Book 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.
Customer Reviews:
You can't go wrong.......2006-12-05
You can't go wrong with any book by Vivekananda. Not only was he a great scholar, he was a saint and mystic who had personally experienced the things he taught. This book gives an extremely clear description of Raja Yoga from both a practical and philosophical standpoint. The first half explains the philosophical concepts of Hinduism regarding the relationships between mind, matter, and spirit. The second half of the book walks you through the ancient Yoga Sutras.
A must for understanding human nature!.......2006-07-25
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!
Holy.......2005-06-04
Each soul is potentially divine. Break free of attachment through controlling the gentle ripples of your mind's peace.
Thanks and praise
-Oracle
GREAT EXPOSITION.......2003-10-23
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.
Clear, Concise, Practical, Enlightening.......2002-05-30
4 stars seems a little under spoken, but The quality of the book is not what is questionable when dealing with an author of such stature. He is elegant, and eloquent in his explantions and commentary on the sutras. The only area I have disagreed with the author in his steadfast disagreement with left hand practices, but he was taught the way he was taught, and raised the way he was raised and to each his own. All in all a great book.
Book Description
This is the first volume of 9 volumes that comprise the collected works of Swami Vivekananda. Much of the material was given as lectures during his visits to the West.
Customer Reviews:
Good Historical Value.......2007-05-06
Vivekananda was one of Ramakrishna's students. These books mostly depict the Swami's trips in behalf of Vedanta, in America and other countries. He writes beautifully and has simple, clear exposition. He does briefly describe the various types of Yoga. I did not find the books highly inspiring, and certainly not at the spiritual level of Autobiography of a Yogi.
excellent work.......2007-03-09
This is an excellent work of Swami. I cannot express it in my words how great the work is. I think, everyone in the world must own a copy of this book.
Life Changing.......2006-12-22
I first read about 3 volumes of this set when I was in HighSchool, and to say the least it has changed my life since. For many years I have turned to these pages for inspiration and solid reference on Hinduism.
One cannot help but wonder how inspiring it must have been to listen to those lectures from Swami Vivekananda himself!
A spiritual encyclopedia.......2006-10-28
This set comes in eight volumes (the latest volume, IX, is sold separately). The first volume itself blew my mind away. This volume shows the reader the intellectual greatness of the swami and his spiritual wisdom. The swami also explores in depth the hidden meaning of Hindu philosophy in the other volumes. If a non-Hindu were to read this spiritual encyclopedia, he/she would have a greater understanding of the real meaning of Hinduism. A must read for all souls seeking spiritual truth.
A wealth of wisdom.......2005-11-19
The first volume, alone, changed my outlook on life, religion, and spirituality. The volumes contain deep, practical wisdom on all aspects of life. The presentation of the material will appeal to westerners and easterners alike (and northerners and southerners :).
The enitire volume set (actually 9 volumes) are available, online, for free via:
http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/complete_works.htm
The entire set is also available for purchase on cd-rom via:
http://www.advaitaonline.com/vvkmmcd.htm
Book Description
Composed by the famous Indian sage sometime between the first and third centuries CE, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali sets forth the practical and philosophical foundations of Raja Yoga. These aphorisms clearly mark out the path to Self-Realization, and their influence has been profound throughout the millennia. They are still regularly used today by those interested in the Yogic approach to self-knowledge and are open to anyone of any religion. The Sutras are presented here in a free form translation, with an insightful running commentary that makes them easily understandable to the modern reader and yoga practitioner.
Book Description
By Swami Vivekananda, Jnana-Yoga, the Path of Knowledge, describes the essence of Vedanta philosophy - the wisdom of the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita in a modern scientific manner. Jnana-Yoga, along with Swami Vivekananda's Karma-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, and Raja-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.
Customer Reviews:
Great Resource.......2006-01-31
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 Yoga.......2005-07-27
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 Master.......2004-11-12
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.
