Pathways to Joy: The Master Vivekananda on the Four Yoga Paths to God

Collection of short, clear essays describing Vedanta and Yoga.“Religion as it is generally taught all over the world, is found to be based upon faith and belief, and in most cases consists only of different set of theories; and that is why we find religious quarreling with one another. Nevertheless there is a basis of universal belief in religion that governs all the different theories and all the varying ideas of different sects in different countries. Going to this basis, we find that they are based upon universal experiences. If you go to the fountainhead of Christianity, you will find that it is based upon experience. Christ said that he saw god, the disciples said they felt god, and so on. Similarity, in Buddhism, it was Buddha’s experience that was taught. He experienced certain truths, saw them, came in contact with them, and preached them to the world. So with the Hindus. In their books, the writers, called rishis, or sages, declare that they have experienced certain truths, and these they preach. Thus it is clear that all the religions of the world have been built upon that one universal and unshakable foundation of all our knowledge - direct experience. The teachers all saw god; they all saw their own souls, and what these teachers saw they preached. But since then there there has been this difference: Most of these religions, especially in modern times, claim that these experiences are impossible to others; that they were only possible to a few men who were the founders of the religions that subsequently bore their names. They say that these experiences are not available to us, and therefore, we now have to take these religions on faith. This is completely false. The teachers of the science of Yoga declare not only that religion is based upon the experiences of ancient times, but also that no man can be religious until he has had the same experience himself. Yoga is the science that teaches us how to attain these experiences ourselves.”(Pathways to Joy)

It's been awhile since I've read this book, so I can't go into all sorts of details regarding the text. But on a high level, this book is basically the only 'religion' book I've ever read that says all religions are good (more or less). He talks about how we could all be holding a different part of the same truth and gives beautiful and wonderful analogies for this. He also just talks generally about life and attitudes and uses basic language to make me feel inspired. The only quote I can remember just off the top of my head is "It is we who cover our eyes and cry that it is dark." I know that's true for me at least. Oh, and each 'chapter' is anywhere from 2 - 10 pages or so. That makes it easier reading for me - when I only have 5 minutes, chances are I can just pick it up and read a 3 page chapter. Easy. I usually keep several of these books around to give to family/friends, but am here ordering another, I must have given all mine away. Highly recommend.

One of the best books I've ever read. The Perennial Philosophy, brilliantly stated. My only quibble is the use of male pronouns in describing God.

Pathways to Joy refers to basic Christian beliefs as uneducated, ignorant, and kindergarten ideas among others. I am open and accepting of other religions but was very insulted by this book. The basic idea is there are 4 yoga paths: Jnana (knowledge), Karma (selfless service), Bhakti (selfless love), Raja (mastery of mind). Jnana is similar to the Matrix movie; we are all living in a matrix (called Maya) until we accept the Truth. Karma focuses on helping others. Bhakti focuses on love but also goes into the Truth. Raja is the idea that we do not know anything until we experience it ourselves. Taking any one of these paths will lead to the same "truth." The problem is the entire first half of the book focuses on Oneness which is accepting that we are all the same spirit as with God. This is when most of the insults happen. Jesus is referred to as knowing the Truth but had to make this complex idea easier to understand for people which is essentially where basic Christian beliefs were originated. Hindu beliefs such as reincarnation are presented as the truth. I am a very liberal person but am strong in my personal beliefs. I strongly encourage anyone with basic Christian beliefs to avoid this book. I briefly skimmed the original writings and found similar wording. If this is required reading for yoga training, I would suggest just using this review and others to get the basic idea.

While I may have been hasty in my negative feedback I was taken back by the initial tone of the email response from the seller. My purchase had not yet arrived after 30 day's. My purchase was eventually refunded. There are some things that are beyond our control, I had a challenging day, and I should have sat on my review response when I was in a better frame of mind. I don't want to leave such a harsh response on my feedback.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book; it was my first foray into developing a more integrated yoga practice and was recommended reading. I can't say enough good things so far (have only made it through the first section at this point) - it contains very powerful and uplifting ideas and speaks to my soul in a way I'd never experienced. I recommended it for anyone interested in expanding their philosophical studies. Looking forward to reading and learning more!

I was really excited to read this book, unfortunately after getting through a few chapters I realized it is not the original book by Swami Vivekananda. Instead this version has been edited so much that it loses all the original charm and power it once had. I was dissatisfied with "revisions" the editor made, I have read the original 3 times so believe me I can tell the difference. Please buy the original version not the butchered, knockoff that I did.

This book is a beautiful, eloquent way of looking at all of life, as in union with The Divine. It teaches the inclusivity of religion, all religions. In the end, the takeaway is love wins, no matter what.

Great read.

I love this book!!

Amazing book

Russel Books