A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga

The Yoga Series

by Yogi Ramacharaka

In India, the Candidates for Initiation into the science of "Raja Yoga," when they apply to the Yogi Masters for instruction, are given a series of lessons designed to enlighten them regarding the nature of the Real Self, and to instruct them in the secret knowledge whereby they may develop the consciousness and realization of the real "I" within them. They are shown how they may cast aside the erroneous or imperfect knowledge regarding their real identity.

Genres: Health, Spirituality, Reference, Self Help, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1906

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book overcoming stagnation. Spiritual, metaphysical and philosophical, its a cleansing for the brain, soul and spirit.

[Neill Tumulac · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books I have ever read. It explains the processes of the mind on a level so clear that anyone should be able to understand the basic concepts which lie within the great depth that is our own mind (and you will find if you are well trained that it is the same thing as the mind of others!). Highly advanced meditation practices are included, and transcendental states of mind are within reach for anyone who chooses to study using this book. Psychedelic users can in effect experience highly similar states of mind without the use of any substances via the methods in this book, though it will take serious concentration and a highly supportive environment.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book that I have read from William Walter Atkinson which is a kindle book. As in his other books, the author presents his views in a very unique, informative and compelling manner. In his discussion of Raja Yoga, the author states that we are the extension of the "Absolute" but are not the "Absolute" as expounded in some yoga schools. In other words, we are not "God" and the Universe is not a trick or fragment of our imagination; however, the "Supreme Intelligence", the "Absolute", has manifested itself in relativitiy, namely in different forms of life including Man. Atkinson further explains that Man is the Spark of God, a real Being, who is a Manifestation and Child of the "Absolute". In discussing Raja Yoga, the author delves into different aspects of the mind, consciousness, subconsciousness, mental control, amongst other topics, and incorporates examples and the use of mental drills to make the subject more understandable in a practical sense. I would highly recommend this book

[Alia Makki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stars for the assurances throughout the book for the practicing yogi who is at a crossroad.
One star for practical instructions.
One star for clarity of language, even where philosophies were covered, considering that the book was written in early twenty first century.
Minus one star for the grand language in the last tree chapters.

Summary: If you've been following any kind of spiritual path, there are lots of gems to reap from this book to steady your path and strengthen your reserve. "It's a lonesome and solitary path, we know, but it's okay. We're good. We're on the right track. We'll make it through."

[Emilija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tai anglų lordo, 20 amžiaus pradžioje gyvenusio Britų kolonizuotoje Indijoje perpasakotos jogos pamokos.
Raja yoga (karūnos arba karališkoji) yra proto joga, mokantis atskirti mintis, jausmus, impulsus veikti, jusles ir atmintį su jais nesusitapatinant. Pateikiami dėmesingumo, pastabumo lavinimo pratimai, minčių ir jausmų atskyrimo praktikos.
Skaičiau ir galvojau, kad čia labai panašu į kognityvinę elgesio terapiją, minus Dievas (atmanas).
Taip pat knygoje cituojami to meto mokslininkai darbai iš neurologijos ir psichologijos srities, citavimo standartai tai šiais laikais absoliučiai kiti. Bet kuriuo atveju įdomus istorinis leidinys, leidžiantis matyti minties raidą ir pastebėti vienų idėjų pastovumą, o kitų kintamumą.

[Chilly SavageMelon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book inspired me to quit smoking cigs, though it wasn't specifically about that. But when one starts to look at the will and the ego - just what do they want to do? I suddenly knew I no longer wanted to do that. Unfortunately the edition I found in a second hand shop isn't here. It was pre-New Age, and without the cheesy cover as many of these. Just a blue bound, small, hard cover volume, compiled letters, originally sent out to an "esoteric society" around the turn of the 20th century.

[Sundarraj Kaushik · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is mainly about the Eastern way of meditation. Each chapter introduces the reader to a higher concept. It starts with exercises to improve concentration and slowly leads the readers on a self discovery path. It speaks about how the EGO should be the controller of the mind and not the other way round. The book hints at higher aspects of how all the EGOs are one, but does not delve as much in depth.

A good read for somebody wishing to get a perspective on Eastern philosophy of discovering oneself.

[Mariellen Ghavami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reading this and The Science of Breath which where both written by this yogi but publishing date in the books I have is 1904 so I was surprised I even found one of them on goodreads but the one on goodreads has an additional author other than just Yogi Ramacharaka and cover certainly looks different, so perhaps it is different