Books about:
Raja Yoga

1. The Art and Science of Raja Yoga- Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness- Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda (2002)
2. Raja-Yoga (1982)
3. Raja Yoga - A Path to Super Conscious Bliss (2003)
4. Practical Meditation- Spiritual Yoga for the Mind (2000)

The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness: Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda
by J. Donald Walters, Swami Kriyananda

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Book Description
This 480 page, hardcover volume, is the most comprehensive course on yoga and meditation offered today. It provides a balanced and complete approach to Raja Yoga, which is also known as the "royal" yoga, and which has historically shown itself to be a proven system for realizing one's spiritual destiny. Each of its fourteen chapters is organized around seven main topics - Philosophy, Yoga Postures, Breathing, Routines, Healing, Diet and Meditation. In addition, it provides in-depth discussions on the paths of Karma, Bhakti, and Gyana yoga "The Art and Science of Raja Yoga" has text and photographs covering more than 50 yoga postures and breathing exercises, over 35 healthful recipes, and dozens of meditation tips and techniques. It also provides advice on numerous common health complaints such as headaches, insomnia, hypertension, fatigue, digestion, sexual problems, etc. It comes complete with a companion CD that contains guided yoga postures sessions, a guided meditation, and an inspiring talk on how to use these techniques to solve many of the problems of daily life. It includes a general index, and an index of recipes.


Reader Review
It is all about Raja Yoga!, February 10, 2003
Reviewer: madeby from Philly Girl
I was amazed at the beauty and simplicity of this text. It told me much of what I needed to know to start my journey on my Spiritual path. I felt that Swami Kriyananda's insights were clear and blended Christianity and Raja Yoga in a way that made sense to my Christian upbringing! Being rather skeptical by natural, I found the step-by-step process that Swami offers perfect for someone with a science/medical background (nursing) to gain the knowledge needed to open my heart and start on my true Path. There is even a page offering Student Support with a phone number and email address to contact someone with the questions that inevitably arise.

Each unit is broken down into 'do-able' pieces. One can read through the entire book then go back at anytime or take one chapter at a time and absorb as much as necessary. I especially like the sections on Breathing (Pranayama)- offering many different techniques that can be incorporated into daily life at any time! There is also Philosophy, Meditation, Diet, Postures and Routines for every section or unit.

I am not a Hatha Yoga expert but am very much the amateur! I do Hatha Yoga to open my heart, to stretch my sometimes rather stiff body, and also to prepare myself for meditation. I like the Affirmations offered by Swami for each posture (asana). They help me to go deeper into the postures, and to direct my energy into a calm and positive direction.

I appreciate being able to read a book and develop my own thoughts on that subject - not having someone's beliefs shoved down my throat. I feel that the approach taken in this book offers me just that, a way to read and decide what works and what does not work for me. I really believe that this course in the Art & Science of Raja Yoga is great for everyone, beginners and those already committed to their Spiritual Path alike!

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Raja-Yoga
by Swami Vivekananda

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Reader Review
A Definitive Work for the Serious Yoga Practitioner, December 9, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from New Mexico, USA
I consider this book by Vivekananda to be a definitive work on the subject of Raja/Ashtanga/Kundalini Yoga. It is a must-read for any serious practitioner of true, spiritual yoga.

The first part of the book is comprised of several lectures delivered over 50 years ago by Swami Vivekananda to his classes in New York, and the second part is, to use his own words, a "rather free translation" of the Aphorisms of Patanjali.

Though Vivekananda's writing style strikes me as rather philosophical and high-minded at times, he does provide an accurate and valuable map of the eight stages of yoga (also called 'ashtanga' yoga). He outlines the correct approach to pranayama and meditation and accurately explains the more advanced meditation practices of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. The latter is something I've noted other authors tend to either avoid entirely or, if they do attempt to explain it, make mistakes that indicate they don't really know the purpose of such states or what goes on in them.

What I found most reassuring about this book is that Vivekananda makes no mistakes in regard to the functions, methods and purposes of the various stages of yoga. His descriptions and explanations match my experiences completely and I therefore feel he can be relied upon to steer the intelligent reader in the right direction.

What I didn't find helpful were his digressions, primarily in the first part of the book, into what seem to be debates on obscure points of yoga philosophy. He often seems to be debating with unseen opponents, or perhaps trying to distinguish himself from other philosophies and schools of thought popular in his day. I found some of his reasoning in this regard clearly flawed though, or at least lacking the consideration of other, more apparent, possibilities. Perhaps this was due to the texts being transcriptions of on-the-spot lectures instead of carefully considered and worded essays.

In any case, the practical information Vivekananda openly outlines in this book on yoga and its methods is clear and, in my opinion, highly worthwhile. I recommend this book for the serious yoga practitioner.