Vivekananda's best lectures..........2002-07-30
Though Jnana yoga is presumably the favorite subject of Vivekananda, he himself is supposed to have quoted that his bhakti is covered by a cloak of jnana, while his guru's (Sri Ramakrishna) jnana is covered by a cloak of bhakti. Whatever he may have learnt from Ramakrishna, who spoke in parables, Vivekananda transforms them into powerful words with striking sentences to give a sublime meaning. He is at his best while expounding the Vedanta philosophy.
His examples simplify the understanding of such a complex and profound philosophy. The way he coins the words and grammar in his lectures is unbelievable. His logic is almost always unarguable. One of the best lectures is "The Real and Apparent Man" where he lays a solid foundation of the nature of man, the support of which comes in later lectures on Maya and Cosmos . The exposition of Katha upanishad is beautiful and one does not get that picture and depth of understanding while reading the original upanishad. The final lectures delivered in Pasadena, California appeals to the unity of religions and friendship with science - a subject which is probably never more important than now.
No wonder during his lectures in America, he was the last to deliver, as the audience would wait patiently to listen to him.
are you ready for the REAL thing?.......2002-04-05
swami vivekananda is/was one of the giant intellects of all time. a direct disciple of the great 19th century indian god-man, sri ramakrishna, vivekananda learned his lessons well at an early age and built upon it to the point of sometimes surpassing his master. especially in the sense of providing a bridge from the worlds oldest extant religious traditions to plain spoken accessability for the spiritual seeker of our own time. jnana yoga is the approach of experiencing oneness with God using the path of knowledge/philosophy/contemplation. this book is among the very best in laying out the methods and ideas the aspirant can use for his own search [ thru the path of knowledge ] of direct experience of God, i.e. being-conciousness-bliss absolute. the book carefully and clearly leads us thru our most primitive lowest levels of humanity up the ladder of understanding spiritually we are truly One with the highest of all realities. that indeed, "thou art that". "what frightens you? what holds you down? only ignorance and delusion; nothing else can bind you. you are the Pure One, the Ever Blessed...he who knows this and models his life accordingly will no longer grovel in darkness." the good swami's writings on all the yoga paths are among the best the world has yet seen. this particular volume is a must read for the student practitioner of jnani yoga. if i could spend an hour having a cup of tea with any person who ever lived, swami vivekananda might well be the one i would choose. not only for his giant intellect but his purity and holiness and breadth of understanding man's need for transcendence and the ways of actually doing so. this is a great book for anyone looking for the true innermost Self.
Book Description
An absorbing biography of Swami Vivekananda (1863 - 1902) that presents his vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture, deep spiritual insight, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, and colorful personality. Swami Vivekananda, India's first spiritual and cultural ambassador to the West, proclaimed the universal message of Vedanta: the non-duality of the Godhead, the divinity of the soul, the oneness of existence, and the harmony of religions. This 256 page book details the life of Swami Vivekananda and contains 28 photographs, as well as, an appendix containing the Swami's most important teachings.
Customer Reviews:
A beautiful book on Vivekananda...........2005-12-21
This biography on Vivekananda captivates the reader immensely. It starts of in the early life of this remarkable soul and ends with a few priceless sayings of this colossal figure. This book also contains a glossary on Sanskrit words for the uninitiated reader.
Surprisingly, this book contains no chapters. But this should not put the reader off. The sub-headings in this book makes this work an easy read but the lack of photographs is a minor shortcoming. However, Vivekananda's life is a remarkable one and this should captivate the reader deeply.
Captivating..........2002-07-30
This is the first biography I owned and at the end of reading, left a feeling that is a combination of optimism, enthusiasm and a fire in the belly to accomplish something in life.
