Product Description By Swami Vivekananda, Raja-Yoga, the path of meditation and control of the mind, gives a scientific treatment of Yoga philosophy describing methods of concentration, psychic development and the liberation of the soul from bondage of the body. Rja-Yoga also includes Swami Vivekananda's translation and commentary of the "Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali." Raja-Yoga, along with Swami Vivekananda's Karma-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, and Jnna-Yoga, are considered classics and outstanding treatises on Hindu philosophy. The Swami's deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, and broad human sympathy shine forth in these works and offer inspiration to all spiritual seekers.
Clearest explanation of Raja-Yoga availableApril 12, 2001 Walter O. Koenig(San Diego, California, USA) 54 out of 54 found this review helpful
This book is both profound and easy to understand. It is valuable for persons knowledgable and new to Raja-Yoga alike. In progressive chapters beginning with an introduction and the "eight steps" of Raja-yoga, to more complex concepts such as Dhyana and Samadhi, everything is explained with conciseness and ease. The latter half of the book covers an Introduction to the Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali, here Concentration is explained, both its practical uses and its practice. In conclusion there are also explanations of the Powers of the Mind, Reincarnation and Discipleship. A Pronounciation table and a Glossary are also provided. All of these make this the best book by far on Raja-Yoga. What really sets this book apart however, is the direct manner in which Swami Vivekananda addresses the reader. The prose is concise, yet easy to understand. After reading this you come away feeling that you have had a conversation with a friend who cares about you. A truly excellent book.
A priceless book...November 14, 2001 Vasudevan Srinivasan 31 out of 32 found this review helpful
Imagine a book that could change your life forever, for so little money. The amount is just secondary consideration, given the concept of Raja Yoga.
About the author: Swami Vivekananda, one of the few philosophers who lived by what he taught (i dont want to use the word preach here), gives an authoritative commentary on RajaYoga - one of the four main yogas (the others being Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga). The other 3 yoga books are basically a series of lectures by SV. But Raja Yoga is more than a lecture. Its roots are actually in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. There are several good translations of YS, but SV's is the first (translated in mid 1890s when he was in Thousand Islands, NY) and the most comprehensive.
The book: The first part explains the concept of Raja yoga. The second part is verbatim translation of YS with sanskrit text and additional commentary. The sutras by themselves reveal little meaning to a beginner. But when it is reflected from the minds of great people like SV, they reveal a deeper and significant meaning and suddenly everything becomes clear; the perspective of life has shifted a bit and one gains more confidence.
I can not stress much of the value of the book in a single review, Raja Yoga is a companion to life. It is not limited to any particular person or religion. Anybody, even an atheist or communist can practice it. Raja Yoga is a set of principles that any man can follow to the "ultimate liberation". You dont have to practice all the principles. Just look at the effects of one of the principles - namely Asana (roughly = yogic postures) - yields in ones life. Yoga transforms a man. For eg, SV explains the difference between the "yogic sleep" and ordinary sleep. A thief goes into ordinary sleep and wakes up as a theif. But in yogic state a thief goes into, comes out a sage.
This book is not for reading and adorning the bookshelf, but for thinking for oneself and determining a path of life.
The Illuminated ManuscriptDecember 2, 1999 rareoopdvds(San Diego, CA United States) 33 out of 36 found this review helpful
Vivekananda's book, Raja-Yoga, is one of the best books on the subject; beautifully written in a clear and concise manner. Although, like most books on Raja-yoga which discuss philosophies as well as practices, what is most beneficial about Vivekanada's book is his emphasis upon the effects of Raja-Ygoa. According to Vivekananda, when one masters the powers of concentration, then reads the experiences of the enlightened, then one will then take on that same state. When one knows in which direction to go, and can predict the state one is about to enter, then one has mastered concentration.
GREAT EXPOSITIONOctober 22, 2003 24 out of 27 found this review helpful
THIS BOOK CLEARLY DETAILS THE THEORY OF RAJA YOGA. IT'S SURPRSING TO SEE HOW EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND RELIABLE THE BOOK IS CONSIDERING THE PERIOD IN WHICH IT WAS WRITTEN. THIS IS NOT PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS IN RAJA YOGA THOUGH, FOR THAT YOU NEED ANOTHER BOOK OR A QUALIFIED TEACHER. I PARTICULARLY LIKE THE SECTION ON THE PRANA AND HOW THE AUTHOR EVALUTES THE VARIOUS RELIGIONS. ALSO, HE BRIFLY MENTIONS SANKARA AND HIS PHILOSOPHY. YOU MAY DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF COPY ON LINE.
PROS: CONTAINS THE YOGA SUTRAS AND COMMENTARY ON SAME. PROVIDES EXCELLENT THEORY THAT PROVIDES A SOLID BACKGROUND IN THE SUBJECT.
CONS: THIS IS MORE OF AN EXPOSITION ON RAJA YOGA INSTEAD OF IT'S ACTUAL PRACTICE.
A must for understanding human nature!July 25, 2006 C. GANDHI 10 out of 11 found this review helpful
Raja Yoga is the King of Yogas.
This book really enables you to understand how your mind processes information and how to conquer your own nature to exercise free will.
The author Swami Vivekananda was both an enlightened soul and an elequent speaker. His words are powerfull!
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