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Adiyogi: The Source of Yoga

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"Shiva does not spell religion. Shiva spells responsibility -- our ability to take our very life process in our hands.''

 

-- Sadhguru

'Shi-va' is 'that which is not', a primordial emptiness; Shiva is also the first-ever yogi, Adiyogi, the one who first perceived this emptiness. Adiyogi is symbol and myth, historic figure and living presence, creator and destroyer, outlaw and ascetic, cosmic dancer and passionate lover, all at once.A book like no other, this extraordinary document is a tribute to Shiva, the Adiyogi, by a living yogi; a chronicle of the progenitor of mysticism by a contemporary mystic. Here science and philosophy merge seamlessly, so do silence and sound, question and answer--to capture the unspeakable enigma of Adiyogi in a spellbinding wave of words and ideas that will leave one entranced, transformed.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2017

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3129 people want to read

About the author

Sadhguru

138 books3,397 followers
Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic and visionary. Named one of India's 50 most influential people, Sadhguru's work has touched the lives of millions worldwide through his transformational programs. Sadhguru has a unique ability to make the ancient yogic sciences relevant to contemporary minds. His approach does not ascribe to any belief system but offers methods for self-transformation that are both proven and powerful.

An internationally renowned speaker and author​ of the New York Times Bestseller Inner Engineering, A Yogi's Guide to Joy, Sadhguru has been an influential voice at major global forums including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, addressing issues as diverse as socioeconomic development, leadership and spirituality. He has also been invited to speak at leading educational institutions, including Oxford, London Business School, IMD, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Wharton and MIT. In February 2017, Sadhguru was the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan Award by the Government of India, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.

Dedicated to the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of humanity and gifted with utter clarity of perception, Sadhguru possesses a perspective on life that never fails to intrigue, challenge and surprise all those he encounters. Sadhguru established Isha Foundation, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization operating in more than 300 centers and supported by over 11 million volunteers worldwide. Through powerful yoga programs for inner transformation and inspiring social outreach initiatives, Isha Foundation has created a massive movement dedicated to addressing all aspects of human wellbeing.

Sadhguru has also initiated several projects for social revitalization, education and the environment through which millions of people have been given the means to overcome poverty, improve their quality of life and achieve community-based, sustainable development.

In the fall of 2017, Sadhguru initiated Rally For Rivers, a nationwide campaign aiming to implement sustainable and long-term policy changes to revitalize India's severely depleted rivers, which found great support among India's people and leadership. With over 162 Million individuals pledging their support, Rally for Rivers is the largest ecological movement in the world to date. In the fall of 2019, Sadhguru launched Cauvery Calling, a uniquely modelled project that focuses on enhancing farmer wealth while simultaneously impacting river flow and riverine ecosystems. It will enable farmers in the Cauvery basin spanning Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to plant 2.42 billion trees.

In the United States, Isha Foundation is headquartered at the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, Isha Institute is established as infrastructure for raising human consciousness and offers a variety of programs that provide methods for anyone to explore and experience the yogic science in its full depth.

About Sadhguru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_co...

Visit - https://sadhguru.org/karma

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Santhi Swaroop Godavari.
26 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2017
The co- author Arundhati was so obsessed with herself and with her trivial details and over- flowery language (which was completely unnecessary, honestly), she almost ruined what must have been an amazing spiritual guide for every seeker. Except for that, this book is a gem. Sadhguru speaking on Shiva is a treat one wouldn't want to miss!
P.S.- Save yourself some time and do not read the part 3 of this book! Read the part 2 twice instead!
Profile Image for Bharath.
953 reviews634 followers
February 20, 2018
This is a book about Shiva – the first Yogi who transmitted the knowledge to disciples, many centuries back. The book has several things going for it: the descriptions have an intensity and it is almost as if you can feel the magnetic pull of Shiva as you read. The myths which are included are all exceptionally good, though many are common knowledge in the Indian culture. Sadhguru’s perspective of Shiva as one who can take you to the depths of yourself – destroying all that is impermanent and make believe is interesting There are also fresh perspectives and insights at many instances while the myths are discussed - on Shiva’s practice, valor, balance, compassion and selflessness.

While the mythology makes for great reading, the pseudo-science which figures especially in the initial stages was entirely avoidable. The writing style is variant – there are sentence constructs which are repetitive and detracts from the narration – for instance every 10 sentences in Section 3, you will find a phrase about Sadhguru laughing. While the last section also purports to raise several questions, many are left unanswered. However, that may also be because each person has to find his own way.

