What do you think?
Rate this book
Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography
This best selling spiritual autobiography of Swami Muktananda tells the story of his journey to self-realization under the guidance of Bhagawan Nityananda, candidly describing his extraordinary experiences. Beginning with his spiritual initiation on August 15, 1947, and continuing through his enlightenment nine years later, this is a guide for seekers moving toward the same goal.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
75 people are currently reading
1741 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 28, 2014
If I were asked to name just one book that any spiritual seeker must read at least once then it would definitely be 'Play of Consciousness'. My recommendation is not based just on the intellectual and spiritual content of the book, which, by the way, is exceptional, but rather on the the book's inherent ability to kick-start one's spiritual journey.
I hardly knew anything about 'Kundalini' before reading this book and I would have never believed that people can actually receive 'Shaktipat' just by reading this book, were it not for my own personal experience!
I hardly knew anything about 'Kundalini' before reading this book and I would have never believed that people can actually receive 'Shaktipat' just by reading this book, were it not for my own personal experience!
December 26, 2008
Swami Muktananda lives in my heart and will forever hold the place of supreme teacher in my life. His personal story may not be for everyone, but for anyone who is ready to meet a true teacher, even one who has been gone for the last twenty-eight years, this book may ignite an inner revolution. Swami Muktananda, known by his devotees and disciples as Baba, came to the United States in the late 1970's and attracted a huge following of spiritual seekers. He was a prolific writer, master story teller and philosopher. Baba was a Sadguru, a spiritual master capable of awakening the inner spiritual fire through a process known as Shaktipat, or literally the transfer of energy between himself and the seeker. He writes in his autobiography that even though he was a Swami with considerable spiritual attainment, it wasn't until he himself received Shaktipat from his Guru, Bhagawan Nityananda, that he attained full realization or the final goal. Baba was quite a controversial figure capable of shattering all preconceived ideas about what a spiritual master should look and act like.
March 23, 2008
Play of Consciousness seems to have a big following, but I wasn't too impressed after finishing the book. Most of it deals with his search for Truth and devotion to his guru. Learned a lot about gurus, but its really not my thing.
Still, Muktananda had some good things to share, such as that kriyas and other spiritual phenomena are authentic only when they occur spontaneously. So it's not about faking spiritual progression but just letting shakti energy take over. Also, shaktipat (transmission) was interesting from a Siddha Yoga perspective. As for let downs, his insights aren't anything new. But, I suppose that Truth has many experiential facets and it is always great to have an additional confirmation that transcends culture and time. Let your own experience be the guide.
Still, Muktananda had some good things to share, such as that kriyas and other spiritual phenomena are authentic only when they occur spontaneously. So it's not about faking spiritual progression but just letting shakti energy take over. Also, shaktipat (transmission) was interesting from a Siddha Yoga perspective. As for let downs, his insights aren't anything new. But, I suppose that Truth has many experiential facets and it is always great to have an additional confirmation that transcends culture and time. Let your own experience be the guide.
August 28, 2008
Swami Muktananda was a great leader, and a great instigator to globalising the Siddha Yoga movement in the 1970's. The book was written as a guide to how the Swami became the esteemed leader and the trials and tribulations of getting there. Essential reading for those on the path in Siddha Yoga.
Since his passing, the Siddha Yoga movement is led by Swami Chidvilansananda. She has authored many, many more books, and is equally as inspiring and effective in challenging the yoga devotee.
Since his passing, the Siddha Yoga movement is led by Swami Chidvilansananda. She has authored many, many more books, and is equally as inspiring and effective in challenging the yoga devotee.
January 19, 2011
It was hard to read at first. Lots of words and concepts I wasn't familiar with as a Westerner. Especially the whole "worship the guru" thing, which is a hard concept to swallow as an American. The guru thing gets explained later in the book, if you're listening. The book got more personal and more and more spiritual until the end which was amazing. I've never read a better description of God.
June 18, 2013
Extraordinary autobiography of a spiritual master revealing many spiritual secrets that used to be closely guarded.
November 20, 2021
The great work by a Siddha himself, I spent lovely days at his Ashram at Ganespuri also i asked a question to Gurumaye which she didn't answer. I had a great experience there a huge light stood in front of me i bowed to it and said this is not my way and thanked it .This is unique book which gives an account of Vedic purush who can see from every pore of his body .There was a magazine named sarita which spoked against such being described in Vedas. But it is fact you will witness if you read the book. It's a lively book anyone in metaphysics must read it. Thanks to great Muktananada Babba and all the Siddhas.