Swami Vivekananda, a Saint/Patriot of India is an amazing personality. He is kind of a super-man, with exceptional oratorial skills, unfailing memory, with a mind stretching to the limits and with a heart of gold. There are hatha-yogis, bhakti yogis and raja yogis etc. But Vivekananda is all in one. Above all he seems to be a perfect Karma yogi - which is very difficult to be.
The book starts with his early days of attachment to Western thinking, then suddenly shifts to narrating the life of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Then when the meeting of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda happens - it is the one of the most exciting part of his life and a turning point in Indian history too. Every important part of his life is neatly depicted - his wanderings throughout India, his journey to America, the famous speech in Chicago and his subsequent journeys to the rest of the world. I tried to find the building where the PoR was held in 1893, but I could not. I was told it was turned into "Field Museum", but its Museum Director didnot know when I enquired about it.
I expected the book to contain the original text of his first speech, but it doesnot. This book does not have many photographs too. Anyway reading Vivekananda's life, one is sure to catch his optimism, enthusiasm and purpose of life and indeed think about reforming oneself.
Book Description
At the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Swami Vivekananda transformed Western thinking. He showed that, far from being an exotic novelty, Hinduism was an important, legitimate spiritual tradition with valuable lessons for the West. Pathways to Joy is a selection of 108 of his sacred teachings on Vedanta philosophy. In accessible and powerful prose, Vivekananda illuminates the four classical yoga paths — karma, bhakti, raja, and jnana — for the different natures of humankind. The messages focus on the oneness of existence; the divinity of the soul; the truth in all religions; and unifying with the Divine within. Invaluable and inspiring, the selections also explore karma, maya, rebirth, and other great revelations of Hinduism.
Customer Reviews:
Terrific book, must read!.......2006-09-29
Vivekananda died in 1902, but still lives thanks in part to David Deluca for publishing this terrific book. Although Vivekananda wrote the words over 100 years ago his messages are absolutely timely to today; love, serving others, giving, compassion, accepting of all religions and all races without hate or arrogance. Vivekananda felt that all religions present different prespectives of God and that all are correct, no need for hatred. He also felt that all countries have something to contribute to all others. Eventually all countries will come together to share. I only wish that Vivekananda words could be heard, felt by all to stamp out the useless primitive and everpresent greed, hatred and killing in the world.
Candid Introduction to Vedanta.......2006-06-10
This book delves into a clear and simple presentation of the works of Vivekananda, the young Indian monk who at the turn of the 20th century, brought Hinduism and it's teachings to America.
At a time when eastern religious philosophy was still a mystery no westerner was eager to unravel, you will be amazed at how this audience-captivating teacher was accorded the greatest respect and accoladeat the "Assembly or World Religions" in 1893. But even more important, was the way the top world religious teachers at the time hungrily ate up the spiritual food that was being dished by Vivekananda.
What Dave DeLuca has done in this uncomplicated book is taken those teachings and presented them in the most enjoyable and interesting way. It is as if no time has passed. Vivekananda's teachings truly feel as if they are addressing present day issues.
The wisdom and love of this monk flow these pages almost tangibly. It is no wonder that the students of Vivekananda seem to devour his teachings!
Book Description
By Swami Vivekananda, Karma-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga describes the way to reach perfection through the performance of daily work in a non-attached spirit (i.e. Karma-Yoga - the path of selfless action) and by sublimating human affection into divine love (i.e. Bhakti-Yoga - the path of divine love). Karma-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga, along with Jnna-Yoga and Rja-Yoga, are considered classics and outstanding treatises on Hindu philosophy. Swami Vivekananda's deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, and broad human sympathy shine forth in these works and offer inspiration to all spiritual seekers.
Customer Reviews:
Overestimated?.......2000-05-14
It resulted from lectures about the topics and does not cover the topics deep enough. But although the other yogas from Vivekananda are quite interesting, I was somewhat disappointed with this one. This does not mean, that there would be no good statements in this book, but just not enough of them. Both, karma yogis and bhakti yogis would probaly prefer other books. One may still want to read it, to get a better understanding of Vivekanandas idea of the spiritual path.
