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The Complete Book of Yoga: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga
All knowledge that the world has ever received comes from the mind . . .” In the quest for understanding one' s own mind, body, and soul, and to attain liberation, each man seeks spirituality as per his own means and understanding. Yoga, with its origin dating back to ancient India, has always been considered a pathway of achieving moksha. This edition combines the four paths of yoga as expounded by Swami Vivekananda in the nineteenth century. They include the three yogas mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita— Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga— and Raja Yoga, which is based on Maharshi Patanjali' s Yoga Sutras, and together they speak to the active, the emotional, the mystic, and the philosophical inside us. Complete with timeless universal wisdom, and not restricted to asanas and physical exercises, the yogic practices explained by Vivekananda become a way of life and hence lead to the realization of the Absolute.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
674 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Vivekananda
1,658 books1,584 followers"Arise Awake and Stop not til the goal is reached"
Vivekananda left a body of philosophical works (see Vivekananda's complete works). His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) are very influential and still seen as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga. His letters are of great literary and spiritual value. He was also considered a very good singer and a poet.By the time of his death, He had composed many songs including his favorite Kali the Mother. He used humor for his teachings and was also an excellent cook. His language is very free flowing. His own Bengali writings stand testimony to the fact that he believed that words - spoken or written - should be for making things easier to understand rather than show off the speaker or writer's knowledge.
Swami Vivekananda [ স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ ] (1863 – 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion.
Born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
Vivekananda left a body of philosophical works (see Vivekananda's complete works). His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) are very influential and still seen as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga. His letters are of great literary and spiritual value. He was also considered a very good singer and a poet.By the time of his death, He had composed many songs including his favorite Kali the Mother. He used humor for his teachings and was also an excellent cook. His language is very free flowing. His own Bengali writings stand testimony to the fact that he believed that words - spoken or written - should be for making things easier to understand rather than show off the speaker or writer's knowledge.
Swami Vivekananda [ স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ ] (1863 – 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion.
Born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 31, 2021
Not the easiest read (took me almost 2 years to finish all 4 sections), but its wisdom and insight are priceless. Swami Vivekananda writes with a clarity exclusive to those who have intimate experience of the Truth, not as a mere philosopher constructing an intellectual scaffolding to rest his argument. He presents 4 Yogas - Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), Raja, and Gyana (knowledge), and explains each path to union, addressing all the common pitfalls and criticisms that have come up in the last 3 thousand years. A life changing book, but only for those who sincerely aspire.
January 31, 2015
This is a book of philosophy, not asana, so it will be most interesting for yogis/yoginis on a spiritual quest that goes beyond (though probably still incorporates) physical postures. The paths of karma, bhakti, raja, and jnana yoga are explained in great detail. However, there is no table of contents or index, so your choices are to read straight through, or flip around until you find the part you want. Some pretty serious Hindu scholarship here, not for the dilettante.
December 10, 2025
Vivekananda’s Raja Yoga presents a systematic, practical path to self-realization grounded in Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, interpreted through an Advaita Vedānta lens.
Raja Yoga is a highly revered, classic English language spiritual text. As such, I’m absolutely not going to review this text critically. At least not regarding the veracity of the metaphysical content or the various scientific truth claims made throughout the book.
I’m not interested in any of that.
I’ll leave that up to you should you choose to read it.
Moreover.
I’m not really reviewing any books from a more-than-minimally critical lens anymore. As important as critique is, when it happens on social media it just seems to promote conflict and hurt feelings.
And I’ve had just about enough of that.
I used to get rad like that. But my more recent reviews are more about appreciation than critique. And frankly, lately, if I don’t love a book—or at least really like it—I just can’t seem to finish it. So just about every review I post is a 5/5 lately.
For better or for worse.
That’s just where I’m at.
With one important exception.
While I’m much less interested in criticizing a text for its content or style, I do still engage in critical discourse regarding the broader historical and sociopolitical context of a work.
This should not be considered an endorsement of any particular political ideology. Even though, at the moment, just about any reflection on colonialism (as I’m about to make) seems to function as a dog whistle for just about everyone.
Anyway.
This book is written to communicate with a modern (as opposed to postmodern) English-speaking audience. As such, Vivekananda frames Raja Yoga in the scientific language of the late 1800s—the time in which it was written. This strategy was commonly adopted by Indian religious scholars and teachers from this period (and continuing to today) as a way of making Indian religion feel more accessible, rational, and legitimate to Western readers.
