Description
By W.F. Sands, PhD
233 pages
In Volume I of Maharishi’s Yoga, we were introduced to Maharishi’s vision of Yoga and its distinction between Yoga practice and the inner state of Yoga, the silent field of pure wakefulness lying deep within the human mind. We also learned of the many misconceptions found in modern interpretations of Yoga, which have undermined the effectiveness of Yoga practices.
In Volume II, Dr. Sands discusses the four principal types of Yoga practice, including Hatha Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, and Rāja Yoga. These techniques were, in their original inception, powerful and effective procedures, but like so many areas of Vedic knowledge they lost their efficacy in recent generations, and hence their ability to significantly raise the quality of human life.
Also included in this volume are discussions of the most fundamental state of Yoga — the unified field of natural law — and how this continuum of pure singularity expresses itself as the diversity of the material universe.
And finally we find Maharishi’s insights into Vedānta philosophy, and how it brings both intellectual understanding and direct experience of the ultimate awakening of human life. In this lies the intimate relationship between Yoga and Vedānta philosophies, which Dr. Sands discusses in great detail.
Those familiar with Maharishi’s revival of Vedic knowledge will be enchanted with this clear and logical exposition of the supreme knowledge of human life.
“I have yet to see a scholar present Yoga and Vedānta and their relationship in such a clear and comprehensive manner. Most significant is the importance given to the experiential aspect of these two great teachings. Dr. Sands’ book will set a standard in exploring the depth and breadth of these very important contributions of India to the world.”
—Vernon Katz, D.Phil. (Oxon), author, Conversations with Maharishi, Volumes 1 and 2
“Professor Sands quotes from rare lectures by Maharishi in which he elucidates the four basic practices of Yoga and the power and effectiveness of their original form, which over time have become misinterpreted and confused. He also includes a full description of Maharishi’s interpretation of the Yoga Sūtras of Patanjali and the Brahma Sūtras of Vyāsa. I highly recommend this brilliant book to all seekers of truth and enlightenment.”
—Robert Keith Wallace, Ph.D., author, The Physiology of Consciousness and The Neurophysiology of Enlightenment