July 8, 2023
AN EXPLANATION OF SIDDHA YOGA BY THE PROMINENT GURU
The Introduction to this 1974 book explains, “The path of Siddha Yoga is one in which the Guru awakens the disciple’s inner Shakti, Kundalini, through the yogic process of Shaktipat. As a result the seeker undergoes various spiritual experiences and ultimately attains the goal of God-realization while practicing spiritual disciplines with implicit faith in the Guru.” (Pg. xi)
It continues, “Although they Guru transmits the same spiritual power, it manifests itself differently I different disciples according to their respective capacities and dispositions. The Guru grants Shaktipat by touch, word, look or thought. Whatever the method, the Shaktipat initiation is one and the same… its effect vary with different persons… Sometimes Shaktipat takes place even without a thought on the part of the Guru. Gurudev considers this to be the best initiation.” (Pg. xii-xiii)
It goes on, “The word ‘pat’ which means ‘descent’ in the work ‘Shaktipat’ should not be taken to indicate that any force is being instilled from outside, for the Shakti does lie latent in each person’s muladhar. By his grace the Guru simply awakens the dormant force and makes it active. Since grace comes from ‘outside’ the word ‘pat’ is used. In fact, ‘Gurukripa’ is the more appropriate expression… On receiving the divine spark from the Guru, the disciple begins to have experiences according to his position. If he is an intellectual type, his intellect will be so sharpened as to understand subtler subjects and find satisfactory answers to questions which have been baffling him. If devotional, he will experience … sublime love.” (Pg. xii-xiv)
It notes, “Nowadays it is argued that since the divine pow is all-pervasive and dwells in every man, there is no need for a Guru; we can safely rely on God to guide us from within. It is true that Go is present in everyone’s heart, but being covered by thick layers of ignorance. He is scarcely perceptible. Seated in the heart He keeps man bound to the wheel of time according to the laws of destiny… Man cannot therefore hope to be redeemed by this Power, which is inaccessible to him. It is only when, by the grace of the Guru in whom God has been fully manifested, the veil is removed, that God hidden within reveals Himself ensures the seeker’s ultimate welfare. The tradition of such Gurukripa goes back to time immemorial, but in the present materialistic age it is dismissed as ‘gurudom,’ and that is why most people are unfamiliar with this spiritual science and its practicality.” (Pg. xiv-xv)
It adds, “In describing the greatness of his own Guru, Bhagawan Nityananda, Gurudev brings out the divinity of the Guru. The Guru is the supreme deity. He endows a mantra with living, conscious force. He is the divine power of grace, He is the highest consciousness which manifests itself in every-new ways… It is indeed good fortune to receive initiation from such a perfected Master. Meditation on the Guru is the noblest means of receiving his grace. The Guru imparts the mantra, teaches the technique of repeating it and awakens the inner Shakti in you---as then meditation on him leads to the highest goal.” (Pg. xvi)
It observes, “Joyful contemplation of the Guru is the very essence of Siddha Yoga, the sadhana of Shaktipat and the secret of God-realization. As the disciple constantly remembers his divine Guru, the Guru begins to work within him as Chitshakti, washing away all his impurities and raising his finite being to infinite Godhood. Therefore the disciple’s paramount duty is to seek the Guru’s company and to serve and obey him. This is Siddha Yoga, the Path of the Perfected Ones.” (Pg. xvi-xvii)
Muktananda himself wrote in the Preface, “As a general rule, one should not reveal one’s spiritual experiences, which are gifts of divine grace. But, my dear students of Siddha Yoga lovingly requested me to write about my own experiences; and so, owing to the further persistence of my dearest Amma and Yogini Kusumtai Sharma, I began to compose this work… Its theme and manner do not resemble those works of the ancient Masters… This is entirely Chiti’s creation, a gift of her grace…” (Pg. xxxvii-xxxviii)
Muktananda stated, “the best and quickest method of stabilizing the mind is contained in the following aphorism of Patanjali: ‘Let the mind be focused on one who has risen above passion and attachment.’ Meditation on one’s Guru is a noble, nay, the noblest and loftiest form of meditation. For years I practiced many different disciplines… but at long last, I devoted myself entirely to meditation on my beloved Gurudev.” (Pg. 45)