It also functioned—at least in effect—as a way of preserving Indian religious philosophy from the destructive effects of Western scholars and Christian missionaries, essentially functioning as a covert extension of British colonialism cloaked in overtly academic and/or humanitarian practices.
Given ALL that.
The scientific truth claims in this book should be understood as historical artifacts. As many of them are dated and inaccurate by today’s standards and understandings.
There is still a lot of interesting and useful material here, and the scientific framing can be helpful and effective when read loosely and analogously rather than exactingly and literally.
Another important thing to keep in mind while reading this text is that it is rooted in the (at least superficially) dualistic philosophy of Patañjali and his now famous Yoga Sūtras.
This gives the work an oddly dualistic tone. Particularly for a text associated with Advita (a non-dual current of Hinduism).
This might disappoint/confuse some of you Neo-Advita kids.
Anyway.
At its core, Raja Yoga teaches that the mind is the source of both suffering and liberation. By disciplining the mind through ethical living, meditation, and concentration, one can quiet the mental fluctuations (vṛttis) and directly perceive the true Self (Ātman) as one with ultimate Reality (Brahman).
Vivekananda introduces western readers to Patañjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga). Consisting of: 1. Yama – ethical restraints (non-violence, truthfulness, etc.); 2. Niyama – personal observances (discipline, contentment, study); 3. Āsana – posture (to support meditation, not physical fitness); 4. Prāṇāyāma – regulation of breath and vital energy; 5. Pratyāhāra – withdrawal of the senses; 6. Dhāraṇā – concentration; 7. Dhyāna – meditation; 8. Samādhi – complete absorption and subsequent self-realization.
NOTE: As previously mentioned, this book is grounded in Patañjali. As such it text will strike many contemporary readers as oddly dualistic for an Advitic text.
But it’s important to remember that, for Vivekananda, the culmination of practice, Samādhi, is described as a deeply experienced and ultimately transformative non-dual state, in which the illusion of separateness fully dissolves.
Vivekananda frames Raja Yoga as scientific, experiential, and universally accessible, presenting yoga not as mysticism or religion, but as a psychology of consciousness available to anyone willing to practice with discipline and sincerity.
All of this talk about universality will undoubtedly trigger a contemporary postmodern reader. Just try to remember that this book was published roughly thirty years after the U.S. Civil War.
Anyway.
I found lots of real value here.
It’s a classic for a reason.
5/5 stars ⭐️
Raja Yoga is a highly revered, classic English language spiritual text. As such, I’m absolutely not going to review this text critically. At least not regarding the veracity of the metaphysical content or the various scientific truth claims made throughout the book.
I’m not interested in any of that.
I’ll leave that up to you should you choose to read it.
Moreover.
I’m not really reviewing any books from a more-than-minimally critical lens anymore. As important as critique is, when it happens on social media it just seems to promote conflict and hurt feelings.
And I’ve had just about enough of that.
I used to get rad like that. But my more recent reviews are more about appreciation than critique. And frankly, lately, if I don’t love a book—or at least really like it—I just can’t seem to finish it. So just about every review I post is a 5/5 lately.
For better or for worse.
That’s just where I’m at.
With one important exception.
While I’m much less interested in criticizing a text for its content or style, I do still engage in critical discourse regarding the broader historical and sociopolitical context of a work.
This should not be considered an endorsement of any particular political ideology. Even though, at the moment, just about any reflection on colonialism (as I’m about to make) seems to function as a dog whistle for just about everyone.
Anyway.
This book is written to communicate with a modern (as opposed to postmodern) English-speaking audience. As such, Vivekananda frames Raja Yoga in the scientific language of the late 1800s—the time in which it was written. This strategy was commonly adopted by Indian religious scholars and teachers from this period (and continuing to today) as a way of making Indian religion feel more accessible, rational, and legitimate to Western readers.
It also functioned—at least in effect—as a way of preserving Indian religious philosophy from the destructive effects of Western scholars and Christian missionaries, essentially functioning as a covert extension of British colonialism cloaked in overtly academic and/or humanitarian practices.
Given ALL that.
The scientific truth claims in this book should be understood as historical artifacts. As many of them are dated and inaccurate by today’s standards and understandings.
