Maharishi’s Yoga Vol. II: Yoga and Vedanta

Among the many fascinating aspects of Maharishi’s revitalization of Vedic philosophy are his comments on Yoga and Vedānta philosophies. Maharishi’s Yoga Volume 1 discussed Maharishi’s vision of Yoga and the distinction between Yoga practice and the inner state of Yoga, the silent field of pure wakefulness, found deep within as our inner Self. This second volume reveals more of Maharishi’s thoughts on Yoga as well as his analysis of Vedanta, and how these branches of Vedic knowledge bring us to the supreme awakening of wholeness, totality, the pinnacle of human life on earth.

This volume begins with a discussion of the four principal types of Yoga practice, including Hatha Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, and Rāja Yoga. These practices, in their original inception, were powerful and effective procedures for developing higher states of consciousness, but like so many areas of Vedic knowledge they lost the essence of their practice, and hence their effectiveness. But Maharishi’s analysis provides us with a more profound understanding of the practices of Yoga, and how the current revival of Rāja Yoga precedes the other systems’ eventual revitalization.

From there, we move into the world of Yoga philosophy, demonstrating how the infinite field of pure singularity, the state of Yoga, expresses itself into the diversity of creation. This analysis leads naturally into Vedānta philosophy, which focuses on the very nature of life itself, and how totality, wholeness — the birthright of every human being — can be attained through the practices of Yoga.

Those familiar with Maharishi’s teaching will be delighted at the depth and scope of Maharishi’s lectures on Yoga that Dr. Sands has distilled into this manual for perfection in life. Anyone familiar with Yoga will enjoy the systematic, logical examination of Maharishi’s Yoga and its powerful conclusion: that the goals of Yoga — from inner peace to full enlightenment — can be effortlessly achieved.