He recalls that back when he was a disciple of Nityananda, he wondered, “Why should I be harassed by sensual craving when I was so vividly aware of its consequences? … As I sat in meditation… my mind became filled with lustful thoughts. What shame! How disgusting!... Even the Guru Om mantra vanished and was replaced by a strong sexual desire… Sex, sex and sex! I could think of nothing else… I was losing control of my senses… I decided that I must reduce my physical vigor, so I stopped taking milk… A woman seems to bedevil every man’s existence, constantly harassing him with some demand or other…” (Pg. 88-90)
He explains, “All Siddhas, from the supremelyl perfect primeval Lord and the seven sages, to the countless seers from time immemorial to the present day, inhabit Siddhaloka with full powers; they bestow Shakti on you, activate your yoga sadhana and are ever ready to protect you and fulfill your needs. Do not think that you have only the power of your Guru behind you. You are the rightful descendent in the line of the perfect inhabitants of Siddhaloka, through you may not be aware of it. When you visit Siddhaloka, you will gain full knowledge of your lineage.” (Pg. 176-177)
He advises, “Students of Siddha Yoga! Remember that the power with which a Guru supports you varies in direct proportion to your faith in his greatness, capacity and perfection of his attainments. The measure of the success of your efforts, the development of your inner Shakti and the speed of your progress all depend on the depth of your devotion to your Guru. The stronger and more intense your feeling of dedication to your Guru as God manifest, the quicker your progress; it will not take you long to reach the goal of perfection…” (Pg. 225)
This book will interest those studying Muktandnda, and similar Eastern gurus.
The Introduction to this 1974 book explains, “The path of Siddha Yoga is one in which the Guru awakens the disciple’s inner Shakti, Kundalini, through the yogic process of Shaktipat. As a result the seeker undergoes various spiritual experiences and ultimately attains the goal of God-realization while practicing spiritual disciplines with implicit faith in the Guru.” (Pg. xi)
It continues, “Although they Guru transmits the same spiritual power, it manifests itself differently I different disciples according to their respective capacities and dispositions. The Guru grants Shaktipat by touch, word, look or thought. Whatever the method, the Shaktipat initiation is one and the same… its effect vary with different persons… Sometimes Shaktipat takes place even without a thought on the part of the Guru. Gurudev considers this to be the best initiation.” (Pg. xii-xiii)
It goes on, “The word ‘pat’ which means ‘descent’ in the work ‘Shaktipat’ should not be taken to indicate that any force is being instilled from outside, for the Shakti does lie latent in each person’s muladhar. By his grace the Guru simply awakens the dormant force and makes it active. Since grace comes from ‘outside’ the word ‘pat’ is used. In fact, ‘Gurukripa’ is the more appropriate expression… On receiving the divine spark from the Guru, the disciple begins to have experiences according to his position. If he is an intellectual type, his intellect will be so sharpened as to understand subtler subjects and find satisfactory answers to questions which have been baffling him. If devotional, he will experience … sublime love.” (Pg. xii-xiv)
It notes, “Nowadays it is argued that since the divine pow is all-pervasive and dwells in every man, there is no need for a Guru; we can safely rely on God to guide us from within. It is true that Go is present in everyone’s heart, but being covered by thick layers of ignorance. He is scarcely perceptible. Seated in the heart He keeps man bound to the wheel of time according to the laws of destiny… Man cannot therefore hope to be redeemed by this Power, which is inaccessible to him. It is only when, by the grace of the Guru in whom God has been fully manifested, the veil is removed, that God hidden within reveals Himself ensures the seeker’s ultimate welfare. The tradition of such Gurukripa goes back to time immemorial, but in the present materialistic age it is dismissed as ‘gurudom,’ and that is why most people are unfamiliar with this spiritual science and its practicality.” (Pg. xiv-xv)
It adds, “In describing the greatness of his own Guru, Bhagawan Nityananda, Gurudev brings out the divinity of the Guru. The Guru is the supreme deity. He endows a mantra with living, conscious force. He is the divine power of grace, He is the highest consciousness which manifests itself in every-new ways… It is indeed good fortune to receive initiation from such a perfected Master. Meditation on the Guru is the noblest means of receiving his grace. The Guru imparts the mantra, teaches the technique of repeating it and awakens the inner Shakti in you---as then meditation on him leads to the highest goal.” (Pg. xvi)