There is still a lot of interesting and useful material here, and the scientific framing can be helpful and effective when read loosely and analogously rather than exactingly and literally.
Another important thing to keep in mind while reading this text is that it is rooted in the (at least superficially) dualistic philosophy of Patañjali and his now famous Yoga Sūtras.
This gives the work an oddly dualistic tone. Particularly for a text associated with Advita (a non-dual current of Hinduism).
This might disappoint/confuse some of you Neo-Advita kids.
Anyway.
At its core, Raja Yoga teaches that the mind is the source of both suffering and liberation. By disciplining the mind through ethical living, meditation, and concentration, one can quiet the mental fluctuations (vṛttis) and directly perceive the true Self (Ātman) as one with ultimate Reality (Brahman).
Vivekananda introduces western readers to Patañjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga). Consisting of: 1. Yama – ethical restraints (non-violence, truthfulness, etc.); 2. Niyama – personal observances (discipline, contentment, study); 3. Āsana – posture (to support meditation, not physical fitness); 4. Prāṇāyāma – regulation of breath and vital energy; 5. Pratyāhāra – withdrawal of the senses; 6. Dhāraṇā – concentration; 7. Dhyāna – meditation; 8. Samādhi – complete absorption and subsequent self-realization.
NOTE: As previously mentioned, this book is grounded in Patañjali. As such it text will strike many contemporary readers as oddly dualistic for an Advitic text.
But it’s important to remember that, for Vivekananda, the culmination of practice, Samādhi, is described as a deeply experienced and ultimately transformative non-dual state, in which the illusion of separateness fully dissolves.
Vivekananda frames Raja Yoga as scientific, experiential, and universally accessible, presenting yoga not as mysticism or religion, but as a psychology of consciousness available to anyone willing to practice with discipline and sincerity.
All of this talk about universality will undoubtedly trigger a contemporary postmodern reader. Just try to remember that this book was published roughly thirty years after the U.S. Civil War.
Anyway.
I found lots of real value here.
It’s a classic for a reason.
5/5 stars ⭐️
November 13, 2021
It was great to read about the Teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Some points are so basic, but those would have never appeared to the mind. If god is everywhere and in everything, then why we see some people as evil and some as great! Or maybe the point: why doesn’t the earth fall? And a kid asks where will it fall?
Yes it takes plenty of time to read such teaching coz it’s not only reading, it’s also about checking it with perspective.
Intrigued me to read the Complete Works of Swami Vivekanand. But that’s for the next year.
Yes it takes plenty of time to read such teaching coz it’s not only reading, it’s also about checking it with perspective.
Intrigued me to read the Complete Works of Swami Vivekanand. But that’s for the next year.
May 19, 2021
This book will enlighten one's perspective and goal of life and will clear all your thoughts, confusions, anxiety and desperations that we feel in daily life. The broad context on Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga will give you a brief understanding on your deeds, responsibilities, ultimate truth on soul, rebirth and God and if they understood as in it's context, will give you real realisations of ultimate goal and truth of human life.
May 7, 2023
This book was surprisingly a difficult read, especially the last section on Jnana Yoga was extremely tedious. Either the translator has killed the message or the original text is so loopy, I do not know. Raja Yoga was very informative and eye-opening. I learned many things and I now want to move up the value chain to the source books.
May 14, 2025
Swami Vivekananda’s The Complete Book of Yoga: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga is a profound exploration of yoga as a comprehensive philosophical system, far beyond the physical practice often associated with it in the West. Written in the mid-to-late 19th century, the book’s accessibility is striking. Vivekananda’s language feels surprisingly modern, making complex spiritual concepts approachable for readers today. His clarity bridges the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and contemporary understanding, inviting readers into a deeper exploration of the self and the universe.
The book covers four paths of yoga—Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), Raja (meditation), and Jnana (knowledge)—each offering a distinct yet interconnected approach to spiritual growth. I was particularly fascinated by how Vivekananda presents yoga as a holistic philosophy, not merely a physical exercise but a transformative way of life. The text draws parallels to various religions, including Christianity, through a Vedic lens, making it strikingly ecumenical and relevant across spiritual traditions.
While the book is engaging, some concepts are repetitive, with certain ideas hammered home to the point of redundancy, particularly in the later chapters. Other ideas, however, are profoundly complex, demanding time and contemplation to fully absorb. This balance of simplicity and depth makes the book both accessible and challenging. Read at the right moment in one’s life, it could be life-changing, offering guidance on purpose, devotion, and self-realization.
