The ultimate bookJune 4, 2008 Jnana Yoga literally means Yoga of Knowledge (the path of Wisdom). Of these different paths such as Raja Yoga (Yoga of mind), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion) and Karma Yoga (Yoga of rightous work); I could best relate to Jnana Yoga. I believe westerners would feel the same because Western Society has scientific bend of mind. This book is about the "Logic" of GOD. It uses deduction as a method to uncover secret upon secret. It contradicts the commonly held belief that there is some Superuser sitting up in the sky, running the whole Universe. It explains how that is false. It preaches nothing. It deduces.
I would also like to mention that my profession is about Logic, the descipline of Computer Science. And I find this book no less rigorous than CS books I am used to read.
Outstanding Treatise on Jnana Yoga!December 13, 2007 Swami Vivekananda's Jnana-Yoga is a sublime work. Rather than a volume filled with numerous Sanskrit terms and modes of thought which are difficult to follow, as most works of this nature are, the swami speaks directly from his heart to yours and the end result is a compilation of straightforward lectures than instantly transmit wisdom that can be immediately applied. This book was immediately placed upon my shelf of Vedanta favorites. Great for those well studied and practiced to those just beginning their search into this lovely mode of religious thought.
Great ResourceJanuary 31, 2006 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is one of my favorite books on Hindu spirituality. It is easy to follow but meaty enough to give you plenty to think about.
Jnana YogaJuly 27, 2005 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
For those who reject standard religious dogma but still recognize the certain spirituality of mankind, this book is for you. Best comprehensive explanation of the Hindu Faith I have ever read! Written for easy comprehension by the western mind.
Rare view into Wisdom by a MasterNovember 11, 2004 9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Swami Vivekananda, a major (if not the main) disciple of the famous Ramakrishna, has done both Hinduism and comparative religion a great service by writing several works that address the main types of transformational yoga. Interestingly, Hinduism has constructed a wonderful model that differentiates among and between these seemingly divergent paths up the spiritual mountain (or paths to God for Theists). These include: Karma Yoga (addressing action) and Bhakti Yoga (of devotion) included in one volume; Raja Yoga (of mind, but addressing more psychic development); and Jnana Yoga (of wisdom). The latter is more difficult, IMHO, to find out about. Religions generally specialize in one of these four with additional elements (sometimes only in subsets such as clerics or monks) from some of the other ones. Jnana or Gnani appears to be among the rarest. Thus, having read this book is a great coup in understanding the higher philosophies and theological approaches to Omneity or spiritual development. In Tibetan Buddhism, for example, it would be applicable to Dzogchen and Mahamudra as opposed to the more normal or pervasive Vajrayana practices. IMHO, Jnana (and its equivalents in other religions) is the most profound of teachings. Vivekananda was obviously a Master and has presented a wonderful exposition on this esoteric subject. We are privileged to have the opportunity to read and study it.
