Yoga

by Venkatesananda

English232 (39 B/W Illustrations)Back of the BookYoga — now a household word - is still clothed in mystery and misunderstanding. Many students are confused by Sanskrit terms and the many different ‘paths’ of yoga expounded by various schools.In this concise yet exhaustive volume, now a widely read text for students of yoga and spirituality, the author has clarified the doubts and questions of students from all parts of the world. In his wide travels he has instructed aspirants of every racial and religious group and understood their basic and urgent needs.Endorsed with forewords from the Vatican and heads of Anglican, Jewish and Sufi faiths, ‘Yoga’ is highly recommended reading for all seekers of truth, saner living and self knowledge. About the AuthorSwami Venkatesananda, for twenty years a recluse and asetic disciple of the world renown sage Swami Sivananda, spent the next twenty years continuing his service of Guru and humanity, teaching through word and example the ideal of enlightened the practice of yoga in a modern context. The most outstanding feature of his life and writings is the simplicity which is reflected in his ‘common sense’ view of our seemingly complex problems.Swami Venkatesananda’s practical instruction in yoga postures, meditation and the application of yoga philosophy indicate his deep personal knowledge and insight into both the’ teachings themselves and the dynamics of life.During the first part of my stay in South Africa in 1961, I noticed an intense desire on the part of many Indians and Non-Indians to rediscover for adoption in their own lives a saner2 glue of life. The impact of materialistic civilization made

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1900

About the author

Swami Venkatesananda (Parthsarathy as he was known then) was born in Tanjore on December 29th, 1921, to a South Indian Brahmin family. He learned Sanskrit at an early age from his uncle and grandfather, and used to love to take part in religious observances. He was not only scholarly but full of fun (a trait which endeared him in later life when, as a Swami, he travelled in the West, illustrating the everyday concepts we live by with his humorous stories.)

At the age of fourteen he discovered a book by Swami Sivananda in a bookshop. He was so impressed that he wrote to Swami Sivananda asking if he could join him in his ashram. Swami Sivananda told him to finish his education and then come to Rishikesh.

On leaving school, he studied shorthand and typing, coming first in the examination. After working for the Madras Corporation, he obtained the position of Private Secretary to the Minister of War in Calcutta; most suitably, as a member of the diplomatic core. In this capacity one day he was asked to escort some V.I.P.s to Haridwar and Rishikesh. He visited Sivananda Ashram and was told that Swami Sivananda was resting and he wouldn't be able to meet him. Shortly after, Sivananda unexpectedly came out. He looked at Parthasarathy and said, "So. You have come," and asked him to stay at the ashram.

So after fulfilling his work commitments for a year, he returned to Rishikes to stay. Sivananda put him to work in various departments of the ashram's kitchen, temple, office, and typing, the press etc. After that he became the private secretary to Swami Sivananda, typing his books, answering letters and generally helping in his day to day activities. Later he travelled the world to spread the message of his master, Swami Sivananda.