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The Path of Yoga
This book deeply probes the nature of consciousness, meditation, karma, death, and reincarnation. Srila Prabhupada prescribes a simple process to purify the mind and elevate the consciousness -- a process that not only assures the practitioner inner peace but also empowers him or her to help change the chaotic trend of modern society.
- GenresPhilosophySpirituality
197 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
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83 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
813 books718 followersHis Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (अभय चरणारविन्द भक्तिवेदान्त स्वामी प्रभुपाद)was born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
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July 3, 2023
A REPUBLICATION OF TWO EARLIER BOOKS BY PRABHUPADA
The Publisher’s Introduction to this 1996 book states, “The thoughtful contemporary reader, weary of the many speculative, simplistic books that clutter the bookstore shelves and offer instant formulas for psychological or spiritual salvation, will find [this book] a welcome relief. Herein one will find a clear, intriguing explanation of the philosophy and practice of mankind’s oldest system of spiritual development---yoga. Now, the word ‘yoga’ may conjure up an image of some skinny fakir contorted like a human pretzel, or perhaps a room full of aging New Agers struggling to stand on their heads in hope of improving their health and losing weight. This is not what we mean by ‘yoga.’ Here we are referring to an ancient philosophy and meditational system that has been practiced by millions throughout the ages. What has in modern times been reduced to a commercially exploited technique of physical agility and pseudo meditation was once a comprehensive and easily applied form of self-realization.
“‘The Path of Yoga’ combines two books previously published separately: ‘The Path of Perfection’ [1979] and ‘The Perfection of Yoga’ [1971]. These books are based on a historic series of talks given in the late 1960s by … A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) on India’s greatest spiritual classic, the Bhagavad Gita… Srila Prabhupada deeply explores the philosophy of yoga … showing clearly how these timeless teachings apply to the modern world. Srila Prabhupada’s talks probe questions concerning the nature of consciousness, techniques of meditation, karma, death, reincarnation, and even spiritual ecstasy.” (Pg. vii-viii)
They continue, “In [this book] Srila Prabhupada offers a brilliant summary of the methods of bhakti-yoga, revealing the universal applicability of this simple but all-inclusive form of yoga. He shows how even those who are entangled in the complexity and chaos of modern materialistic life can begin an uncomplicated practice that purifies the mind and puts one in touch with the Supreme Consciousness. Making the process of bhakti-yoga accessible to everyone in the modern world was Srila Prabhupada’s greatest contribution to our age.” (Pg. ix)
Prabhupada states, “the eightfold yoga system is a means to control the mind and senses. This method, however, is very difficult for people to perform, especially in the present … age characterized by ignorance and chaos. Although the eightfold yoga system is recommended in the … Bhagavad-Gita, the Lord emphasizes that the process of karma-yoga, action in Krsna consciousness, is superior… to act perfectly is to act in Krsna consciousness, and this means acting without a view to enjoying the fruits of one’s labor. It is our duty to act in Krsna consciousness because we are constitutionally parts and parcels of the Supreme. The parts of the body work for the satisfaction of the entire body, not to satisfy the individual parts. The goal is the satisfaction of the complete whole.” (Pg. 1)
He continues, “The purpose of yoga is to make the mind into a friend. In material contact, the mind is in kind of a drunken condition… As soon as the mind is contaminated, the living entity, because he has a little independence, rebels. In this state, the mind dictates, ‘Why should I serve Krsna? I am God.’ Thus one labors under a false impression, and his life is spoiled. We try to conquer many things… but if we fail to conquer the mind, we are failures even if we manage to conquer an empire. Even though emperors, we will have within us our greatest enemy---our own mind.” Pg. 23)