Love Everybody, Everybody Work........2000-04-26
Mountains of hatred can by crushed using this book as a tool. Strong characters can be built using this book as a tool. Explaination of the Karma Yoga is very good. The Ramayana and Mahabharat have been narrated well. But the best part in the book is the explaination of Bhakti and its application in real life. The book teaches you to love Everybody. This book will touch you and question you if you are a bhakt.
An eloquent and true voice of loving wisdom........1999-11-18
This work remains a clasic and offers within one pair of covers understanding of an effective and proven path to spiritual balance. I have known this work most of my life, as I am the third generation of my family in the United States aware and helped by knowing Vedanta. Rarely have vision, knowledge and clarity of voice been combined with such felicity as in this work, which I place above almost all other works on religion, faith, spirit and spiritual practice. After almost half a century of spiritual seeking, paractice in Christianity, Zen, Eastern faiths, and now my personal daily spirital unfolding of practice of loving kindness and service, I have come to see that the path described by the Swami in this work is one which we all share in fact, if not in name; service to all and to our loved ones IS the highest and easiest and hardest daily practice. I predict that this work will never go out of print, and I am glad that we retain the gift of this and other printed works to aid us all.
Book Description
Vivekananda once said, "I have a message to the West, as Buddha had a message to the East." And the message was Vedanta. Vedanta: Voice of Freedom is culled from Vivekananda's collected works. This book presents in a clear and concise form the spiritual wisdom of India as it has evolved over five thousand years. Thus it evokes the living Vedanta put forth by an extraordinary mind.
Edited & with an Introduction by Swami Chetanananda of the Ramakrishna Order of India
Foreword by Christopher Isherwood
Preface by Huston Smith
Customer Reviews:
Quite possibly the best book I have ever read.......2006-11-02
If you want to learn about yoga, the meaning of life, and the Hindu religion, read this book. This is one of those few books that can change your life.
Professional review.......2005-06-17
Seems to a bit misleading collection in general sense. Books of Vivekananda are probably useful in historical sense only, but this one is clearly a push by a follower to present Swami Vivekananda in a "modern light". However one has to keep in mind not only contribution but also a destruction of the image of the Hindu or Hindu monotheism by Vivekananda. Something not at all addressed here by Swami Chetanananda in this selection of 100 over-edited essays.
Final Relief.......2004-08-13
If you want true relief from numberless false hopes, unsatisfied desires of sensual pleasures, incomplete joys of everyday life, thankless tasks in corporate environment, unrewarded loves in personal life and unrecognized human emotions everywhere in your life, find a place here, in Vendanta, which is for ALL regardless of religion. You will find a personal guide, complete freedom of soul and eternal bliss if you can digest this book.
A good overview of Vedanta.......2000-10-07
Vedanta is another name of Hinduism. The basic teaching of Vedanta is that man is inherently Divine and Free. It is a delusion that makes man feel impure, bound and limited. Thus the voice of Vedanta is a clarion call to manifestation of the Divinity and Freedom to which we truly are heirs. Swami Vivekananda was the first Indian in modern times to effetively spread this message in the West. This book contains a brilliant compilation from Swami Vivekananda's lectures, writings and letters. The book is compiled by Swami Chetanananda, a senior monk of the Sri Ramakrishna Order, which was founded by Swami Vivekananda. The book is well organized. The language is very clear and forceful. The book is a very good introduction to anyone who is interested in Indian Philosophy and Religion, especially Hinduism, ie. Vedanta. Readers who are already in touch with Hinduism will get their ideas much more clearer and well organized by reading this book.
