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.

This book provides a wonderful insight into the universality of the Bhagavad Gita, which transcends all space and time and applies to the entire human race. Swami Rama was a very accomplished Yogi who has had the experience of the absolute truth, and the words used in the book are more than sufficient to confirm this. Along with explaining the verses from the Gita, he also gives an insight into the Himalayan Yoga tradition every now and then, and how it relates to the Gita.

I have come across many interpretations of the Gita by many 'masters', but Swami Rama's version is one of the most profound versions I've come across. One of the verses in the Gita clearly states that for a self-realized soul, the Vedic knowledge is only as important as a pot of water, when there's a huge reservoir of infinite knowledge available all around. And Swami Rama can certainly be considered to be one such soul, and the quality of his writings speaks for itself.

I would also recommend "The Path of Fire and Light" for actual Yogic techniques that result in spiritual transformation. Also, another book I'd recommend is "Choosing a Path", that gives a very objective and non-judgemental assessment on the different ways of approaching the Infinite Spirit, just like different rivers merging into one vast open ocean.

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the greatest spritual texts in the world, one which for thousands of years has been used to illuminate the hearts and minds of seekers everywhere. In this outstanding translation and commentary, Swami Rama makes accessible to the modern western mind the fundamental truths of the original scripture by placing them into a psychological context. Whether familiar with Vedic philosophy or not, anyone can benefit from the clarity and insight provided by this book.

This book is a translation by Swami Tapasyananda, Ramakrishna Math, of the east Indian mythological text called Adhyatma Ramayana. It contains the Sanskrit verses plus a lucid translation of a nonsecterian type. Although it's intersting to read it is still a long-winded story. But for most Hindus this is a very important sacred text and there is no way around reading it, if one wants to understand Hinduism.

The author has writen a very valuable book. In it he describes the diffenrent paths that a person can take to achive samadhi.

It is helpful as a concise overview of the major ways that exist to achieve enlightenment and as a guide to which path a person can chose.

Swami Rama explains in easily understandable terms and is non-judgemental in his description of each path. He leaves the reader with the task to chose which one to embark on.

In this easy to read and perform maual -- is a treasure for your body and mind and spirit and soul . Lucky is the person who incorporates this into his/her life!

This book is a primer for classical Indian vocal training. The introduction and first two chapters provide an incredibly lucid and concise introduction to Indian music theory for Western audiences. Most other descriptions of Indian classical music that I have read that were written by Indians are virtually undecipherable for non-Indian readers. Most other texts overwhelm the reader with statements like "Ragam is the outcome of factors of the avohana and avarohana." Swami Rama actually makes these terms clear, and presents them in a way that makes perfect sense. Reading these chapters has filled in many gaps in my own knowledge of Indian music theory that have persisted despite 3 years of formal study. I wish I had begun my studies with this book- -then I wouldn't have spent so much time lost in confusion.

The remainder of the book consists of 30 alankars (exercises), followed by 10 classical raags and 12 classical taals (rhythms) in musical notation. The musical notation is presented "bilingually", that is, first in sa-ri-ga-ma notation in Western script, and then in Hindi script. The raags and taals are all from the Northern Indian tradition, but much of the theory itself and terminology applies to Carnatic music as well. The book also includes a glossary to help the user get a handle on the many terms that are used to describe facets of Indian music theory. A fresh beginner would probably need to work closely with a teacher in order to put the theory contained in this book into practice; indeed, this is what Swami Rama recommends. But a student who already knows the basics of Indian music may be able to progress independently with this book.

As an initiate of one of Sri Swami Rama's Diciples, (Pandit Rajmani Tigunait) I am very pleased to be able to share with you my reviews on Lectures On Yoga, the work of a true Master. Every word has the distinct ring of truth; every concept stirs an inner awakening; every page is a testiment to the totality of his understanding, and to the piercing insight of the Masters of the Himalayas. Swami Rama's teachings are a continuation of a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Works of this magnitude are crucial for the evolution of consciousness, and a must read for anyone seeking to expand the critical mass. Thank You. Anthony W. merlin1@coastalnet.com

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 book is a potential life changer and will make you rethink the way you think about health. Breath as discussed by Rama and the others is revealed as THE center to all life, our life, Yoga, and to how "happy' we are in both body and mind (i.e., OM). What's great is getting a nice Western emprical discussion of the physiology of breath, and then getting Rama's discussion of breath in the context of Yoga. Another cool part is understanding how important the nose is to breathing and health. A very practical and fascinating book and a great beginning to Yoga.

The book is excellent and a good introduction to the basis beginning of Yoga. The current offering of the book is a very bad copy of the original book and is marginal for reading. The original book was obviously copied on a copier and the pages inserted into a soft cover book. Do not buy this book.

I am a lifelong yogini and yoga teacher and originally bought this book when it was first published. In the years since have probably bought at least a half dozen other books on this topic and can honestly say this one is still the best. I recommend it regularly to my students because it's both jam-packed with information and completely accessible and direct in its approach. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.