Raja-Yoga Book

Swami Vivekananda was the first true traditional Yogi to go to the US and the UK, with short tours through Europe, and it was he with his brilliance who first popularized Yoga in the West. Traditions of Hinduism forbade all men and women from crossing the seas, and holy men specially would never do this. But this great man, with his scientific knowledge and excellent power over English, a graduate from Calcutta University, but who was also ordained into Yoga by one of its greatest traditional teachers, was the ideal man to spread the message of Yoga in the West. Before him, Yoga was heard of in the West only in snatches, and that too from westernized Indians who were divorced from its traditions, or carried back by Western academics. That is why Swami Vivekananda was such a great sensation when he appeared in the US at the end of the nineteenth century, and he was able to forge the foundations of the interest in Yoga in the West which continues to grow stronger every day.

This book was written by Vivekananda in the US, even as he was touring and delivering his speeches on Yoga in different cities, at the request of his followers. It is the only book written by him in book form, the other books like Gyana Yoga, etc. are compilations of different articles at different times. It was meant to give the first introduction to Yoga to people who had probably never even heard the word before, and inspire them to it.

And this it does with great aplomb. No one who reads the book can fail to be impressed by it. Its greatest attraction is the clear logic which Vivekananda uses to support Yoga. There is no mysterious air attached to Yoga, and the basic principles are taught in a scientific manner. At the same time, his passion and power shine through clearly, and will not fail to inspire anyone who reads this book.

This book is a must, recommended for all, whether a long time practitioner of Yoga or someone who just wants to know something about it.In fact, it is even more essential for those who are trying to gather knowledge of Yoga. These are the words of a true Yogi, a genuine teacher, who carries these teachings from a continuous ancient tradition, yet with the sense of wonder of a modern scientific mind. A book recommended for all.