The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels

by Paramahansa Yogananda

In this remarkable book, Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the hidden yoga of the Gospels and confirms that Jesus, like the ancient sages and masters of the East, not only knew yoga but taught this universal science of God-realization to his closest disciples. Compiled from the author's highly praised two-volume work, The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You, this insightful and compact book transcends the centuries of dogma and misunderstanding that have obscured the original teachings of Jesus, showing that he taught a unifying path by which seekers of all faiths can enter the kingdom of God.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Christianity, Christian, Hinduism

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2007

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

[Gerald Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it enough to buy he magnum opus by Yogananda from which it was compressed, "The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You", and "Kriya Yoga: Continuing the Lineage of Enlightenment". When I attain Christ Consciousness I'll let you know.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The word "Yoga" really means "union". To me, Yoga is a sort of spiritual science of our energy flows and consciousness, and most people think of it as physical poses, although that is only one branch or type of yoga (Hatha Yoga). Some others are Karma, Mantra, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja yogas. Of course Jesus practiced selfless service, all-surrendering devotion, wisdom, etc. which are all part of yoga. This book approaches Christ's teachings as they align themselves with an East Indian point of reference. Very interesting and thought-provoking.

[Ed Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I need to be okay with quitting books midway through. If I were, I wouldn't have had to work my way through passages like the following:

"In fact, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven consist, respectively, of the transcendental infinitudes of Cosmic Consciousness and the heavenly causal and astral realms of vibratory creation...."

What's that? Run that by me again?

If I had to find a redeeming quality, it's that it did make a convincing case for committing to the discipline of meditation.

Otherwise, only for folks who are interested in learning about "lifetrons" and things of the sort. Way over my head.

[Joy Ayscue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in the metaphysical teachings of the enlightened master, Jesus, this is a great place to begin !

[Chelsey Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my religious deconstruction/awakening era. This book got wordy at times but I needed this is my life so bad right now 😭

[JJ W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paramahansa Yogananda has a unique way of highlighting yoga's "highway" approach to finding the divine. This book points out the key sign posts. The book helped me understand what Jesus was talking about in a way that's practical and enlightening. After reading this book, it's clearer to me that Jesus was an enlightened person rather than a supernatural only begotten son of god. Scholarship unearthed after Yogananda wrote this book helps prove his points. Highly recommended for recovering Protestants and Catholics (and anyone else interested in an honest, balanced life of peace and bliss)

[A.j. Kimmerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book.

[Maureen Baldanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt for the first time when reading spiritual books a true connection and understanding of my own spiritual growth in this book I will revisit it often because I feel each time I will learn something new

[Eloi Singla · Rating 2 out of 5]

He de dir que per molt que m'agradés l'autobiografia del Yoganandaji, vaig trobar que aquest llibre era molt dolent. Per una banda, és un recull de fragments d'una obra en dos volums i per tant no hi ha una continuïtat clara. Per l'altra, les explicacions són plenes de palla i tampoc gaire profundes. És força avorrit, vaja.

A més, les meves creences personals no descarten automàticament que el iogui hagi mantingut comunicació amb Jesús, però el contingut sí. Per començar, considera que l'Apocalipsi de Joan és un llibre místic que en realitat parla del ioga que Jesús va ensenyar als seus deixebles, quan en realitat és una fantasia de venjança d'un sector dels cristians que en aquella època estaven sota l'opressió romana. És totalment contrari als valors cristians d'estimar els enemics i girar l'altra galta i considero que si realment hagués parlat amb Jesús, tindria clar això en lloc de fer-se pel·lícules. A banda, diu que l'autor del llibre aquest és Sant Joan l'apòstol, cosa totalment falsa i que és una consideració postbíblica, i també és per tant l'autor de l'Evangeli segons Sant Joan, llibre que tampoc va escriure ell. Però ves

En resum, no recomano gens el llibre i trobo més interessants les consideracions que fa sobre Jesús en l'autobiografia. Una pena perquè allà demostra que sí que té coses assenyades i interessants per dir-ne

[Erika Bettin · Rating 3 out of 5]

libro interessante a prescindere per semplice fatto che porta una visione differente su Gesù, gli insegnamenti e la visione di Dio. Ciò nonostante per mia personale esperienza non ho letto alcuna novità, mi spiego meglio: se non si è a digiuno di qualsiasi corrente spirituale che ha in sé anche pratiche di meditazione o di connessione allora i concetti e parallelismi sono già pienamente assimilati e leggere il libro è superfluo.
inoltre più avanza nei capitoli e da concetti universali di connessione e di analisi dei passi della parola di Gesù (parte interessata) passa a una spinta sempre più incalzante, seppur poco velata, sull'importanza di seguire una vita da asceta impeccabile seguendo lo yoga, che trovo fuori contesto.

