The book forms the basis of Ananda Marga Philosophy, upon which all other works of the author can be properly unerstood: but not only of Ananda Marga, of the essential fundaments of yoga philosophy and practices in general. In a clear, logical order, it gives an account of the essence of human life and the relation of a human being in the universe, with the world and with the cosmos. Essential reading for anyone with a sincere interest in spiritual philosophy and meditation practices.
Psychology, for the author, is a developing science which is considered to be a part of philosophy. Traditionally philosophy has included the branches of ontology, metaphysics, ethics and epistemology, but Shrii Shrii Anandamurtijii has expanded the scope of philosophy to include psychology and spiritual practices. In fact, this is one of the features which makes Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy unique.Regarding the scope of philosophy and psychology, in "Our Philosophical Treatise" (Tattva Kaomudii Part 2, 1969), the author writes: In Western philosophy there is no mention of spiritual practice, because Western philosophers had no opportunity to learn such a practice. The main reason is that, in the theology prevalent in the West, there is no concrete spiritual practice.According to general belief, psychology is a part of general science, and should therefore not be included as a part of philosophy. Thus psychology has been accepted as a branch of science in the West. But in Ananda Marga, psychology has been included as a part of philosophy. Moreover, according to Ananda Marga, the scope of psychology is wider than what is usually accepted by psychologists.Yoga psychology, though a part of philosophy, is also a science, but is not restricted to the materialistic paradigm which characterizes Western philosophy and psychology. It is the science by which spiritual aspirants can acquire knowledge and mastery of themselves in their quest for Self-realization. Knowledge of yoga psychology is essential for spiritual practices; without this knowledge, aspirants will not achieve success in their spiritual endeavours.
This multifaceted and up-to-date encyclopedia is sure to be of interest to pastors and church workers of all confessions, equally so to students, scholars, and researchers around the world who are interested in any aspect of Christianity or religion in general. The first volume contains 465 articles that address a comprehensive list of topics.
The Neohumanist educational paradigm is one of the lesser known but most unique in the world today. The present volume is intended as a comprehensive volume on Neohumanist education that reveals the context of this educational paradigm within the context of the kaleidoscopic dimensions of Neohumanism. It aims to serve as a resource for those who desire to study Neohumanist education in depth by providing information concerning the conceptual and existential background of the philosophy of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. By exploring unique features of its vision of cardinal values, psychology, epistemology, culture, social justice, aesthetics and mystical love, the roles of the Neohumanist educator is revealed. Unique to most pedagogical paradigms are explorations of the nature of spiritual practice or meditation as well an introduction to the spiritual cosmology of the author. Finally various aspects of Neohumanism and education are explained in a series of discourses.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika is among the most influential surviving texts on hatha yoga. The text describes asanas, purifying practices, shatkarma, mudras, finger and hand positions, bandhas, locks, and pranayama, breath exercises. The book explains the purpose of Hatha Yoga, the awakening of subtle energy kundalini, advancement to Raja Yoga, and the experience of deep meditative absorption known as samadhi.
In this landmark book the renowned scholar of religion Mircea Eliade lays the groundwork for a Western understanding of Yoga, exploring how its guiding principle, that of freedom, involves remaining in the world without letting oneself be exhausted by such "conditionings" as time and history. Drawing on years of study and experience in India, Eliade provides a comprehensive survey of Yoga in theory and practice from its earliest foreshadowings in the Vedas through the twentieth century. The subjects discussed include Patañjali, author of the Yoga-sutras; yogic techniques, such as concentration "on a Single Point," postures, and respiratory discipline; and Yoga in relation to Brahmanism, Buddhism, Tantrism, Oriental alchemy, mystical erotism, and shamanism.
This book outlines the theory of Neo-Humanism as propounded by the great 20th century think P.R. Sarkar. Neo-humanism is described as humanism expanded to include the entire creation: all varieties of human cultural expressions, and the animal and plant world, even until the inanimate world. This 'new-humanism', rather than being an aetheistic concept, recognizes the value of a human beings internal world, and thus bases the inspiration of neo-humanism upon a universal spirituality which is an essential part of the human psyche, although at times unconscious. This inner connection provides the mental epansion, empathy and perception so that will allow human society to live 'neo-humanism' not only intheory mut as a real expereicen intergrated into the individual and collective self. The author also clearly and concisely describes the modes by which vested economic and media interests manipulate and distort human thinking, and how this can be combatted through rationality and proper education. This he links in a unique way spirituality, rationality and human emotion. This book offers a unique perspective for anyone interested in sociology, multi-culturalism, anti-speciesism, globalization, anthropology, alternative economics, etc.
Note that due to the limitations of some ereading devices not all diacritical marks can be shown. BKS Iyengar’s translation and commentary on these ancient yoga sutras has been described as the “bible” of yoga. This edition contains an introduction by BKS Iyengar, as well as a foreword by Godfrey Devereux, author of Dynamic Yoga.
