Science of Religion

by Paramahansa Yogananda

1953. The value of this small book is beyond estimation in words, since between these narrow covers is to be found the flower of the Vedas and the Upanishads, the essence of Patanjali, foremost exponent of the Yoga philosophy and method, and in the thought of Sankara, greatest mind that ever dwelt in mortal body, placed for the first time within reach of the multitude. Preface and introduction; Universality, necessity and oneness of distinction between pain, pleasure, and God; Four fundamental religious intellectual, devotional, meditational, organic, scientific; Instruments of perception, inference, intuition.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, Self Help

87 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 1953

About the author

Paramahansa Yogananda (Bengali: পরমহংস যোগানন্দ Pôromohôngsho Joganondo, Sanskrit: परमहंस योगानं‍द Paramahaṃsa Yogānaṃda), born Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Bengali: মুকুন্দ লাল ঘোষ Mukundo Lal Ghosh), was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced many westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book, Autobiography of a Yogi .

Reviews

[Harish Challapalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book!! but if u read the autobiography of yogi, der is nothing new in this!! a great read!! found similarity with swami vivekananda's four yogas!!

[Nathasjja Takanashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, yet masterful and rich synthesis of ancient spiritual wisdom; a pragmatic approach to the human quest for meaning, distilled through a philosophical lens that merges East and West. His central thesis—that happiness (described as bliss-consciousness) is the ultimate goal of life, and that it is achieved through the balance of body, mind, and soul—aligns with a timeless simplicity that belies its depth.

What makes Yogananda’s exploration unique is his insistence on religion as an empirical science, rather than a mere belief system. It challenges us to move beyond dogma and toward direct personal experience. In this way, Yogananda frames spiritual practice as not only a matter of faith but of experimentation and inner transformation. The text is unapologetically optimistic, yet this is not an abstract idealism. He emphasizes discipline and practical application, drawing on the traditions of yoga and meditation as tools for harnessing and directing the mind.

The concept of happiness is defined here as a state of being in tune with the cosmic consciousness, challenging modern notions of fulfillment tied to external conditions. Acts as a critique of materialism and a call to refocus our attention inward. It's a message that has only grown more relevant as our lives become increasingly fragmented by external distractions. It leaves us with an exhilarating prospect: that religion, when approached as a science, holds the key to not only understanding the universe but also unlocking the deepest recesses of human potential. It has also inspired me to be more consistent with my own spiritual practices.

[Kasyap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read the science of religion right after 'the selfish gene'! Of course, the author in this book moves from 'what drives us' to 'how to get there' pretty quickly compared to the former. Without naming one particular 'religion' and trying to be as generic as possible, Swami Paramahamsa Yogananda makes a case for a 'universal religion' (the word 'religion' is not used in the dogmatic sense). He doesn't quote them by name but impresses upon the concepts of duty-based system and Advaita vedanta. The four types of Yoga resonate with the four types listed by Swami Vivekananda (with the exception of Karma yoga). I have heard/know of most concepts mentioned here except for the explanation of the super-conscious state/blissful state in physiological terms. That was pretty interesting. Overall, a quick and easy read.

[Krishnan Ranganathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written set of thoughts on religion, its purpose and ways to attain your spiritual goals. It is a book that can be read and used by every person belonging to any religion or even an atheist. Even though this book is based on the lecture given in 1920, the facts and arguments brought out in the book are absolutely applicable today and perhaps to eternity. The author makes a strong case for the scientific method of meditation and Yoga as taught by the ancient sages of India. He has also very beautifully explained what a religion should be, to be useful to every human being regardless of his place and circumstances of birth on this planet. A very short book and easy to grasp. This is a must read book for every traveller in the path of spiritual quest so that his resolve is strengthened further to seek God or the ultimate truth. At the end several reviews of a set of works for further reading and practising provided, makes it a book that can open many doors for the reader.

[Daman Ahuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for the beginners who are confused about the Religion as something superstitious .Yogananda ji has talked behind the science about the Religion. It motivates a reader to further explore the topic.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible first few chapters that spoke to religion as universal without coming off as holier than thou or mistaken. The later half of the book lead to more questions than answers and some deep faults in logic.

[Scott Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After this cursory reading, I am certain that the practical truths discussed within need further study on my part. It is a great explanation of what I have intuitively felt.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intense examination of the influence of spirituality in modern science.

[Lành · Rating 4 out of 5]

The essence of religion is Unity in Diversity.
All in One and One in All.
And if Regilion does not transform your life, make it better, it is not truly Religion.

[Chandra Reddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

How ridiculous do i look when i say that someone's body without any scientific intervention did not decay for 20 days after his/her death? Spirituality is just the fringe of Religion and both are same because both are portents of pseudo-scientific things and some Farrago of Non-sense. Author calls modern scientific method as reasoning and extols yoga & Meditation as scientific Approach while both lack any peer reviewed evidence & we know they don't make any sense other than having some placebo effect. One of the biggest lie said by spiritual and religious guys is "Intuition is divine" and some times it even beats rational process / modern scientific investigation which is really bad. Intuition plays a major role in our lives, I agree but if u think it's the ultimate truth then you are doomed. Once again these guys never change my mind even after reading them, they always prove to be disparagers of modern science and berates people for being rational in search of truth.

[Steve Maus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep, and not what I was expecting. Would have to re-read it again to be able to fully appreciate, probably. But all in all, it was good. He goes into depth about the similarities and commonalities between all "true" religions, and why those are.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first good look at Hindu philosophies and perspectives. If I was forced to read this book I would probably be moaning its content, but since I am a spiritual speaker I was fascinated by the concepts in this little book.

[Tanner Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short manifesto could be applied and mankind would live enlightened like the great masters and saints (jesus, buddha, krishna).

We can no longer live in an age of sectarianism or division. We need universal religion.

[wigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not overly mystical, clear, concise thinking that can be applied to the modern world. A scientific and analytical way to think.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the point, if that's a fair statement of a book concerning the issues of science, religion, and how they mesh.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

His views on the universality of religion were very interesting, but the end of the book ended up a bit like propaganda. Decent quick read though.

[Jayakrishna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read

[Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only first part about religion and its meaning was extremely useful. Perspective broadening. Second half about how to achieve god seemed a little abstract. Couldn't grasp it properly.

[Vijay Mane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am almost doubtless, need re-reading. My one of best read in 2017.