Meditation and Mantras

by Vishnu-Devananda

‘A mantra is a mystical energy encased in a sound structure . . . It steadies the mind and leads to the stillness of meditation.’

The modern lifestyle with its excesses and worldly desires, the constant need to be connected, and the rapid development in technology, has made stress and lifestyle-related diseases the norm. The need for meditation thus is more acute. Meditation calms the mind, brings focus and enhances the senses, resulting in a better quality of life and work. And with the right mantras, meditation becomes a highly effective tool in unleashing the immense potential within oneself.
This book from the Sivananda Ashram explains what meditation and mantras are and how they can be effectively used to recharge oneself with divine energy, so that the tension of body and mind are gradually reduced.

Genres: Meditation, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Vishnudevananda Saraswati (31 December 1927 – 9 November 1993) was a disciple of Sivananda Saraswati, and founder of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams. He established the Sivananda Yoga Teachers' Training Course, one of the first yoga teacher training programs in the West. His books The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga (1960) and Meditation and Mantras (1978) established him as an authority on Hatha and Raja yoga. Vishnudevananda was an activist who rode in several "peace flights" over places of conflict, including the Berlin Wall prior to German reunification.

Reviews

[Alika · Rating 5 out of 5]

An authentic book on meditation and the various types of thoughts that can help or hinder the path to enlightenment. Unlike some of the trendy advice out there, this book goes deep into the ancient practice and includes teachings on japa meditation, jnana yoga, raja yoga, Hindu deities, Sanskrit mantras, and more.

[Javier Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uno de los mejores libros que conozco acerca de la filosofía y práctica del Yoga. Algo más abreviado que su hermano mayor: "El libro del Yoga", la obra magna de Swami Vishnu-Devananda (Kerala, 1927-Uttarakhand, 1997), discípulo de Swami Sivananda (Pattamadai, 1889-Rishikesh 1967). Estos maestros dedicaron su entera vida a la difusión de las enseñanzas yóguicas y a su acercamiento y difusión en occidente.
No lo recomiendo a los aficionados a las versiones "light" del Yoga que actualmente tanto se estilan por estas latitudes, despojadas de todo vestigio de filosofía oriental. O quiza sí, ya que ayudará a mentes curiosas e interesadas a profundizar en la auténtica cosmovisión que la mayoría de las nuevas modas occidentales rechazan. No tengo nada en contra del "Midfulness" y demás purés. O quiza sí: No estoy en contra de dichas prácticas, especialmente cuando ayudan al practicante, pero estoy totalmente en contra de la absurda comercialización y perversión. Por otra parte, algo inevitable en esta sociedad híper-consumista e híper-acelerada en la que actualmente vivimos.
Este libro aborda las técnicas de concentración y meditación, las diferentes ramas del Yoga, los Mantras y Sutras desde la milenaria perspectiva hinduista. Supone una auténtica llave al conocimiento profundo de una sabiduría acumulada durante milenios.

[M.C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una lectura solo para gente interesada en el yoga, la meditación y en general en la cultura oriental. Lo explica todo muy bien. Ya había leído otro libro suyo sobre yoga. REcomendado para quien quiera conocer de estos temas. Hay parte más complicadas cuando habla de los mantras y otras cuestiones, pero en general, muy bien.

[H Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to take your yoga practice beyond physical and breathing exercises. It also thoroughly explains yogic philosophy. If you have already experienced the effects of yoga on mind and body, Vishnu-Devananda’s message will particularly resonate.

[Svetlana Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more to make you come closer to living in peace!

[Mag · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive guide to mantras and meditation techniques written in a distinctly unadulterated Eastern way of thinking. Actually, he lost a point from me anywhere he tried to adapt his Eastern views to the Western way of thinking as it didn't work very well then. A fascinating read otherwise.

[Neha Oberoi · Rating 3 out of 5]

First step into the world of mindfulness. Hopefully the mind being a monkey will calm down and I'll be hopeful of that day.

The tips are useful and guiding for a beginner. Mantras may or may not interest all novices; but there's handy reference for those who care.

[Foxthyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very complete book on the topic of yoga meditations and mantras. My only wish is that it came with a pronounciation CD. Perhaps in the future.

[Yamaji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to know more about meditation. I want to read again.

[Jenni Moore]

Good stuff in here - sometimes a little overwhelming, but very good to keep around as a reference.