I give The Complete Book of Yoga 4/5 stars, docking a point for the occasionally long-winded and repetitive sections. Nonetheless, Vivekananda’s work is a timeless invitation to explore the richness of yoga as a path to spiritual and personal growth. Highly recommended for those seeking wisdom beyond the mat.
The book covers four paths of yoga—Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), Raja (meditation), and Jnana (knowledge)—each offering a distinct yet interconnected approach to spiritual growth. I was particularly fascinated by how Vivekananda presents yoga as a holistic philosophy, not merely a physical exercise but a transformative way of life. The text draws parallels to various religions, including Christianity, through a Vedic lens, making it strikingly ecumenical and relevant across spiritual traditions.
While the book is engaging, some concepts are repetitive, with certain ideas hammered home to the point of redundancy, particularly in the later chapters. Other ideas, however, are profoundly complex, demanding time and contemplation to fully absorb. This balance of simplicity and depth makes the book both accessible and challenging. Read at the right moment in one’s life, it could be life-changing, offering guidance on purpose, devotion, and self-realization.
I give The Complete Book of Yoga 4/5 stars, docking a point for the occasionally long-winded and repetitive sections. Nonetheless, Vivekananda’s work is a timeless invitation to explore the richness of yoga as a path to spiritual and personal growth. Highly recommended for those seeking wisdom beyond the mat.
June 13, 2022
Good Primer to the four types of Yoga according to Swami Vivekananda. Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Gnana Yoga.
September 30, 2023
Seems Counter Intutive and Paradoxical at first; Should be considered as a reference than a one time read; Gives new perspectives at different times
May 13, 2021
(Bhaktiyoga)
The title itself carries all the thoughts and ideas which several books and philosophers have pondered upon, but everyone does not have the potential or let us rather say insight to contemplate on the matter like "yogas" ( action). #swamivivekananda Beautifully carried the vision of Bhakti Yoga, keeping the lesson of The Gita firm, making it more light and grasping for the reader. #swamiji retrieved the enlightened words from the ancient texts to the modern world.
We all are #arjuna in our respective lives and we eagerly desire for a path breaker like Krishna. It is not necessary, that Krishna will come to you in human form, it can make its approach in any shape, be it living or nonliving.
However, the language of the book is advanced, hence would suggest to have a Hindi Dictionary behind as back up. Overall it was a great read for me.
4/5
The title itself carries all the thoughts and ideas which several books and philosophers have pondered upon, but everyone does not have the potential or let us rather say insight to contemplate on the matter like "yogas" ( action). #swamivivekananda Beautifully carried the vision of Bhakti Yoga, keeping the lesson of The Gita firm, making it more light and grasping for the reader. #swamiji retrieved the enlightened words from the ancient texts to the modern world.
We all are #arjuna in our respective lives and we eagerly desire for a path breaker like Krishna. It is not necessary, that Krishna will come to you in human form, it can make its approach in any shape, be it living or nonliving.
However, the language of the book is advanced, hence would suggest to have a Hindi Dictionary behind as back up. Overall it was a great read for me.
4/5
December 7, 2025
Een must-read voor elke Hindoe of iedereen die geïnteresseerd is in het hindoeïsme (lees: Vedanta). Vivekananda heeft een praktische gids geschreven die vier paden naar verlichting beschrijft. Vooral nuttig voor de gemiddelde Hindoe in 2025, die—overweldigd door het enorme aantal geschriften en verschillende tradities—moeite heeft om de hindoeïstische filosofie in het dagelijks leven toe te passen.
June 8, 2021
it contains specific lectures by Swami Vivekananda on different yoga , by reading this book one would understand the message from Swami Vivekananda to West and would be able to understand the real essence of Vedanta , a guide for beginner and the Gita for the follower .
August 25, 2022
Spirituality makes you live in tranquility whatever the situation is, and that's the greatest asset one can have. It is a book a user manual of an machine called Human. Teaches you to live with peace that you create within.
January 23, 2020
A must read for a person who is in interested in the Yogi Culture.
May 9, 2021
Must read books....The concept if karma and Atman excellently explained
December 28, 2021
A must read for everyone!