It observes, “Joyful contemplation of the Guru is the very essence of Siddha Yoga, the sadhana of Shaktipat and the secret of God-realization. As the disciple constantly remembers his divine Guru, the Guru begins to work within him as Chitshakti, washing away all his impurities and raising his finite being to infinite Godhood. Therefore the disciple’s paramount duty is to seek the Guru’s company and to serve and obey him. This is Siddha Yoga, the Path of the Perfected Ones.” (Pg. xvi-xvii)
Muktananda himself wrote in the Preface, “As a general rule, one should not reveal one’s spiritual experiences, which are gifts of divine grace. But, my dear students of Siddha Yoga lovingly requested me to write about my own experiences; and so, owing to the further persistence of my dearest Amma and Yogini Kusumtai Sharma, I began to compose this work… Its theme and manner do not resemble those works of the ancient Masters… This is entirely Chiti’s creation, a gift of her grace…” (Pg. xxxvii-xxxviii)
Muktananda stated, “the best and quickest method of stabilizing the mind is contained in the following aphorism of Patanjali: ‘Let the mind be focused on one who has risen above passion and attachment.’ Meditation on one’s Guru is a noble, nay, the noblest and loftiest form of meditation. For years I practiced many different disciplines… but at long last, I devoted myself entirely to meditation on my beloved Gurudev.” (Pg. 45)
He recalls that back when he was a disciple of Nityananda, he wondered, “Why should I be harassed by sensual craving when I was so vividly aware of its consequences? … As I sat in meditation… my mind became filled with lustful thoughts. What shame! How disgusting!... Even the Guru Om mantra vanished and was replaced by a strong sexual desire… Sex, sex and sex! I could think of nothing else… I was losing control of my senses… I decided that I must reduce my physical vigor, so I stopped taking milk… A woman seems to bedevil every man’s existence, constantly harassing him with some demand or other…” (Pg. 88-90)
He explains, “All Siddhas, from the supremelyl perfect primeval Lord and the seven sages, to the countless seers from time immemorial to the present day, inhabit Siddhaloka with full powers; they bestow Shakti on you, activate your yoga sadhana and are ever ready to protect you and fulfill your needs. Do not think that you have only the power of your Guru behind you. You are the rightful descendent in the line of the perfect inhabitants of Siddhaloka, through you may not be aware of it. When you visit Siddhaloka, you will gain full knowledge of your lineage.” (Pg. 176-177)
He advises, “Students of Siddha Yoga! Remember that the power with which a Guru supports you varies in direct proportion to your faith in his greatness, capacity and perfection of his attainments. The measure of the success of your efforts, the development of your inner Shakti and the speed of your progress all depend on the depth of your devotion to your Guru. The stronger and more intense your feeling of dedication to your Guru as God manifest, the quicker your progress; it will not take you long to reach the goal of perfection…” (Pg. 225)
This book will interest those studying Muktandnda, and similar Eastern gurus.
February 4, 2015
I attended Darshan with Swami Muktananda and had a meal at several Sydha yoga ashrams.. Some of the swami's Shakti is in the book. However,in the end there wasn't much for me to hold onto here. The content is very traditional with a few unexpected remarks and surprises. I look it over and reread parts of it from time to time, but I don't feel that it really changed my life. The main idea is that you are encouraged to meditate...
August 31, 2015
Interesting but difficult to read. Swami uses terms that are a bit hard to understand. this is his autobiography, if you are interested in knowing the journey to enlightenment he explains it all here. From beginning to end, ups and downs.
May 22, 2012
Very beautiful.
August 28, 2012
This book changed my Sadhana. Changed my LIFE!
I re-read it every time I need the sun to rise :-)
I re-read it every time I need the sun to rise :-)
August 11, 2015
even though(or perhaps because) this book was written for insiders of a religion/philosophy that is not my own, It was a very interesting read.
October 15, 2020
Beyond words.... one has to read to feel the book.