He observes, “By mental speculation, one is more likely simply to reach a point of frustration and confusion and conclude, ‘Oh, God is zero.’ But is God is zero, how are so many figures emanating from Him?... Ultimate knowledge is knowledge of the Supreme Lord. So how is it possible to understand the form of Krsna? If it is stated that God does not have eyes, limbs, and senses like ours, how are we to understand His transcendental senses, His transcendental form? This is not possible by mental speculation. We simply have to serve Him, and then He will reveal Himself to us.” (Pg. 39-40)
He notes, “In the temple, the devotee tries to concentrate on the form of Krsna. Concentrating on nothingness, on the void, is very difficult, and so naturally, since the mind is very flickering instead of concentrating on the void the mind searches out something else… Therefore, pseudo mediation on the impersonal void is simply a waste of time. Such a show of yoga practice may be materially lucrative, but it is lucrative, but it is useless as far as spiritual realization is concerned. I may open a class in yogic meditation and charge people money for sitting down and pressing their nose this way and that, but if my students do not attain the real goal of yoga practice, they have wasted their time and money, and I have cheated them.” (Pg. 87)
He asks, “Krsna emphasizes practice and renunciation as ways to control the mind. But what is that renunciation? Today it is hardly possible for us to renounce anything, for we are so habituated to such a variety of material sense pleasures. Despite leading a life of uncontrolled sese indulgence, we attend yoga classes and expect to attain success. There are so many rules and regulations involved in the proper execution of yoga, and most of us can hardly give up a simple habit like smoking… Krsna proclaims that yoga cannot be properly performed by one who eats too much or eats too little. One who starves himself cannot properly perform yoga. Nor can the person who eats more than required.” (Pg. 155)
He asserts, “we can love the Supreme Lord in so many ways---we can love Him as master, as friend, as child, or as husband…Everyone has an eternal relationship with the Lord… These relationships are eternally present… At present our relationship with the Supreme Lord is pervertedly reflected in this material world. In the material world. the relationship between master and servant is based on money or force or exploitaton. There is no question of service out of love. The relationship … continues only for as long as the master can pay the servant. As soon as the payment stops, the relationship also stops. Similarly, in the material world there may be a relationship between friends, but as soon as there is a slight disagreement, the friendship breaks, and the friend becomes an enemy… No relationship in this material world is eternal.” (Pg. 181-182)
He concludes, “Krsna consciousness is the last link in the yogic chain, the link that binds us to the Supreme Person, Lord Sri Krsna. Without this final link, the chain is useless. One who is truly interested in the perfection of yoga should immediately take to Krsna consciousness by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, studying the Bhagavad Ghita, and rendering service Krsna though the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In this way one will surpass all other yoga systems and attain the ultimate goal of all yoga---love for Krsna.” (Pg. 186)
Those studying the Krishna movement will appreciate this book.
The Publisher’s Introduction to this 1996 book states, “The thoughtful contemporary reader, weary of the many speculative, simplistic books that clutter the bookstore shelves and offer instant formulas for psychological or spiritual salvation, will find [this book] a welcome relief. Herein one will find a clear, intriguing explanation of the philosophy and practice of mankind’s oldest system of spiritual development---yoga. Now, the word ‘yoga’ may conjure up an image of some skinny fakir contorted like a human pretzel, or perhaps a room full of aging New Agers struggling to stand on their heads in hope of improving their health and losing weight. This is not what we mean by ‘yoga.’ Here we are referring to an ancient philosophy and meditational system that has been practiced by millions throughout the ages. What has in modern times been reduced to a commercially exploited technique of physical agility and pseudo meditation was once a comprehensive and easily applied form of self-realization.