December 7, 2022
Exceptional insight on spirtuality by an immortal personality . Awsome read 👍
September 3, 2025
A hinduistic philosopher, Jay Lakhani had recommended this book to all those that wanted to seriously pursue the form of yoga. Here, Swami Vivekanada expands the topic of yoga and delves into the forgotten idea of living life as a yog-i. The book strongly focuses on the four forms of reaching ‘divinity’ - for that is the life a yogi must strive for.
Karma yoga is the act of good, the acting of duty and the acting of unattachment. “Both pleasure and pain are great teachers, and that he learns as much from evil as from good.”
Bhakti yoga is the pursuit of path that is all consisting of love, belief and praise. the search for lord results in a found peace. “Bhakti is a series of succession of mental efforts at religious realisations.” Swami Vivekanada preaches to renounce the material world man has conjured up & to see god in humanity and within rather then possessing a disdain to others who don’t practice to your accordance.
Raja Yoga is the practice of concentration - the rigorous endeavour of training your preceptors to embark on an endeavour of truth, introspection - turning thoughts into controlled contemplation “the world is ready to give up it’s secrets if we only know how to knock.”
Jnāna yoga takes a big portion of the book and for good reason it encompasses knowledge. Throughout the book Vivekanada drills the idea that “ignorance is death” and knowledge is “power” it is “life.” It is in Jnāna that Vivekanada emphasises the infinite being of a soul, the cycles of moksha, of life and the journey of treading through millions of lives to attain freedom through knowledge.
This book was a lengthy read especially at my pace of attempting to soak it all in. Regardless of interests or lack thereof in spirituality and religion this book highlights meaningful principals. principles of philosophy that are timeless - ones that affirm you, your beliefs & those around you. I’ve festered a passion for yoga and as a result it lead me to this book. a book that emulates the practice of life.
October 21, 2023
I've been in search of YOGA and have found great teachers and resources during my journey as well as many who have absoluty no/wrong idea of YOGA. I feel very proud to share this documentary *History of Yoga Full* which has done a beautiful work of compiling various elements of YOGA for SEEKERS of TRUTH (SELFLESSNESS & final union with sources and DIVINITY within us).
Also, I would recommend *The Complete Book of Yoga: KARMA YOGA | BHAKTI YOGA | RĀJA YOGA | JNĀNA YOGA* (Deluxe Silk Hardbound) Hardcover – 1 January 2021 by *Swami Vivekananda* IF someone wants to connect dots with our own knowledge and wisdom of different YOGAS we know.
PLEASE DO SUGGEST YOUR BEST BOOKS & RESOURCES ON YOGA.
In Gratitude and truly blessed to be on this journey of YOGA. Sunil 🧘🏽♂️🧘🏽♀️
https://youtu.be/JoRwXMLsVis?si=vGVyV...
Also, I would recommend *The Complete Book of Yoga: KARMA YOGA | BHAKTI YOGA | RĀJA YOGA | JNĀNA YOGA* (Deluxe Silk Hardbound) Hardcover – 1 January 2021 by *Swami Vivekananda* IF someone wants to connect dots with our own knowledge and wisdom of different YOGAS we know.
PLEASE DO SUGGEST YOUR BEST BOOKS & RESOURCES ON YOGA.
In Gratitude and truly blessed to be on this journey of YOGA. Sunil 🧘🏽♂️🧘🏽♀️
https://youtu.be/JoRwXMLsVis?si=vGVyV...
March 9, 2025
Suggested by an experienced yogi, a master of Sanskrit and Hindi languages- scripts (of Indian origin), this book became my first ever guideline through the path of RĀJAYOGA. A well developed school of Patanjali by Swami Vivekananda for modern audiences who are eager to explore beyond…
Explained in a simple language, adorned with multiple real stories or similes to convey the core concepts of YOGA, and to some extent, well categorized in Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga & Jnana Yoga, this book provides you with a starter pack for an inner journey to reality of connect with your true consciousness!
Suggest it? Are Yaaar
Not looking for the next? Nahin yaaar!
This book is just the beginning!
@atravelerfromindia
۱۴۰۳/۱۲/۲۰
رمضان ۱۴۴۶
Explained in a simple language, adorned with multiple real stories or similes to convey the core concepts of YOGA, and to some extent, well categorized in Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga & Jnana Yoga, this book provides you with a starter pack for an inner journey to reality of connect with your true consciousness!