[Lucas Kelniar · Rating 5 out of 5]

My perspective. I did not read the whole Holy Bible. But I am a rather "active" christian through the Catholic Church, with an open mind, hopefully with a grounded feet too. Reading this book made clearer many of the scripture passages. It's like I have this gut feeling that I've got back with something I was looking for the contemporary Church. Today spiritual process is not always comming with the actual one's vivence. What we always get it's the testemony and the tools of language used by the saints.
This book opened my eyes for a more tangible mystic experience and I am very grateful for that.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very thought provoking concepts were introduced but it felt disjointed to me perhaps because it was bits and pieces taken from the larger work. A good intro and intriguing enough for me to consider reading the two-volume commentary.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting insights from yogananda's world view of cosmic consciousness and hinduism with parallels to the bhagavad gita clearly demonstrated and outlined in the text.

[Killiankarlsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. I will definitely read 'the second coming'. Shatters any misconception that the dogmatic approach to Christianity has passed through the years. Inspiring.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

completely irrelevant, Jesus didn't know anything about yoga and he never mentioned it, this is just a poor try by our so called scholars to make jesus great, waste of time

[Vanessa Rincon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I will re-read it plenty of times in my life.

[Linda Slonecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

Maybe the most meaningful book I've ever read along with Autobiography of a Yogi. Everybody should read these two books by Yogananda

[Melissa Ceseña · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE YOGA OF JESUS surprised me with how intelligently it is written. I really expected to read about yoga and breathing techniques and more about Jesus. There is mention of breath work at the end. And there is mention of Jesus traveling to India to study. Paramahansa Yogananda explains the yoga is about divine union with God.
As I understand it, meditation helps connect with the Christ Consciousness, which is the state of being of Christ. It seems to me Christ showed us the way to ascension and Self-Realization is about connection with Cosmic Consciousness through Christ Consciousness. More precisely, we can be one with the only begotten reflection of God like Jesus, the son, who is Christ Consciousness and ascend to the Father, Cosmic Consciousness. This is how Paramahansa Yogananda interprets John saying, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” John 1:12. It says children of God in RSV.
Since people are interested in where the soul is, Paramahansa Yogananda mentions the soul is in the heart.
In the end, he mentions when meditating people may find themselves “entrapped in restlessness.” He says, “That is Satan’s liar.” I’m surprised he gave attention to Satan which may just be a title not an entity. David Icke says when you try to clear your mind and you hear that restlessness that sometimes it’s the matrix.
There is a lot in the book that explains a spiritual experience so, it’s difficult to understand completely until we actually experience it. Basically, Paramahansa Yogananda says to persevere in your practice.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're seeking a fresh look at the teachings of Jesus, Paramahansa Yogananda's "The Yoga of Jesus" offers a fascinating exploration. Yogananda, known for introducing yoga to the West, presents Jesus as not just a spiritual leader, but also a yogi – a master of inner disciplines.

The book delves into the "hidden yoga" of the Gospels, suggesting Jesus used practices like meditation to connect with the divine. Yogananda finds parallels between Jesus' teachings and Eastern spiritual traditions, promoting a message of unity and the potential for all to achieve Christ consciousness.

"The Yoga of Jesus" transcends rigid interpretations, offering a deeper understanding of Jesus' parables and metaphors. Whether you're a longtime Christian or simply curious about Jesus' message from a yogic perspective, this book provides a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

[Fredell · Rating 3 out of 5]

wish I understood more about the eastern religions and their sense of continuity and the system of perpetual reincarnation. I enjoyed the comparisons with the teachings of Jesus, but wish that my background was a little more diverse .
Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the hidden yoga of the Gospels and confirms that Jesus, like the ancient sages and masters of the East, not only knew yoga ( a life system of sorts, NOT the physical exercise) but taught this universal science of God-realization to his closest disciples. According to the Swami, the life of Jesus transcends the centuries of dogma and misunderstanding has obscured the original teachings of Jesus, showing that he taught a unifying path by which seekers of all faiths can enter the kingdom of God.