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Raja Yoga : A Path to Super Conscious Bliss
by Sri Joseph M. Ketron III (Author)

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About the Author
Sri Joseph M. Ketron III has been practicing Yoga for 26 years. It was not until two years ago that he intensified his devotion to Yoga.
After almost dying from an allergic reaction to a virus, he lost 6% of his body weight in two weeks, hair began falling out and was left weak and lacking in concentration. He began going to Hatha and Iyengar Yoga classes five days a week and began going to Mass seven days a week to regain his strength, concentration and reaffirm his devotion to the Infinite Supreme Being and believe in the Breath of life. After only two months, one of his teachers, Caroline Rogers encouraged him to become a teacher. He obtained his Master of Yoga Education Degree from High-Tech Yoga, Lowell, Mass. and is a Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher.

He is a member of St. Olafs Roman Catholic Church outside of Williamsburg, Va. where he plays the drums and other percussion instruments at two Masses a week. He currently teaches Hatha Yoga for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at the Williamsburg Lodge one day a week and teaches Yoga for free to students at the College of William and Mary also in Williamsburg, Va. He also runs a number of Charitable Efforts and works with Habitat for Humanity. If you would like to help further, with providing wells in Third World Nations. You may send checks to World Peace Fund. Sri Joseph M. Ketron III, 128 Davis Drive Williamsburg, Va. 23185.

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Practical Meditation: Spiritual Yoga for the Mind
by Sister Jayanti

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Book Description
A compilation of inspirational passages and meditations that offer instant stress relief and greater control over our lives.

In today's increasingly frenetic environment, we are searching for ways to develop tolerance, balance and power over our thoughts. Practical Meditation provides a compilation of inspirational passages, exercises and mantras that, when practiced over time, bring a sense of clarity, self-awareness and peace of mind. You will achieve a deeper knowledge of yourself, thus allowing you to make better decisions and interact with people in a more balanced, giving and loving way.

Brief chapters cover themes including: self-awareness, controlling thoughts, karma and achieving soul-consciousness. By becoming familiar with these concepts and practicing the corresponding meditations, you can tap into their "eight powers" of tolerance, courage, cooperation, accommodation, discrimination, judgment, withdrawing negative thoughts and disregarding mundane thoughts.

With the compact size and easy-to-read format of this book you can carry it with you anywhere for instant "de-stressing" at any time of the day.


About the Author
Sister Jayanti is a spiritual teach and leader, a pioneer and an emissary for peace. At the age of 19 she began her life's path of spiritual study and service with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. At the age of 21 she dedicated her life to making a difference in the world. She has trained for more than 30 years with some of the world's more remarkable yogis. As a result, she herself is an extraordinary meditator and teacher and has developed a clarity and purity of mind that is exceptional. She is a sought after speaker internationally. She is currently the European director of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University and assists in coordinating the University's activities in more than 70 countries. She is also their representative to the United Nations, Geneva.


Reader Review
You can' t go to heaven if you vote., May 1, 2002
Reviewer: A reader from New York, NY United States
The book is an easy read. Very clear exercises and imaginative. However, it doesn't once mention that Sister Jayanti is one of the leaders of the doomsday cult called the Brahma Kumaris. The members believe that they and only they will be in the "Golden Age" (heaven). Not even Princess Diana, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Jesus, Buddha, Moses, etc. will be in the Golden Age.
They have been told for over 70 years that the world will be coming to an end because this world can only last for 5,000 years. They were the biggest fools when nothing happened during Y2K. If they truly believed that the world is coming to an end, they wouldn't be investing their time in the stock market or rolling over their IRAS. If the world is less than 5,000 years how can they explain the age of the pyramids, giant meteor craters, dinosaurs, continent shifts, etc. They simply cannot.
The Brahma Kumaris is a very secretive organization much like Scientology. Only the weathly and selective celebrities are given the VIP treatment. According to them, God told them only the rich are VIPs to God. The more money you give them "the greater your fortune", which means the higher your position in heaven will be, otherwise you will be a servant. Servants in heaven?
Why would you want to waste your time in an organization that believes the only way to go to heaven is to be a vegetarian and remain celibate? They are forbidden to watch television or go to the movies, but many do so anyway. Most are in denial because they read newspapers, magazines, novels, eat in restaurants, attend concerts, exercise, shop, sit next to the opposite sex and even vote. All of these things are forbidden to those that want to go to the "Golden Age" (heaven). Who said you can't go to heaven if you vote? They did.
Isn't it no wonder that only the ones with high self-esteem and the ability to think for themselves seem to leave the Brahma Kumaris? If being with losers is your thing, or if you enjoy being in the company of diabetic obese men and women or people who are weak and sickly, or if you just want to be treated accordingly to your income, then the Brahma Kumaris is for you. If their members were happy, they wouldn't leave the organization, nor would they commit suicide. Even the people in charge of the organization are unhappy and decide to leave so that they can enjoy a normal life.
Isn't it a wonder that many decide to get married, or raise a family very shortly after leaving the Brahma Kumaris? Who wants to be unhappy? If you do, contact your nearest Brahma Kumaris and get ready for a boring unhappy life.

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