Profile Image for Ashish Iyer.
873 reviews636 followers
December 17, 2019
Beautiful book.
Such a lovely day to finished this book on International Yoga Day.
I literally read this book in Sadhguru's voice. Quite an enlightening book.
Such a beautiful experience it was. I guess I will be re-reading it again and again to get that beautiful experience.
Profile Image for mahesh.
270 reviews26 followers
February 28, 2022
Om Namah Shivaya |
ॐ नमः शिवाय ।



Must read for those who want to get a clear understanding of Adiyogi in the ascetic sense, Narration is simple and crisp. However, Part 3 is a bit daunting for juggling around words more than the theme of shiva. It's often difficult to find books about Shiva and his path of enlightenment. Sadhguru has done phenomenal work on bringing shiva closer to our hearts through the spirit of devotion.
Since I am from south India, My grandpa used to narrate to me the lore of shiva on Maha Shivratri night till I fall asleep. But this book gave me the scientific explanation behind those stories and it was really insightful. The first two-part is a must, You can skip the last part since it deviates from the spirit of shiva.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्

“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥”

Namaste!
Profile Image for Ajith Ashokkumar (LordOfBooks).
126 reviews14 followers
January 12, 2021
Shiva can only be experienced, never understood ! The readers can travel to the mysterious Kailash, a spiritual journey to unfold the mysteries of Shiva. "If you cannot see, I'll turn off the lights.". Sadhguru says to look inwards to find the solutions to all the problems that we face.
Sadhguru portrays Shiva as the first Yogi who lived in this world or came to this earth around 15000 years before. Shiva is the first yogi, the first guru. This book will change the perspective of the people who think Shiva as a god who carries a Trident and wears a snake as an ornament. Beyond that Shiva is a yogi, the nothingness who is the primal energy source behind all the creations.
"When a Being beyond Time and Space touches you, you also become beyond Time and Space" - the privilege of knowing "The Only Solution Is Dissolution" - Sadhguru.
Profile Image for Indra.
32 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2017
One of the finest on Shiva. The two parts of the book authored by Sadguru are absolutely fantastic as they would be and the third part, recorded by Arundathi ji, I find people thinking it is more about her, which I would deny.

it is not about her, but it is about HIM/HER who is being changed into a seeker from a believer. Who is being cryptic and doubtful and journeying towards reasonable reason. She is not a mere believer of her master and for ones who are like her, the personal detail is very important, which I believe she did blend in. That's a part, the depth of it, is very essential for every believer who wants to turn a seeker.

FANTASTICO!!
Profile Image for Aditi Jaiswal.
121 reviews154 followers
May 14, 2019
"Shi-va is that which is not, no-thingness. Shiva doesn't spell religion, he spells responsibility - our ability to take our life in our hands"

This book is the portrait of Shiva in his various forms,the world's first guru (according to Sadhguru ) by a living guru, who becomes a conduit for Shiva. It is basically a chronicle of source of mysticism by a mystic.

Sadhguru begins with popular legends then skew towards fable, and suddenly spins out a yogic creation myth.

This book consists of 3 parts, the first two contains the understanding of the Shiva which is evolved out of Sadhguru's consciousness and retellings of some folklore which represents profound insights that are too common in Indian culture and we already know them. In the last part of this book, there are many questions by Arundhati which at times Sadhgurus's doesn't exactly answer many of those questions or say those answers are too cryptic to decode. Initially the writing felt like some assertion of scattered myth about unfathomable but since it is a book on how Sadhguru sees Shiva, so approach this book intuitively, or in a way that you can discover Shiva.

If you follow Sadhguru's interview closely, most of the arguments in this book about inner engineering, have already been told by him, word by word. It rather felt like a compiled form of those facts and fables, pseudo-science and magic but then again, the only response to this book isn't suspicion or disbelief, you can be curious enough to take this book as a fodder to learn more about Shiva!

I really liked its variousness, at the same time I found the repetitive assertions tad boring, considering Shiva as not a myth but a historical figure felt a bit odd and outlandish but this book will be best understood when embraced rather than trying to find a foolproof explanations to everything.

I also really liked the narrative by Arundhati Subramaniam, how she acknowledged that she, a non-believer turned into a conscious seeker by the influence of Sadhguru. To put it crudely, at times it felt like she was completely obsessed with him because of which most of the part of her writing felt a little biased, which is reflective and understanding that *Sadhguru's advent in her life was cyclonic to her*.

