka. The Sundar Kand is also a story of the very personal relationships that Sita, Hauman, Lakshman and Vibishana have with Rama. These relationships come to life in this wonderful translation.The author has brilliantly captured the beauty and emotion of Tulisdasa's poetry

For me, the emotional impact of the Sundar Kand is it's demonstration of God's love for his devotees. The author's translation allows us to listen in as Rama, Sita, Hunuman and Vibishana so elegantly express their love for each other. For instance, one of the most poignant moments in the Sundar Kand, is when Sita, Rama's wife, is being threatened by Ravana,the ego. He tells her that if she won't sleep with him, she will be killed within one month. Sita cries in despair,"O Lord, you have completely forgotten me." Then Hanuman appears before Sita and gives Rama's message to her. Ram says "Since you have been seperated from me,dear Sita , everything has been it's opposite. The new shoots of trees appear like fire, night appears to be the dreadful night of dissolution and the moon is as bright as the sun. A person's pain becomes a little less if they share it, but with whom can I speak who could understand? The truth of my love for you, my Beloved, only my mind can understand. And that mind is always with you. Know this to be the essence of my love. Listening to the message of the Lord, Sita became so absorbed in thoughts of love that she forgot her body.

Later in the Sunar Kand,when Hanuman returns to Rama with the good news that he has found Sita and she is alive, we find this exquisit exchange between Rama and Hanuman. "Listen, Hanuman, neither among Gods, men or men of wisdom has any embodied being performed such a great benefit to me as you have done. I cannot think that I will ever be able to perform a benefit to you of a similar value. Listen dear one, I have thought it over extensively and have concluded that I cannot be free from my debt to you." Tears came to his eyes and his body trembled.

Hearing the Lord's words and seeing his pleased countenance, Hanuman was filled with Delight. He fell to earth at the Lord's feet and called,"Protect me, protect me, oh Supreme DIvinity." Again and again the Lord tried to raise him, but lost in deep love he would not get up.

The intensity of the love of a pure devotee like Hanuman for God is palpable in these flowing verses. Many books talk about devotion, but Swami Satyananda's Sundar Kand lets you feel that devotion. If you only read the english translation, you will be blessed by beautiful devotional poetry that captures a profound spiritual mood. If you chant or sing the sanskrit you will be moved by this ancient scripture. This is a book that any serious spiritual aspirant will enjoy.

This is the first book I read by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, shortly after I had the good fortune of meeting him. The pages of this book really helped me to understand that which is in fact "spiritual," a word I had misunderstood for many years. I knew I was hungry for something beyond what the world could give me; I just didn't know what that something was. Swamiji has cleared my confusion with this simple yet profound book, and given a meaningful direction to my search. The peace that has come from this understanding is beyond words.

With all the self-help books and spiritual guides available nowadays, it's difficult to find a truly knowledgeable work. However, Swami Prakashanand Saraswati's simply enlightening book, Towards the Love Divine, is just that. I thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational "classic" which details the practical path to receive true happiness and God's love. As Swami Prakashanand says in the opening inscription, "The riches of the world are pleasing, but not satisfying...so, how to receive perfect peace and happiness while living in the world, Towards the Love Divine explains." I enjoyed the explanations of desire and disappointment, spiritualism, attaining Divine love, and living a devotional life. If you want to gain some inspiration and practical knowledge on finding happiness, pick up a copy of this book.

I have been seeking answers to spiritual questions nearly all of my 52 years, and had begun to despair of ever finding satisfactory information. Then I had the good fortune to read Towards the Love Divine. I explored numerous religious philosophies of all faiths in search of the loving God my heart insisted existed. My logical mind had to be satisfied as well. All that I was seeking, I found in the beautiful, practical, endearing and clear teachings of H. D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati. I need look no further, only deeper, and am gratefully reading his other books as well. My heart and mind are content at last.

