The Four Yogas: A Guide to the Spiritual Paths of Action, Devotion, Meditation and Knowledge

by Swami Adiswarananda

Overview

Choose the Yoga path that best suits you, and you choose the way to know God.

The philosophy of Yoga tells us that the root cause of our sorrows and suffering is loss of contact with our true Self. Our recovery is only possible by reestablishing contact with our innermost Self, the Reality of all realities, and by recognizing that knowledge of Self is our salvation.

In this comprehensive guide, Swami Adiswarananda introduces the four spiritual paths of Yoga—Karma-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, Raja-Yoga and Jnana-Yoga—and what you can expect as an aspirant on each path. Covering the message and practice of each of the Yogas as well as philosophy and psychology, preparatory practices, common obstacles and ways to overcome them, this accessible book will prove invaluable to anyone wishing to follow a Yoga practice in order to realize the goal of Self-knowledge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594732232
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	04/01/2007
Pages:	293
Product dimensions:	2.36(w) x 3.54(h) x 0.84(d)

About the Author

Swami Adiswarananda (1925–2007), former senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order of India, was Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part One: The Way of Karma-Yoga: The Path of Action
1 The Message of Karma-Yoga 11
2 The Philosophy and Psychology of Karma-Yoga 21
3 Karma-Yoga and True Renunciation 31
4 The Practice of Karma-Yoga 41
5 Karma-Yoga for Self-Knowledge 57
6 Obstacles in Karma-Yoga 71

Part Two: The Way of Bhakti-Yoga: The Path of Devotion
7 The Message of Bhakti-Yoga 81
8 The Philosophy and Psychology of Bhakti-Yoga 87
9 Preparatory Practices in Bhakti-Yoga 97
10 Characteristics of the Teacher and the Aspirant 105
11 Spiritual Disciplines in Bhakti-Yoga 115
12 Obstacles in Bhakti-Yoga 135

Part Three: The Way of Raja-Yoga: The Path of Meditation
13 The Message of Raja-Yoga 147
14 The Philosophy and Psychology of Raja-Yoga 155
15 Preparatory Practices in Raja-Yoga 167
16 The Eight-Limbed Practice 171
17 Obstacles in Raja-Yoga 191

Part Four: The Way of Jnana-Yoga: The Path of Knowledge
18 The Message of Jnana-Yoga 203
19 The Philosophy and Psychology of Jnana-Yoga 207
20 The Goal of Jnana-Yoga: Self-Knowledge 213
21 The Practice of Jnana-Yoga 221
22 Meditation for Self-Knowledge 237
23 Two Aspects of Liberation 245
24 Obstacles in Jnana-Yoga 255

Part Five: Conclusion
25 Harmony of the Yogas 263

Notes 269
Glossary 279
Credits 289
Index 291
About the Author 297

Editorial Reviews

The Four Yogas: A Guide To The Spiritual Paths Of Action, Devotion, Meditation And Knowledge by Swami Adiswarananda (Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York)is an extensive interpretive collection of the ideals and concepts underlying the spiritual philosophies of Yoga and the true callings of the acceptance of its pathway. Comprehensively exploring the theoretics and ideologies of progressive introspection, and through Yoga, the finding of one's inner-most self. The Four Yogas recognizes both the philosophical and the artistic approach to yoga and provides readers with a plethora of informative commentaries drawn from Karma Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, Raja-Yoga and Jhanana-Yoga. The Four Yogas is very strongly recommended to all readers with an interest in the Hindu religion and wishing to explore a more Yoga-oriented aspect of their spiritual development and practice.

The Midwest Book Review

The Four Yogas: A Guide to the Spiritual Paths of Action, Devotion, Meditation and Knowledge by Swami Adiswarananda. The philosophy of Yoga says the root cause of sorrow and suffering is loss of contact with our true Self. This book introduces the four ways that we can walk to realize the goal of Self-knowledge. Practices, common obstacles and ways through them are all discussed here with compassion and wisdom. Excellent read.

The Messenger: A Guide for Life's Adventure

"The clearest, most user-friendly and most practical exposition of Hinduism's four spiritual paths that I have ever read. Profound and exceptionally articulate … leads the reader, step by step."
—Nathan Katz, professor of religious studies and director of the Center for the Study of Spirituality, Florida International University, Miami

“A precious spiritual transmission with the power to help you live a more conscious, fulfilled life. With clarity and precision … makes ancient yogic principles thoroughly accessible for modern times. A gift to the world.”
—Joan Borysenko, PhD, author of A Woman’s Journey to God and Seven Paths to God

“Approachable and compelling … dispels many myths about the Yogic way…. Combines the keen observation and analytical skills of a scientist with the transcendent wisdom of a spiritual master.”
—Ray Kurzweil, inventor, scientist and author of several books, including The Age of Spiritual Machines and The Singularity Is Near

From the Publisher

The Four Yogas: A Guide to the Spiritual Path of Acton, Devotion, Meditation, and Knowledge.Swami Adiswarananda. A comprehensive source for exploring yoga as the way to realization of one's true universal self.

New Age Retailers Magazine

The Four Yogas: A Guide to the Spiritual Paths of Action, Devotion, Meditation and Knowledge by Swami Adiswarananda. The philosophy of Yoga says the root cause of sorrow and suffering is loss of contact with our true Self. This book introduces the four ways that we can walk to realize the goal of Self-knowledge. Practices, common obstacles and ways through them are all discussed here with compassion and wisdom. Excellent read.

The Messenge: A Guide for Life's Adventure