The book to be read and to be forgotten............................1999-05-25
This book is a compliation of lectures delivered by the great swami on the subject of vedanta.( I don't want to give any explanation onvedanta at the moment since I feel that that won't help you in anyway)But I believe that once the book is read, the reader willdefinitely find the truest meaning of the term " vedanta" by himself/herself through the instrumentality of Swamiji. Reading of chapters will not do. Alongwith,the reader should digest, atleast try to digest, the inner meaning of those lectures,to ponder over the same and to seek guide from those who mastered theart of living . Vedanta is not meant for one particular community or sect.as is widely believed. It's for everyone. The meaning of vedanta is " the end of knowledge". For those who feel " the frustration of anxiety "in life and those who feel " dullness from abundant availability" , this book is the penacca. It's justlike listening to the voice of Swamiji. If you dive deep into the teachings,not only you feel the warmth of Swamiji; you feel yourself too. I don't mind begging you to read this book. Advance congratulations...
Book Description
Vivekananda: The Yogas and Other Works reveals the many facets of a spiritual giant of our times. It will serve as a guide for all spiritual seekers in their search for the Highest Good. This handsome edition includes the unabridged texts of Swami Vivekananda's' Jnana-Yoga, Raja-Yoga, Karma-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, and Inspired Talks, together with additional lectures, poems, and letters. A biography of Vivekananda (179 pages) written by Swami Nikhilananda forms the introductory chapter. A glossary and an index are included along with 43 photographs.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Spiritual Master.......2003-03-08
As you have come into this world, leave some marks behind. Otherwise, there is no difference between you and the stones and the trees...said Vivekananada, the great spiritual master of all times. This book contains Vivekananda's Jnana-Yoga, Raja-Yoga, Karma-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, and Inspired Talks, together with additional lectures, poems, and letters. Nice Introduction by Swami Nikhalananda with biography and photographs of Swami Vivekananda.Vivekananda said 'Do not care what be your color - green blue or red. Mix up all colors and produce that intense glow of white, color of love and through this book shows reasons of faith and immense study of vedanta focus on spiritual recognition and achieve self realization. He believed that, Truth, purity and unselfishness - wherever these are present, there is no power below or above the sun to crush the possessor thereof.This book makes one understand the spiritual culture and westerners get a peak a boo into the religious consciousness leading to one god - the universal creation known by name god. A nice read.
Awesome!.......2000-01-14
This book is an utter masterpiece! It is a collection of the writings and the lectures of a Perfected Master, divinity in flesh. Perfection is noted everywhere, from his vast knowledge of the subject matter down to his unique text. A superb treasure of Truth!
Awesome!.......2000-01-14
This book is an utter masterpiece! It is a collection of the writings and the lectures of a Perfected Master, divinity in flesh. Perfection is noted everywhere, from his vast knowledge of the subject matter down to his unique text. A superb treasure of Truth!
Average customer rating:
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Swami Vivekananda's Legacy of Service: A Study of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission
Gwilym Beckerlegge
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0195673883 |
Book Description
This manuscript deals specifically with the contentious issue of sewa, organized service to humanity, which was Vivekananda's legacy to his followers. It is a distinctive contribution to the study of the Ramakrishna movement in its exclusive focus on the idea of service. It argues that the Ramakrishna movement's commitment to sewa was shaped by a complex of varied influences. These included not only the impact of individuals such as Vivekananda and the interaction between Indian and western ideals, but also dramatic changes in the delivery of organized philanthropy. That took place during the nineteenth century in societies disrupted by industrialization and colonization. The study will trace the way in which social, economic, and political factors beyond its direct control have also conspired to make increasing demands upon the Ramakrishna Math and Mission as a provider of service. The debate surrounding he genesis and growth of the sadhana of service within the Ramakrishna movement has been a fascinating one not least because of the various interests and starting points of those who have participated in it. The study is rooted in substantial direct encounters with the Ramakrishna Math and Mission's contemporary practice of the sadhana of service in both India and Bangladesh. It includes material taken from interviews conducted with members of the movement, and is enriched by reference to literature produced by individual Math and Mission centers which is not very widely known.
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