Synopses & Reviews
Yoga is now internationally an integral part of our health-conscious cultural landscape. It is practiced by millions for health and fitness reasons. While Yoga is seen and practiced mostly as a body exercise program, the interest in the philosophical and spiritual dimension of Yoga is growing.
This book introduces us to Patanjali, the founder of ancient Yoga in India. It takes us step by step into a deeper understanding of the essence and origins of Yoga. Osho introduces and unlocks Patanjali's ancient sutras, revealing how contemporary this ancient message truly is. It quickly becomes clear that we are just on the cusp of a gaining a much deeper understanding of Yoga and its place in our evolving world. Surprisingly, the mind even more than the body is the focus of Patanjalis teaching. He says: "Yoga is the cessation of mind."
As Osho says: "This is the definition of Yoga, the best definition. Yoga has been defined in many ways; there are many definitions. Some say Yoga is the meeting of the mind with the divine; hence, it is called yoga yoga means meeting, joining together. Some say that Yoga means dropping the ego, ego is the barrier: the moment you drop the ego you are joined to the divine. You were already joined; it only appeared that you were not joined because of the ego. There are many definitions, but Patanjalis is the most scientific. He says: Yoga is the cessation of mind.
What is the mind? What is the mind doing there? What is it? Ordinarily we think that mind is something substantial there, inside the head. Patanjali doesnt agree, and no one who has ever known the inside of the mind will agree. Modern science also doesnt agree. Mind is not something substantial inside the head. Mind is just a function, just an activity."
About the Author
Osho is a contemporary mystic whose life and teachings have influenced millions of people of all ages, and from all walks of life. The Sunday Times in London named Osho as one of the "1,000 Makers of the 20th Century". His often provocative and challenging teachings generate today more and more interest and his readership is dramatically expanding around the world in more than 50 languages.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Path of Yoga
Chapter 2: Desireless, You Are Enlightened
Chapter 3: Five Modifications of Mind
Chapter 4: Madness or Meditation
Chapter 5: Why Cant You Dance?
Chapter 6: The Purity of Yoga
Chapter 7: An Ecstasy Is Born
Chapter 8: Stop, and It Is Here!
Chapter 9: This Very Life, the Ultimate Joy
Chapter 10: The End Is in the Beginning