The Spiritual Quest And The Way Of Yoga

The yoga way maintains that spiritual quest is not a matter of choice but a vital necessity for total well-being. This comprehensive guide for spiritual seekers of all faiths and backgrounds presents a roadmap to Self-knowledge, the goal of spiritual quest, and shows that reconnecting with the center of your being, your true Self, is real, tangible and attainable.

Guidance for Your Spiritual Journey—from the Wisdom of Yoga and Vedanta “The ultimate goal of life is to discover the divinity within ourselves and in all beings and things. This will lead us to adore our true Self, adore our fellow beings, and adore the world that is but a reflection of Reality. This reunion with the Absolute—the core of our individual being as well as of the universe—is the true meaning of yoga.” —from chapter 13 The yoga way maintains that spiritual quest is not a matter of choice but a vital necessity for total well-being. This comprehensive guide for spiritual seekers of all faiths and backgrounds presents a roadmap to Self-knowledge, the goal of spiritual quest, and shows that reconnecting with the center of your being, your true Self, is real, tangible and attainable. Exploring the route to spiritual fulfillment through the teachings of Yoga and Vedanta, Swami Adiswarananda outlines the meaning of spiritual quest, the nature of and the preparations necessary for the journey and the milestones you will use to chart your progress. He also draws from the sacred texts of these time-tested traditions to address the vital questions that often trouble spiritual seekers, such as: Which spiritual path should I follow? How can I attain liberation? What are the dangers and obstacles on the spiritual path? How do I control the restless mind? Why are there many religions and what is the way to interfaith unity?

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.

More than 100,000 copies sold! Millions of Americans know yoga as a superb form of exercise and as a potent source of calm in the midst of our stress-filled lives. Far fewer are aware of the full promise of yoga as "the way of the fully alive human being"--a 4,000-year-old practical path of liberation that fits the needs of modern Western seekers with startling precision. Now one of America's leading scholars of yoga psychology--who is also a Western-trained psychotherapist--offers this marvelously lively and personal account of an ancient tradition that promises "the soul awake in this lifetime." Drawing on the vivid stories of practitioners at the largest yoga center in America, where he has lived and taught for more than ten years, Stephen Cope describes the philosophy, psychology, and practice of yoga--a practical science of development that urges us not to transcend or dissolve the self, but rather to encounter it more deeply. In this irreverent modern-day Pilgrim's Progress, Cope introduces us to an unforgettable cast of contemporary seekers--on the road to enlightenment carrying all the baggage of the human condition: confusion, loss, disappointment, addiction, and the eternal conflicts around sex and relationship. As he describes the subtle shifts of energy and consciousness that happen at each stage of the path, we discover that in yoga, "liberation" does not require us to leave life in the world for some transcendent spiritual plane. Life itself is the path. Above all, Cope shows how yoga can heal the suffering of self-estrangement that pervades our society, leading us to a new sense of purpose and to a deeper, more satisfying life in the world.

Yoga: A Guide to the Teachings and Practices introduces the reader to the greater universe of Yoga and to the principles that animate this rich tradition. Yoga, according to its Indian origins, is not just a physical practice but an ancient and comprehensive sacred science of right living and higher awareness. This holistic practice encompasses physical health and well-being, psychological and emotional harmony, and general balance in life. More importantly, Yoga is a spiritual quest to know the inner truth of the universe - the Divine, God, the Absolute or whatever other name one may use to refer to this highest value. Providing an overview of this traditional way of life, Yoga: A Guide to the Teachings and Practices is a primer for all thoughtful readers interested in embarking on this spiritual quest.

Presents a comprehensive, easy-to-follow yoga program that includes postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques intended to strengthen readers' inner as well as physical qualities, especially flexibility and a sense of balance. Original. IP.

Yoga is a philosophy of life and a systematic science that enables us to realize our true nature and experience union with the Divine. Drawn from the dialogue of Pandit Tigunait's bi-monthly Yoga International magazine Q&A column, this book weaves together hundreds of answers to the questions that face those on a spiritual path. In this inspirational book, Pandit Tigunait draws on knowledge he has gathered from the scriptures, from accomplished teachers, and from his own spiritual findings to answer profound questions on topics including: Spirituality and finding the sacred in everyday life Reincarnation and karma Relationships Death and dying Meditation and understanding the mind Health and healing Mantra Overcoming obstacles Ayurvedic herbs Choosing a path Teachers and students Higher consciousness and enlightenment This second edition is more than twice as long as the first and incorporates new questions and answers that are guaranteed to deepen your insight on spiritual matters and yogic philosophy.

The remarkable benefits of yoga, which include improved flexibility, balance, muscle tone, endurance, and vitality, only hint at the extraordinary power of this deeply spiritual practice. When adhered to and practiced mindfully, yoga can unlock readers’ full creative potential, their capacity for love and compassion, and ability to find success in all areas of their lives. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga brings spirituality back to yoga. It shows how the Seven Spiritual Laws play a crucial role in yoga’s path to enlightenment while providing readers with a wealth of meditation techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and yoga poses. Whether a newcomer to yoga or an experienced practitioner, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is a portal to yoga’s deeper spiritual dimension and a beautiful step to a happier, more harmonious, and more abundant life.

Every human being on Earth longs and searches for true meaning and fulfillment. Unfortunately, most of us search in the wrong places and end up empty-handed. We won’t find true fulfillment in a fancy new car or lavish vacation. We will find it on the yoga mat, in the comfort of our own homes. The regular practice of yoga allows us to escape distractions, break patterns, examine our inner selves deeply, and ultimately find true contentment and joy. When the practice and teachings of yoga are combined with the teachings of A Course in Miracles, we find ourselves on the most fascinating exploration of self, leading us to what we have truly been missing all along. If you are ready for a simple and honest glimpse into this phenomenal practice of yoga, open the pages of this book, seek no more, and discover the life you have only seen in your dreams.