Yoga as Philosophy and Religion

This practical guide by an experienced teacher defines yoga as a route to the kind of mental steadiness that leads to self-realization. It promotes Rajayoga (as distinguished from Hathayoga and Mantrayoga ), explaining the foundation of yoga practices--their philosophical, psychological, cosmological, ethical, and religious doctrines--and compares the essential features of Rajayoga with other yoga systems. The first of its two parts deals with yoga metaphysics, delineating the characteristics and functions of Prakrti and Purusa, the reality of the external world, and the process of evolution. The second part expounds yoga ethics and practice, with emphasis on yoga method, stages of samadhi, and related topics. This classic study provides both beginners and experienced yoga practitioners with a useful and inspiring reference. Unabridged republication of the edition published by Kegan, Paul, London, 1924.