To understand Shiva from a not so common perspective, this book will be a treat.
Profile Image for Saurav.
9 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2017
Insightful and inspirational book the Shiva/Adiyogi. Logically explains tonne of folklore and medieval literature on this subject. After reading this you will feel like doing yoga every morning.
If you wanna restrict yourself to just medieval, ignore the last two chapters.
Nice to book to read when you are considering a transforming change in lifestyle.
Profile Image for Nikitasha.
26 reviews
May 22, 2021
Part 2 of the book is really good. But other than that, all the conversation with co-author Arundhati are really tedious. It would have been better if the book captured Sadhguru's thoughts entirely and not just in some conversation style.
Profile Image for Ashish.
76 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2021
Interesting and cryptic
A good read,
Perhaps you need to read it 4-5 times to really grasp the knowledge in it
Profile Image for Ethereal Amorist.
472 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2024
"Whether you call it physics or spirituality, both of them are seeking the same thing: the basis of existence. One is trying to explore the outside Universe and understand it. Another is trying to explore interiority and experience it."

It was an incredible experience reading the book! Typically, I find it difficult to read nonfiction continuously, but I finished this in a day!

Words cannot fully express the emotions I am feeling right now. It's a unique sensation that I can't quite put into words. It's not unpleasant, but rather subtle. I sense that I have encountered something truly significant, yet I haven't fully grasped its depth. It's as if I need some time to process the profound impact this book will have on my lifestyle.

This book is paradoxical in nature, aiming to capture the essence of Shiva, the master of contradictions. It clears so many misconceptions but instills a lot more questions. But in a good, curious way. It requires an open mind to comprehend this book.

"The spiritual journey is a journey towards clarity, but never towards certainty. When you draw conclusions about beginnings and endings, you are a believer. When you accept that you really do not know anything, you become a seeker."

"The problem with most seekers, however, is that they confuse intensity with tension, and relaxation with laxity."


I actually stopped watching Sadguru's videos for almost a year now after I disliked something he said. But now I have a new respect for him.

Through the perspective of Arundhati, one of Sadguru's disciples, readers gain a deeper understanding of him and Adiyogi. The thing I loved the most is that her thought process is similar to mine. Many of my doubts were addressed as she narrated her "interviews" with Sadguru in this book.

"If you can see in the dark, why would you feel the need for light at all?"

This is one of those books which must be read at least once in a lifetime. If you want to advance spiritually or are simply curious about Adiyogi, then I don't think there is any better book than this.
Profile Image for  Celia  Sánchez .
158 reviews20 followers
March 18, 2021
Seeking nothingness .....

This is a inspirational good book .... will let you know about shiva entirely from different perspective ...opens up our mind to so many new possibilities.Sadhguru has given a different dimension to Shiva as Adiyogi, which is very deep and logical one. Connectivity of yogic system and modern science is informative ....

Mystical read .....
Profile Image for Chirag Donga.
124 reviews
April 25, 2023
It tells such wild stories about adiyogi that the so-called civilized world finds them difficult to accept. Readers might be disappointed if they are expecting Shiva and his life like mentioned in Amish Tripathi's Shiva Trilogy. Some of the stories might seem difficult to digest because modern day progress and thought processes are ruled by logic and utilisation. On the contrary sadguru clearly mentions that existence is not utilitarian. Existence is a phenomenon beyond utility. The mind thinks of utility only because it is a scavenger in perennial hunter gatherer mode.
Personally saying it might seem like a zeitgeist idea if we read this kind of mysticism. But the evolution of spiritual understanding is a must. It fuels imagination beyond dimension!!
Profile Image for Chetan Hemaraju.
Author 1 book10 followers
March 16, 2017
Adiyogi: The Source of Yoga

One of the best books on Shiva or Shi-va~ The clarity and the logical perception by the mystic Sadhguru is brilliantly explained with scientific explainations including the mythological folklores and how the metaphorical stories are viewed and evolved over the centuries. Explains Shiva in his multiple forms and how Adiyogi also became Adiguru and how he was persuaded into becoming guru and also an husband~ What importance Sadhuguru has given to Shiva in this modern world, also explains what the world needs at present, how the tool or technology can be used to make your inner engineering blend into the cosmos enlightening your soul~ Also explains the importance of mountains Vellaingiri and Mount Kailash (the mountain of Knowledge). There are few things which gets repetative as the more digging into the Adiyogi is done as well as the Cryptic answers given by Sadhuguru makes it bore a bit but yet gives you interesting analyzation of who Adiyogi is!

