"The Complete Book of Yoga" by Swami Vivekananda

The Yogi Mystic That Brought Advaita Vedanta To America in 1893. “The Complete Book of Yoga,” by Swami Vivekananda

"The Complete Book of Yoga," by Swami Vivekananda

otqtxwmy October 5, 2023

Why Read It

In 1893, Vivekananda stood before a crowd of 7,000 people at Chicago’s Parliament of Religions and introduced Hinduism and Vedanta to the United States for the first time with the opening words, “Sisters and Brothers of America…”

Today, it’s hard to imagine a Western culture untouched by yogic thought, but in 1893, eastern ideas and philosophies were far from present and popular in the U.S. and Europe. Vivekananda’s entrance into America changed that forever, and his presence as a figure in the spiritual history of the world is historically significant and deeply inspiring. Vivekananda was a disciple of Ramakrishna, and his impeccable teaching of Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Jnana Yoga is captured in the pages of this book.

Overview

“The Complete Book of Yoga” by Swami Vivekananda offers an in-depth exploration of the four primary paths of yoga, elucidating their profound philosophical underpinnings and practical applications. In “Raja Yoga,” the emphasis is on mental discipline and meditation, drawing insights from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. “Karma Yoga” introduces the path of selfless action, advocating for performing one’s duties without attachment to outcomes. “Bhakti Yoga” illuminates the transformative journey of devotion and love towards the Divine, underscoring the power of pure surrender. Lastly, “Jnana Yoga” delves into the realm of knowledge and discernment, guiding seekers towards the realization of the unity between the individual soul and the universal spirit. Together, these teachings present a holistic framework for spiritual growth and self-realization, highlighting the diverse avenues through which one can pursue enlightenment.

Key Takeaways

Multifaceted Paths to the Divine: Spirituality doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s through meditation (Raja Yoga), selfless action (Karma Yoga), devotion (Bhakti Yoga), or knowledge (Jnana Yoga), there are multiple paths leading to the same ultimate truth. Each individual can choose a path that resonates most with their temperament.
The Power of Detachment: Especially highlighted in “Karma Yoga,” the idea is to act selflessly, without being overly attached to the fruits of one’s actions. This detachment helps in maintaining inner peace and equanimity, regardless of external outcomes.
Inner Transformation Through Love: “Bhakti Yoga” emphasizes that pure love and devotion towards the Divine can bring about profound inner transformation. Such love transcends rituals and ceremonies, focusing on a deep, personal relationship with the Divine.
Self-Inquiry and Discernment: “Jnana Yoga” encourages seekers to question the nature of reality, helping them distinguish between the transient and the eternal. By understanding the true nature of the self and the universe, one realizes the oneness of individual consciousness with universal consciousness.
Meditation as a Tool for Self-Realization: “Raja Yoga” underscores the importance of meditation as a means to control the mind and attain self-realization. Regular practice not only brings mental peace but also leads to deeper insights into the nature of existence.

Quotes

“Our main problem is to be free. It is evident then that until we realize ourselves as the Absolute, we cannot attain to deliverance. Yet there are various ways of attaining to this realization. These methods have the generic name of Yoga (to join, to join ourselves to our reality).”

“The powers of the mind should be concentrated and turned back upon itself, and as the darkest places reveal their secrets before the penetrating rays of the sun, so will this concentrated mind penetrate its own innermost secrets.”

“All the different steps in Yoga are intended to bring us scientifically to the superconscious state, or Samadhi. The very fact that one man ever reached that state, proves that it is possible for every man to do so. Not only is it possible, but every man must, eventually, get to that state, and that is religion.”

“All the great prophets, saints, and seers of the world – what did they do? In one span of life they lived the whole life of humanity, traversed the whole length of time that it takes ordinary humanity to come to perfection. In one life they perfect themselves; they have no thought for anything else, never live a moment for any other idea, and thus the way is shortened for them. This is what is meant by concentration, intensifying the power of assimilation, thus shortening the time. Raja Yoga is the science which teaches us how to gain the power of concentration.”

“This Atman in all beings does not manifest Himself to the eyes or the senses, but those whose minds have become purified and refined realize Him. Beyond all sound, all sight, beyond form, absolute, beyond all taste and touch, infinite, without beginning and without end, even beyond nature, the Unchangeable; he who realizes Him, frees himself from the jaws of death.”