"We are all God" is the KEY message of this book and getting ourselves to REALLY REALIZE it is the most difficult part. It is our own disbelief in ourselves being GOD that is stopping us from attaining true, ultimate BLISS and HAPPINESS. Muktananda explains to us how to get rid of our negativity and doubt. He gives us the secrets of sounds (the mantra), breathing technique (our natural mantra that we do every time we take a breath)! Just as "The One Minute Guide to Prosperity and Enlightenment" gives us further, detailed SECRET TECHNIQUES that will SAVE US VALUABLE TIME & ENERGY so we can attain HAPPINESS & BLISS immediately! This book was TERRIFIC, it explains the Eastern Traditions in simple, easily understood and VERY ATTAINABLE terms. It is an awsome look at how we complicate everything ourselves and gives us the solutions to make changes in our life right now!
Thank you Muktananda for revealing these sacred techiques to us!!!

My daily meditations have greatly improved through the knowledge revealed by this great yogic master on meditation, the mind, the Self, the mantra, Shakti, the Guru, and much, much more. This book is an invaluable guide for anyone on the long and often arduous spiritual journey to God-realization and liberation.

This book will get you started on your mystic journey. There are many great saints and their written works referenced so you can continue your study. The book is easy to read and is broken into small pieces that one can read before meditation or sleep on during your coffee break!

Titus Foster a long-time devotee of Swami Prakashananda has done the world(All of us) the greatest service. He has brought to the world the wisdom and stories of one of the most loving compasssionate souls to ever walk this earth. In a world colored by hatred and prejudices of every kind. This man didnt live for name or fame or power.As he said,"I came for Love and Knowledge and service to humanity"- and he got it! After Muktanandas death, Baba took on the task of helping many of Muktanandas orphaned children continue their spiritual destiny under his compassionate wing. Being part of a large group of devotees around Muktananda, I had always wished for the close contact and training of a great being. In Prakashananda I found a simple loving presence of great light and over-whelming spiritual beauty.I had the Opportunity to live with Prakashananda and Titus off and own for years. It is of great importance that the genuine article is now available for everyone and my only wish is that Babaji now to enjoy the "Name and fame" that he ironically so deeply deserves in service to humanity.Thankyou Harihar!

This small book consists of a short biography of Swami Prakashananda (58 pages) plus a lot of parables he told as his way to answer to requests of his pupils. This Swami seems to have had a very "rich" life. Lot's of travels and deep spiritual insights. One would really like to know more about him, but since he was not in the limelight, nearly nothing has remained about his pilgrimages. Nevertheless, it shows one, that there are great souls out there, even if nearly unknown. In the later part of his life he was a pupil of Swami Muktananda, and one learns here, that Muktananda would have liked Prakashananda to become his successor, Prakashananda declined, and therefore Chidvilasanda and Nityananda have been choosen. As we know from other sources, Nityanda left the "position", so nowadays one hears only about Chidvilasananda, when it comes to SYDA Yoga. But Swami Prakashananda was a man of his own and basically a Shakta in his Temple Sapta Shring. The book is short, but touching and worth reading. The author lived with the Swami for eight years and tells the story without bringing himself into it, which is quite an achievement. Thank you Titus:-)

This is an excellent book for getting you started on yoga postures. Kriyananda has chosen central postures and explains the most effective order for doing them. Most of all, he explains the deeper purpose of yoga postures: to uplift the consciousness. I discovered that while toning my body, I could also tone my mind. Recently I was reading another book on yoga postures which contained many more poses. I found myself getting increasingly confused. Where should I start? What should I do first. Kriyananda gives you a clear introduction on how to begin and where to go from there.

Doing this type of yoga definitely builds higher consciousness. I have been recommending this book for years.

This book can be read over a hundred times! There is always something new turn learn from it. A book for everyone seeking peace and thoughtfulness.

This book can be understood by anyone, not just those interested in esoteric, spiritual practices. It's full of true wisdom that can be applied to daily life. It gives very sensible advice.