“‘The Path of Yoga’ combines two books previously published separately: ‘The Path of Perfection’ [1979] and ‘The Perfection of Yoga’ [1971]. These books are based on a historic series of talks given in the late 1960s by … A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) on India’s greatest spiritual classic, the Bhagavad Gita… Srila Prabhupada deeply explores the philosophy of yoga … showing clearly how these timeless teachings apply to the modern world. Srila Prabhupada’s talks probe questions concerning the nature of consciousness, techniques of meditation, karma, death, reincarnation, and even spiritual ecstasy.” (Pg. vii-viii)
They continue, “In [this book] Srila Prabhupada offers a brilliant summary of the methods of bhakti-yoga, revealing the universal applicability of this simple but all-inclusive form of yoga. He shows how even those who are entangled in the complexity and chaos of modern materialistic life can begin an uncomplicated practice that purifies the mind and puts one in touch with the Supreme Consciousness. Making the process of bhakti-yoga accessible to everyone in the modern world was Srila Prabhupada’s greatest contribution to our age.” (Pg. ix)
Prabhupada states, “the eightfold yoga system is a means to control the mind and senses. This method, however, is very difficult for people to perform, especially in the present … age characterized by ignorance and chaos. Although the eightfold yoga system is recommended in the … Bhagavad-Gita, the Lord emphasizes that the process of karma-yoga, action in Krsna consciousness, is superior… to act perfectly is to act in Krsna consciousness, and this means acting without a view to enjoying the fruits of one’s labor. It is our duty to act in Krsna consciousness because we are constitutionally parts and parcels of the Supreme. The parts of the body work for the satisfaction of the entire body, not to satisfy the individual parts. The goal is the satisfaction of the complete whole.” (Pg. 1)
He continues, “The purpose of yoga is to make the mind into a friend. In material contact, the mind is in kind of a drunken condition… As soon as the mind is contaminated, the living entity, because he has a little independence, rebels. In this state, the mind dictates, ‘Why should I serve Krsna? I am God.’ Thus one labors under a false impression, and his life is spoiled. We try to conquer many things… but if we fail to conquer the mind, we are failures even if we manage to conquer an empire. Even though emperors, we will have within us our greatest enemy---our own mind.” Pg. 23)
He observes, “By mental speculation, one is more likely simply to reach a point of frustration and confusion and conclude, ‘Oh, God is zero.’ But is God is zero, how are so many figures emanating from Him?... Ultimate knowledge is knowledge of the Supreme Lord. So how is it possible to understand the form of Krsna? If it is stated that God does not have eyes, limbs, and senses like ours, how are we to understand His transcendental senses, His transcendental form? This is not possible by mental speculation. We simply have to serve Him, and then He will reveal Himself to us.” (Pg. 39-40)
He notes, “In the temple, the devotee tries to concentrate on the form of Krsna. Concentrating on nothingness, on the void, is very difficult, and so naturally, since the mind is very flickering instead of concentrating on the void the mind searches out something else… Therefore, pseudo mediation on the impersonal void is simply a waste of time. Such a show of yoga practice may be materially lucrative, but it is lucrative, but it is useless as far as spiritual realization is concerned. I may open a class in yogic meditation and charge people money for sitting down and pressing their nose this way and that, but if my students do not attain the real goal of yoga practice, they have wasted their time and money, and I have cheated them.” (Pg. 87)
He asks, “Krsna emphasizes practice and renunciation as ways to control the mind. But what is that renunciation? Today it is hardly possible for us to renounce anything, for we are so habituated to such a variety of material sense pleasures. Despite leading a life of uncontrolled sese indulgence, we attend yoga classes and expect to attain success. There are so many rules and regulations involved in the proper execution of yoga, and most of us can hardly give up a simple habit like smoking… Krsna proclaims that yoga cannot be properly performed by one who eats too much or eats too little. One who starves himself cannot properly perform yoga. Nor can the person who eats more than required.” (Pg. 155)
He asserts, “we can love the Supreme Lord in so many ways---we can love Him as master, as friend, as child, or as husband…Everyone has an eternal relationship with the Lord… These relationships are eternally present… At present our relationship with the Supreme Lord is pervertedly reflected in this material world. In the material world. the relationship between master and servant is based on money or force or exploitaton. There is no question of service out of love. The relationship … continues only for as long as the master can pay the servant. As soon as the payment stops, the relationship also stops. Similarly, in the material world there may be a relationship between friends, but as soon as there is a slight disagreement, the friendship breaks, and the friend becomes an enemy… No relationship in this material world is eternal.” (Pg. 181-182)
He concludes, “Krsna consciousness is the last link in the yogic chain, the link that binds us to the Supreme Person, Lord Sri Krsna. Without this final link, the chain is useless. One who is truly interested in the perfection of yoga should immediately take to Krsna consciousness by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra, studying the Bhagavad Ghita, and rendering service Krsna though the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In this way one will surpass all other yoga systems and attain the ultimate goal of all yoga---love for Krsna.” (Pg. 186)
Those studying the Krishna movement will appreciate this book.
May 1, 2014
Well written, but so dense. I wouldn't recommend it for a yoga newbie or beginner, but I think it would be well-suited for someone more advanced and/or thinking of becoming a teacher.
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January 30, 2010The Path of Yoga by bhaktivedanta swami prabhupada (?)
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