[Teodora · Rating 4 out of 5]

For once, no division. This book bridges the spiritual teachings from the East and the ones from the West, a union reflected as the Universal Way (opposed to the way, which is usually different depending on the ideology). It encourages the reader to question any ideology that promotes living by dogma (pure belief) and invites the reader to practically experience their own truth through meditation. The contemporary church has lot to learn from these 100+ pages.

However, for someone who hasn’t dived into spirituality in any way, this book might be too “tough” and the main point would be easily and most likely misunderstood.

Highly recommended to anyone who wants to evolve on their spiritual path.

[Oleg · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, this book is great. The ideas of Jesus are presented in a simple parallel to the ideas of Yoga. Spoiler, there are a lot of them. I really enjoyed the description and comparison of the concepts. However, the written language of this book is way too pompous. There are a lot of old-fashioned words that may be completely unknown to a modern person and I really don't get the idea of using them in the 2019 edition of this book. I would be really glad if this book was rewritten in a more simple, human-understandable language. Besides that, a great reading.

[TheRisingHuman TheRisingHuman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paramhansa Yogananda is Father of Christianity in the West. Only the self realised saint in communion with Jesus explain us the meaning of True Gospel of vast consciousness of Christ as Jesus spoke in Parables.

You can't be True Christian if you haven't read and realised and followed what's revealed in this Book.

It's available on Google Play Store

Check out 'The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels'

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[Wacho Lector! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro que en cada párrafo destila sabiduría y gozo! Cuanta sabiduría de nuestro querido Paramahanda, mí segundo libro de este gran Yogui que lo disfruto de inicio a fin.
Que hermosa manera de hacernos conocer las enseñas de Jesús y sus pasajes bíblicos que son tan difíciles de de entender para muchos.
He aprendí mucho con este libro, amo la manera de narrar y de explicar sencilla de este gran gurú. Lo recomiendo muchísimo, para aquel que se encuentre en el camino de encontrarse con su Dios interno.

[Alejandro Ariza · Rating 4 out of 5]

CASI LLEGO A SENTIR IMPOSIBLE CONOCER A DIOS.

Un libro que sentí, a momentos, paradójico, porque conforme uno va leyendo, embelezado, de su prosa casi poética con que explica conceptos en extremo bellos y que invitan a la transformación, llegué a sentir que así, me queda a nivel de imposible llegar a conocer a Dios en esta vida. Hasta que uno llega al último capítulo… donde claramente se demuestra lo contrario. 80% del libro es hermoso. 20%, el final, es publicidad de la escuela de Yogananda. Por supuesto, súper atractiva.

[Nicholas Polydorou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarity of Christian thought.

This book gives clarity to what is missing in church on Sunday when we receive Holy Communion. Communion with God is not just eating bread and drinking wine; which remains unexplained in the secrecy of church teaching. The Yoga of Jesus actually explains the path to communion with clarity to our relationship with nature, human consciousness, and Christ consciousness.
No worries, no need to quit your church and all of your church friends; but you will see those relationships from a different more loving point of view!

[Natalie Musumeci · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content itself is great but barely scratches the surface of Yogananda’s teachings on Christ. Obviously the book is meant to be a summary of the Second Coming of Christ (which is a 2-volume, multi thousand page teaching) however the SRF certainly could have dug a little deeper, the book is only about 100 pages long. With that said the book does do it’s best with the material used and the inserts of historical resources are very helpful.

[Praveen Braggs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Does not make the right sense when comparing the Holy Bible with Yoga principles and instructions...
Although I don't give my inputs without a firm gut and understanding or perceived understanding and knowledge, i feel that sometimes we start to convey our own thoughts without confirming them with the original...just based on what we think is right....without understanding the other side...or the actual truth..

[Jaime Lucena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro muy esclarecedor con respecto a las verdaderas enseñanzas de Jesucristo, el libro tiene que leerse de forma pausada para comprender con profundidad, los conceptos de conciencia cosmica o padre, espiritu santo u om y conciencia cristica o hijo. Revela lo que es ni mas ni menos que la ciencia del yoga o union divina, autopista donde todas las religiones confluyen. Despues de leer este libro llego a la conclusión de que religión no hay mas que una, verdadera y universal.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paramahansa Yogananda broadens our entire view of Jesus and Christ consciousness. Led me into understanding the teachings of Jesus in a way I never got from the Bible alone or any of the lessons I received in 12 years of growing up in Catholic school,(a religion I haven't practiced in 40 years).
Wish that all the Christians out there would read this. It is so worth reading!