Jnana Yoga

The Vedantin monk Swami Vivekananda is as accessible now as he was in the late 19th century. For that reason among many others, I am drawn to his works. The spiritual descendant of Sri Ramakrishna, one of India's foremost sages; an accomplished yogi with profound insights into human consciousness; and a gifted teacher who introduced the spiritual practice of Vedanta to the West, Vivekananda also had an astonishing ability to relate to and communicate with the ordinary Londoner or American unacquainted with Eastern religions. Part monk, part philosopher, part psychologist, part scientist, part poet--for his words are poetic--he intuitively knew how to connect with Western audiences. I heartily recommend this book to anyone new to Vedanta or even experienced with its teachings. Conceptually intricate yet instantly readable, the book describes in everyday language jnana yoga, one of four yoga practices central to Hinduism. Beginning with a rational argument for the necessity of religion and thoughts on the nature of humankind, its author proceeds to elucidate the central themes of Vedanta, probe the mysteries of evolution, and unveil the relationship between the material world and cosmic intelligence. He finishes with an uplifting chapter titled The Real and Apparent Man. Simply outstanding.

A valuable piece by the G:.H:. Swami Vivekananda.

This book contains the recording of the lectures delivered by SwamiVivekanand on Vendanta philosophy in England in 1896. It's importanceLies in the fact that this was the first disposition of Maya theory to thewest.The western world came to know ,for the first time ,the essence ofThe philosophy of Upnishads.The exposition of Maya theory given bySwamiji ,till date ,is considered to be unparalleled one ,comparable onlyTo that given by great Shankaracharaya.This book is Very useful for intellectuals and serious spiritual seekers.

It is a book to be read with lot if focus and packed with lot of knowledge. He is talking from a completely independent view point and debating even the roots of Vedas and Upanishads to establish what he thinks as an appropriate description. Sometimes you can see him as a critic also... Beautiful book!!

Swami Vivekananda is one of the first Hindu monks (Swami). He was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world and was credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the late 19th century as he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893.His books are highly beneficial for the student of yoga.

Anyone interested in Hinduism bhudda self help yoga or meditation this is a powerfully effective first book to set your center

I am currently attending classes on this book, which shows the way to liberation through intellectual deliberation.

Great little book - great contents.

Though evil and good are both conditioned manifestations of the soul, yet evil is the most external coating, and good is the nearer coating of the real man, the Self. And unless a man cuts through the layer of evil he cannot reach the layer of good, and unless he has passed through both the layers of good and evil he cannot reach the Self. He who reaches the Self, what remains attached to him? A little Karma, a little bit of the momentum of past life, but it is all good momentum. Until the bad momentum is entirely worked out and past impurities are entirely burnt, it is impossible for any man to see and realise truth. So, what is left attached to the man who has reached the Self and seen the truth is the remnant of the good impressions of past life, the good momentum. Even if he lives in the body and works incessantly, he works only to do good; his lips speak only benediction to all; his hands do only good works; his mind can only think good thoughts; his presence is a blessing wherever he goes. He is himself a living blessing. Such a man will, by his very presence, change even the most wicked persons into saints. Even if he does not speak, his very presence willbe a blessing to mankind.

Hi vibe book!Read apply !Evolve beyond the human condition !!

There is some wisdom in this book but it is also quite narrow in its approach. It approaches things from the perspective that religion is good and should be obvious to the intelligent person. It's quite "preachy" and the logic to some lesser conclusions sometimes seems unclear. Overall this book wasn't what I thought it would be. I though Jnana knowledge was about examining deeper aspects to life and spirituality with an empirical and scientific viewpoint. However this book is not thorough or systematic, it seems more designed to convince you that unless you believe in God and Religion you are mistaken. Raja Yoga by the same author is great, and Karma & Bhakti Yoga by the same author is ok.

Worth reading.

Thanks