Karma Yoga Book: Conversations of The Science of Yoga (Set of 7 Books)

DETAILS : 

Publisher : Yoga Publications Trust
Author : Swami Sivananda, Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Language : English
ISBN : 9789381620311
Pages : 1377 (Throughout Color Illustrations)
Cover: Paperback
Weight : 2000
Edition : 2013

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Book I

Conversations on the Science of Yoga is an encyclopedic series presenting the vast, timeless culture of yoga topic by topic through the voice of three generations of masters - Swami Sivananda Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati. The teachings are given in question and answer format with the inclusion of verses from the scriptures, connecting the modern experience with the classical tradition.

Karma Yoga Book I: Karma introduce the vast field of karma yoga, laying a foundation for understanding the more specific aspects addressed in subsequent volume. Karma is clearly presented in its many manifestations and mysteries. How to accept and live in harmony with karma is simply and practically explained, enabling a conscious relationship with karma to unfold. Included are: meaning and origins of karma; laws and classifications of karma; understanding samskara; and karma in the Bhagavad Gita.

Through the wisdom of these masters, a complete understating of karma yoga and a vision for its application in the modern era is interpreted for yoga aspirants around the world.

Book II

Karma Yoga Book 2: Experience of Life is an in-depth journey into the eternal questions of existence. What is the cause and role of desire? Can suffering be overcome? What is the relationship between pain and evolution I How can disease be understood! Are we driven by destiny or freewill? Understanding these themes provides a framework for practising karma yoga, which views life as an opportunity for spiritual evolution. Karma yoga encourages conscious, positive interaction with life as a way of connecting with one's deepest nature, which is spirit. Through the wisdom of these masters, a complete understanding of karma yoga and a vision for its application in the modern era is interpreted for yoga aspirants around the world.

Book III

Karma Yoga Book 3: Samsara, delves into the unknown dimension dying, death the afterlife, reincarnation, liberation, and the relationship between human effort and divine grace. The mystery of spirit and life beyond the material has obsessed the human psyche throughout history. Traditionally the realm of religion and philosophy, Samsara explores these themes from the yogic point of view, offering an approach to life that is affirming, uplifting, and guided by the profound knowledge of saints and sages.

Through the wisdom of these masters, a complete understanding of karma yoga and a vision for its application in the modern era is interpreted for yoga aspirants around the world.

Book IV

Karma Yoga Book 4: Action with a purpose introduce the concept of karma yoga, an approach to life which is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita given by Sri Krishna and the experiences of sages past and present. The karma yogi is inspired to maintain happiness and harmony within the complexities of everyday life. With the attitude and practice of karma yoga life is embraced with joy and arms wide open, using every experience as a stepping stone for inner transformation and spiritual growth. This yogic approach to life is illumined in relation to other branches and practices of yoga, ashram life, sannyasa, one’s involvement in the world and commitment to the spiritual journey.

Book V

Karma Yoga Book 5: Expressions of the Mind gives insight into the role of karma yoga for managing and purifying the mind, explaining how internal conflicts and challenges of daily life can be tackled with a new way of thinking as the limitations of the ego are transcended. Expectations and attitudes mould thoughts, words and behavior. With the attitude of karma yoga, the structure and working of the mind can be understood so that involvement with life becomes full of simplicity, peace and harmony. Once the attitude of the witness is developed the vast potential inherent in everyone is expressed creatively and the experience of meditation in action dawns. The bondage and limitations of conditioning give way to a spiritual awareness which can be cultivated to the point of perfection of serlf-realization.

Book VI

In Karma Yoga Book 6: For a Better World, karma yoga becomes seva, service to humanity, and worship of the divine in all. Swami Sivananda made the act of helping those in need a systematic path of yoga leading the practitioner to the innermost core of the self. Performing one’s duty wholeheartedly and striving for efficiency and equanimity in all actions is the prerequisite of karma yoga Awareness of the transcendental reality as well as commitment and service to the transcendental reality as well as commitment and service to the immediate environment are not contradictory but go hand-in-hand, leading to a complete life. The world can only change if the individual changes. If practised with sincerity and joy, karma yoga become the most direct way to personal transformation and the foundation on which to build a better world for all.

Book VII

Karma Yoga Book 7: A Guide to Sadhana in Daily Life is a companion booklet to the Conversations books on karma yoga. It gives guidelines for the practical application of the principles of karma yoga provided in the main volumes, enabling aspirants to develop a sadhana appropriate to their particular life situation.

Sadhana is the personal effort every aspirant on the spiritual path must make in order to evolve. The sadhanas outlined in A Guide to Sadhana in Daily Life bring awareness and structure to the integration of the important branch of yoga into one’s thoughts, actions and interactions

Key concepts, including the yamas and niyamas of karma yoga, are presented in a practical format. Practices to aid implementation, understanding and reflection are clearly and practically outlined. These include keeping a spiritual diary, using the SWAN principle, practising the eighteen ITIES of Swami Sivananda and the meditation practice of antar mouna. Karma yoga children and the relevance of ashram life are discussed. Inspirational quotes provide further perspectives and insights, adding another dimension of richness to the experience of living karma yoga.