Introduction to Yoga Paperback – August 3, 2011

Given what the word “yoga” brings to mind these days, I’ll first note that this isn’t the book for one who’s looking to improve a stiff downward dog, or even an errant kapalbhati breath. There’s no mention of such physical practices. This is a philosophy book--or theosophy if you want to get technical about it. Besant’s definition of yoga makes this clear, “Yoga is the rational application of the laws of the unfolding of consciousness, self-applied in an individual case.” The book is actually a series of lectures by Besant delivered in 1907 at the 32nd anniversary of the Theosophical Society. If it were being released today it might be called “An Introduction to Yogic Philosophy” or “An Introduction to Jnana Yoga” to avoid confusion. Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge, as opposed to Karma Yoga (the yoga of action) or Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion,) and it’s Jnana Yoga that’s the focus of this work.I was ignorant of who Annie Besant was when I read this book. I’d heard of the Theosophical Society, but mainly in the context of being an organization that Jiddu Krishnamurti had been a prominent member of, but then had a falling out with. (Given my respect for—and alignment with-- the ideas of Krishnamurti, I must admit that this biased me a bit against the Society.) If you’re not familiar with Theosophy, the name probably gave you a big clue about what it’s all about. The “theos” (as in theology) refers to the divine or godly, and “sophia” (as in philosophy) means wisdom or knowledge. So theosophy is knowledge of the divine and it suggests that a mystical path to knowing god can be achieved. I mention all this so that the reader will be aware that this isn’t “what is yoga?” through the eyes of a Hindu or a yogi as much as it is “what is yoga?” framed by a Theosophist. (That’s not to imply any objectionable biases in the book, just in the interest of full disclosure.)Having clarified what the book isn’t, it’s now time to turn to what the book is. It’s divided into four lectures. The first is entitled “The Nature of Yoga” and revolves around the questions of what is consciousness, what is divine, and how do they interrelate. The second lecture puts yoga into context as one of the six Indian schools of Philosophy, mostly comparing and contrasting yoga to Samkhya and Vedanta—the schools that yoga is most closely linked to. The third lecture considers yoga as an applied science. The final lecture discusses the practice of yoga. Again this is the practice of Jnana Yoga, and not yoga as it’s practiced today. Besides some discussion of diet and vague statements about how to purify the physical body, there’s no discussion of practices other than Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation.)In more specific detail, the book addresses the following topics: the 4 states of consciousness, the 3 aspects of consciousness, the 5 stages of the mind, the 3 gunas, the 5 functions of pain, and the 7 obstacles to yogic progress. I don’t mean to make it sound like the book is entirely a listopia, but the author is very organized—and, to be fair, a lot of these lists are passed on from ancient works. Given this book is the product is 19th century English, its readability is tolerable—especially considering the complex and abstract concepts under consideration. That said, there’s no attempt to put the abstractions in more concrete terms by way of narrative techniques or the like.I’d recommend this book for those who are interested in Yoga as a philosophy. If you’re interested in the philosophy of the Theosophists, all the better. Again, it’s not of much value for an individual who wants to know about yoga as an approach to fitness, or even someone who wants a balanced view of the eight limbs of yoga. This book skips straight to the last three limbs, i.e. dharana, dhyana, and Samadhi (union with the divine, liberation from the karmic cycle, etc.) In that way it’s an advanced text, and the term “Introduction” in the title may be more deceptive than the word “Yoga.”

For me, I am a beginner to Yoga and did learn things about Yoga that were helpful. The book I found is more like reading the lecture. It is somewhat hard to follow, yet I did find myself going back and re-reading several sections and taking notes.Let me also say that this book can get somewhat deep into some of the subjects, but for me, I found taking the notes I did and highlighting the most helpful parts in this book helped me greatly!For a beginner, this book can be helpful, and I did find it of help to me.

All my life I have been on the cusp of a spiritual awakening always just out of grasps reach of an understanding or truth. With every new precept and chapter Annie Wood Besant has made clear the truth of who and what we are and how to grow spiritually and be one with God. Yoga is not just a way of life for better living but a path to spiritual enlightenment.

Not bad for the price, provokes thought in areas but leaves much to be desired. I had very little knowledge on the subject prior to reading this, I now feel confident I know little more than very little... vague and full of grammatical errors, yet still worth a read.

A very interesting book packed full of insightful information. I would definitely recommend this boo to anyone interested in meditation, yoga or their general well being.

The text is a little to 'dry' to a person new to yoga. It will not keep one's interest. Its more for someone who already some background knowledge of yoga to apprehend Kate this book.

This book is a little hard to keep up with. I had hoped for a little easier read. Other than that, it is a great learning tool

It's a good read and in excellent condition also was sent before the date described, I am just refreshing all my knowledge in the classes I have taken before.

good

An introduction to Yoga is a helpful book not just for the new introductions but also for the followers and practitioners of Yoga. This is a very useful book written by Annie Besant. the benefits of Yoga are multi-fold as described very well in the book. A very helpful book.

Okay

Estou gostando e esta me ajudando no meu desenvolvimento,aprendizado de Yoga.Estou na metade do livro e animado para sua leitura total.

good info