For those who are skeptical and need logical analysis on Mythos and Mysteries, go for it~
Profile Image for Abhishek Shekhar.
103 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2017
Though some stories in the book are nice to read as they are not new nothing it becomes boring for someone who has already read or heard those. Author has not used a simple language most words you have to pick up a dictionary. And most places it appears author is utterly confused with no logic or sense in whats told and thus it becomes more unclear for the reader whether to infer and what. Not recommended unless you just want to waste time getting nothing out of this.
Profile Image for Tanmay Meher.
Author 1 book4 followers
December 25, 2018
A different experience in total, the concepts are quite similar to the Shiva Purana and Rig Veda, but simplified and presented in a more narrative way. The best part is a few add on stories and the Question Answer sessions with Sadhguru. His clarifications are convincing and penetrating as well. A worth read, a spiritual master piece.
Profile Image for Felgona Adhiambo.
156 reviews21 followers
June 8, 2019
Sadhguru is an enigma whose Yogic teachings need to be more universal. This book is a brilliant spiritual guide for anyone seeking a journey that transcends traditional, structured religiosity - my only concern was the commentary by Arundhati which I found to be unnecessary and too self-important on her part.
Profile Image for P B Veda.
Author 1 book7 followers
March 22, 2017
Except Some mythical folk-lore.... this book is gem. Helped me a lot in such a way, I am now seriously considering my life all over again. This book provoked me to question my life and my deeds toward the universe! I loved it. Thank you to Adiyogi, Sadhguru and author.
Profile Image for Megha Parmar.
10 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2017
Read if you want know more about Shiva. Major part of the book is based on folklores. Lessons of spirituality are beautifully intertwined in the book. But if you have already read Inner Engineering then you might find these lessons repetitive.
Profile Image for Ajay.
242 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2019
Good book.
Its always great to read or listen Sadhguru's style of narrating.
Profile Image for Jaiprakash.
222 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2021
Read Shiva.. Embrace Shiva... Be Shiva.... Parts 1&2 are a must read. It opens a new understanding of ourselves and how to go on a spiritual path
Profile Image for Riddhi Kishnadwala.
194 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2022
This is a book which gradually grows on you. The introduction is not very impressive, but the second and third parts of the book more than make up for it. Again, the ending is on a low note than the middle. The musings of the co-author take away the musings and the marvel of the subject. Unnecessary literary mechanisms in the writing in the beginning and the end take away the charm of the book.
The subject drew me in and was flawlessly executed in the passages which were narrated by Sadhguru. Simple yet mystical at the same time, it made me curious to know and explore more. Well explained and offering no clue as to what to expect next, it was definitely a good read.
Profile Image for Anirudh Kukreja.
576 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2025
WHAT I EXPECTED THE BOOK TO BE
A collection of a few of the innumerable beautiful stories of a deity revered, not just in Hinduism, but in many diverse forms across all religions and regions of the world.

WHAT IT WAS
2 self-centered, narcissistic, pseudo-spiritualists stroking each other's egos in a desire to advertise the ulterior prospects in their respective fields of whatever the hell they do.
Profile Image for Emanuela Maria Mattiello.
2 reviews
June 27, 2019
This isn't the easiest book to understand due to it's profound mythology, but wow wow is it good. If you perceive “shiva" as complex, then get this book - it should clarify any confusion you may have from A-Z.

get ready to be enlightened! :)
18 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2020
A great book for the spiritual seekers and those intrigued by mysticism .
A great book on shiva
7 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2018
Knowing Shiva - that which is not

Well written book with a different dimension of Shiva as a yogi and teacher of yoga. One whose birth and death are not known but he still exists. The mystic solution is in his dissolution.
Profile Image for Amit Rathod.
2 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2018
Vast knowledge about origin of Yoga-sutras (not related to particular religion)

Take away/s: one must understand there is a huge possibility apart from delivering ordinary social life aspects!
Profile Image for Jatin Kanwar.
9 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2019
A chronicle of folklore about Shiva as the origin of the universe in the words of the modern mystic.
1 review
June 7, 2019
Other than the personal details of the Sadhguru, I like the book very much.
What I liked most about this book is the simple yet very deep philosophy it depicts..
The concept of yoga and yogi is explained very clearly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews

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