July 23, 2018
Incredibly written with the perfect amount of prose needed to deliver his message. It’s almost as if he knows what his subjects are going through and by repeating what he sees as most important it finally allows the message to penetrate the readers. There are three major things I received from this book. The first one which eventually stuck with me by the second half of the book is semen retention. He brings it up so many times that by the fifth mention it stuck with me. My kundalini is so rooted in mulah bandh that this method should perpetuate the energy up. The second thing is the method of meditation and what one can expect to see. It’s nice having a goal and vision to meditation knowing that with the right dedication and mind space one can achieve moods and powers not typically associated with the human endeavor. Finally the one that he begins and ends with is the need for a guru. This one got me pretty worked up in the last chapter. It made me realize how far I am from my realization and that there is a long road of ahead if this is the path one chooses. I questioned in the first chapter the importance he weighted on the guru but by the end he made it clear how important the guru is. They provide the marker that the siddha strives to reach. They are the embodiment of everything one does and practices. They are love and want nothing more than to see their disciples achieve their fullest potential. Now to find a guru. I have an idea but will she accept? Jai Kartar your image appears the most when I contemplate this question. Is it within your patronage to work individually with seekers?
May 27, 2019
4.5/5
"There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle." - Einstein
Reading of this book quickly clarifies that it has been written in the white heat of intense devotion. That whirlwind of faith picks up the reader and transports him/her into the world of Siddhas, siddhis and other dimensions of consciousness.
I haven't read a more direct glimpse into the path of sadhna, except maybe in the accounts of Sriram Sharma Acharyaji (Gayatri Parivar). But ultimately, all these are distractions and it is about the pure love of a Shishya for his Guru, and how that devotion transforms the former.
"There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle." - Einstein
Reading of this book quickly clarifies that it has been written in the white heat of intense devotion. That whirlwind of faith picks up the reader and transports him/her into the world of Siddhas, siddhis and other dimensions of consciousness.
I haven't read a more direct glimpse into the path of sadhna, except maybe in the accounts of Sriram Sharma Acharyaji (Gayatri Parivar). But ultimately, all these are distractions and it is about the pure love of a Shishya for his Guru, and how that devotion transforms the former.
October 1, 2020
This is a powerful autobiography of a holy man's journey into the depths of self-realization. In talking about his journey, Swami Muktananda takes us upon our own journey of enlightenment. This book helped to validate some of my own experiences.
Yes, in recent years Muktananda has had some serious charges leveled against him. And while such actions are particularly reprehensible when engaged in by one who was so exalted, they serve to show how even the best of us are capable of succumbing to ignorance and desire. Yet they do not invalidate the heights that he attained. Even his victims speak of his spiritual power and credit with starting them along their own spiritual paths.
Yes, in recent years Muktananda has had some serious charges leveled against him. And while such actions are particularly reprehensible when engaged in by one who was so exalted, they serve to show how even the best of us are capable of succumbing to ignorance and desire. Yet they do not invalidate the heights that he attained. Even his victims speak of his spiritual power and credit with starting them along their own spiritual paths.
June 13, 2017
Expressing the experience of reading this book into words would only render it in less light than reality. I can only express my deepest gratitude to the supreme grace this book has bestowed on me. My deepest thank you from the deepest place of love.
August 5, 2023
There are books by people that are climbing the mountain, and there are books by people that have been to the mountain top. This is a book by the latter. It is a book written by a realized individual.
December 23, 2023
I have never read a spiritual book or biography with such detailed, vivid descriptions of the stages of meditation before enlightenment. SO incredibly beautiful. I wish I could give this book 6 stars.
October 29, 2017
good book for who are looking towards spiritual life
August 12, 2018
Beautiful book - “diksha darshan” on print 🙏🏻
July 29, 2019
There are no words. Just open the book with an open mind and read. Try out what he says. See for yourself.
November 17, 2020
Magnificent book regardless of where you are in your journey.
(Notice I didn't say "spiritual" journey)
"A traveler on the path of realization experiences the Self as a living reality."
(Notice I didn't say "spiritual" journey)
"A traveler on the path of realization experiences the Self as a living reality."
December 1, 2020
I really joyed the stories. Sometimes it seemed too dogmatic for me. For example, his approach to the concept of a guru. My teacher always said the true guru is within.
February 25, 2021
I'll keep coming back to this one again and again.
September 16, 2021
Inspiring, uplifting and heartwarming read for anyone in the spiritual path.
May 17, 2022
Unique book in the history of spiritual literature of the world.
October 24, 2023
The Secret if Renunciation and The Path of Love were some of the most captivating chapters in this book. Definitely one to reread!
July 3, 2024
Utterly absorbing, it takes me to a mystical inner world state.
Baba is fabulous to read.
Baba is fabulous to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews