Preface:
The present publication consists of another series of lectures addressed by the author to the students of the Academy at the Headquarters of The Divine Life Society. Though the book is indeed going to be a useful and interesting reading, it may not equally be an easy reading. As the themes advance through the chapters, there is a tendency in the presentation to become a little more difficult gradually, mainly on account of the nature of the subjects treated in the later sections. This is especially so with the second half of the book, which enters into a discussion of varied topics, theoretical as well as practical. The last chapter may require a specially concentrated attention of the student, in the light of the novelty of the approach to the subject.
This valued contribution may with advantage be studied as a fitting sequel to the author's earlier "An Introduction to the Philosophy of Yoga" and "Yoga as a Universal Science". The three texts read in a sequence would form almost a complete exposition of the vast range of the foundations as well as the practical methodology of the human quest for eternal values.
Shivanandanagar,
1st March, 1997
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| Page | ||
| PREFACE | iii | |
| INTRODUCTION | 1 | |
| The Seed of Philosophy-The Dissatisfaction of Man-Government as a Solution to Man's Problems-Ethics as a Solution to Man's Problems-Basic Urge of Man is for Freedom, not Bondage-Problems of Man-Futility of Man's Attempts | ||
| WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? | 11 | |
| Philosophical Analysis Is like Medical Diagnosis-Philosophy Studies Even Notions-Philosophy Studies Change-Philosophy and Science | ||
| THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSE | 18 | |
| What Is Reality?-The World Is Mechanistic in Nature-The Presence of Consciousness Needs Explanation-Samkhya, or Dualistic Philosophy-The Doctrine of Samkhya Is basically not different from Materialism-Patanjali's Proposition | ||
| THE STUDY OF THE SELF: FROM PHYSICS TO METAPHYSICS | 28 | |
| Gravitation Suggests an Organic Interconnectedness in the Universe-Precise Working of Material Bodies: An Indication of Cosmic Intelligence-Conclusions of Science: Man is not Outside the Universe-Study of the Self Is Imperative to the Study of the Universe | ||
| THE NATURE OF THE INDIVIDUAL | 36 | |
| The Initial Predicament-Gross Body-Subtle Body-What Is Meant by Prana?-Source of Prana-Function of Prana-Harmonious Balance of Prana Is Necessary-Prana Is the Connecting Link between Mind and Body-Essence of Subtle Body Is a Totality of the Psychic Personality-The Subtle Body Is an Organisation of Desires-Basic Desires of Man According to General Psychology | ||
| THE NATURE OF THE SELF | 58 | |
| Inadequate Apparatus Used to Investigate the Self Conditions the Result-The Senses Are Unreliable-The Mind Is Conditioned by Space-Time-The Mind Is Conditioned by Logical Limitations-The Self Overcomes all Conditioning-Doubts Cannot Be Raised Concerning the Self-The Self in Dream-The Self in Sleep-The Self Is Sat-Chit-Ananda | ||
| THE THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE | 69 | |
| Introductory-Rationalism and Empiricism: The Two Schools of Thought-Man Has Both Characteristics: The Rationalist and the Empiricist-Immanuel Kant: Attempt to Bring Together Empiricism and Rationalism-The Process of knowledge of Things after Sleep-The Individual is Conditioned by Space-Time, Quality, Relation and Mode-Will and Feeling Are Not Conditioned-Subjective Idealism and Objective Realism-Metaphysical Idealism-The Knowledge Process Explained-The World Is a Flood of Consciousness | ||
| RELIGION AS THE PERFECTION OF LIFE | 99 | |
| The Definition of Religion-The Religious Consciousness: (a) Holism-The Religious Consciousness: (b) Emergent Evolution-Ishta-Devata: The Chosen Deity-The Rule of the Preceptor-Religion Is an Experience-Religion Is the Whole of Life-Purusharthas: The Fourfold Purpose of Existence-Artha: The Material Requirements of life-Kama: The Emotional Needs of Man-Dharma: The Ethical Law of Rectitude and Justice-Moksha: The Spiritual Aim of the Universe-Ashramas: The Stages of Life | ||
| METHODS OF PRACTICE | 119 | |
| Philosophy and Life-The Theory of Karma-The Last Thought Is Said to Determine the Future-The Last Moment Is like Standing Before the Supreme Judge-One Should Be Always Prepared for the Last Moment-The Spirit of Religion Must Saturate One's Daily Life-Background of Thought a Necessity in Practice-Necessity for Intense Feeling in the Inner Exercise | ||
| THE ART OF MEDITATION | 133 | |
| What Is Meditation?-The Object of Meditation-Meditation Energises Personality-Meditation Is Religion's Aim-Asana: Physical and Mental Posture-The Disciplines of Self--Control | ||
| THE WAY OF REASON | 146 | |
| The Yoga of Understanding-Meditations Establishing the Existence of God-The Ontological Argument and Its Presuppositions-Stages of Knowledge | ||
| THE SYSTEM OF YOGA | 159 | |
| Patanjali's prescriptions for Meditation in Life-name: The Designation of the Object-Form: The Nexus of Objective Centralisation-Difficulties in the Meditational Technique-Intense Aspiration and Tenacity in Practice Are Necessary-The Yoga Way of Life | ||
| APPENDIX | 177 | |
| Practical Hints on Spiritual Living | ||
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