Suggest it? Are Yaaar
Not looking for the next? Nahin yaaar!
This book is just the beginning!
@atravelerfromindia
۱۴۰۳/۱۲/۲۰
رمضان ۱۴۴۶
July 22, 2024
By no means does this book deserve less than 4 stars, but for someone who can understand it. For me, it went deeper than inception and I struggled to finish some parts. The sections that you do understand hit different though.
This book hardly has got anything to do with any of Hindu gods, and has no hatred for any other religion or culture.
It rather deals with Spirituality and explains that aspect of Vedas in much detail.
While I enjoyed the first 3 parts, the last part of Gyan Yoga which pretty much makes 50% of this book made me struggle to complete. But will come back to read it again for sure as I get wiser with age.
This book hardly has got anything to do with any of Hindu gods, and has no hatred for any other religion or culture.
It rather deals with Spirituality and explains that aspect of Vedas in much detail.
While I enjoyed the first 3 parts, the last part of Gyan Yoga which pretty much makes 50% of this book made me struggle to complete. But will come back to read it again for sure as I get wiser with age.
May 17, 2023
"The Complete Book of Yoga: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga & Jnana Yoga" is a comprehensive guide that explores the different paths of yoga. With clear explanations and practical techniques, it offers a holistic approach to yoga for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. From selfless action to devotion, meditation, and wisdom, this book provides a roadmap for spiritual growth and self-discovery. With its balance of theory and practice, it is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of yoga
October 14, 2024
What are we in this universe? Why were we born here? Are we the reason for our own birth and life? What is the purpose of our existence? Can we escape death if we are not the reason for our birth? Why must we endure the pains, challenges, and pleasures in life? Is anything truly permanent in our lives, whether it be lust or the joy of our successes?
Many questions often race through our minds, especially when we find ourselves in a moment of calm with little to occupy our thoughts. If you’re one of those people, you are in the right place. You will likely find answers to your questions here. Ultimately, accepting what the author presents is a matter of personal opinion, but I find many of the insights shared by the author to be quite convincing.
Many questions often race through our minds, especially when we find ourselves in a moment of calm with little to occupy our thoughts. If you’re one of those people, you are in the right place. You will likely find answers to your questions here. Ultimately, accepting what the author presents is a matter of personal opinion, but I find many of the insights shared by the author to be quite convincing.
October 18, 2024
This wonderful book is collection of talks and lectures given by Swamy Vivekananda. Amazing articulation of complex ideas , no wonder he is known as a great orator and awe inspiring personality. There are several hundreds of quotes throughout his lectures which talks about "one-ness" . If at least one millionth of population read this book and try to realize the central ideas, world will be at peace !! Very glad to have read this book !! Must read for anyone
October 31, 2024
I find the knowledge is internal and we shouldn't look outside ourselves stuff worrying. This could very easily be abused and used as an excuse to not learn and grow. While it might encourage self reflection, the way it is portrayed worries me as it seems unlikely to do that. The example given of Newton also makes no sense. Also fire isn't stored in the flint it is made by the friction of the flint on a suitable surface.
February 27, 2024
A contemporary explanation to the 4 major spiritual paths in Hinduism. Swami Vivekananda, being an extremely learned person, has shown his literary and intellectual brilliance in explaining nuanced concepts of the Shastras. A must read for anyone seeking the absolute truth about the life and universe.
November 17, 2025
Young people who want to understand the Indic perspective on the divine and learn how to practice it to build a relationship with it, according to Dharmic traditions, should definitely read this piece by Swami Vivekananda.
For those seeking clarity, it provides a complete guide on living, acting, loving, and thinking in harmony with the divine.
For those seeking clarity, it provides a complete guide on living, acting, loving, and thinking in harmony with the divine.
September 25, 2024
Every chapter in the book is full of wisdom. But it is not an easy read, the book demands time and attention.
Swami Vivekananda has very deeply and swiftly portrayed the Vedanta texts. A must read for all who intend to gain a deeper spiritual experience.
Swami Vivekananda has very deeply and swiftly portrayed the Vedanta texts. A must read for all who intend to gain a deeper spiritual experience.
November 16, 2025
Vivekananda is an inspiring thinker who manages to crystallise the essence of Hindu thought in his speeches and writings. The only negative comment I will make is that he is a compiler rather than an original thinker.
May 8, 2024
I cried reading this for it opened my mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews