The Concise Yoga Vasistha

by Venkatesananda (Translator), Vālmīki

The Concise Yoga Vasistha provides a clear, provocative summary of one of the leading texts of Hinduism. Swami Venkatesananda continues the long tradition of elaborating on and clarifying the teachings of the sage Vasistha. It captures the verve of the original text while eliminating needless repetition. For the specialist, this book makes available a handy guide to the original Sanskrit without sacrificing philosophical depth. To the comparative religionist, it provides an occasion for understanding how Hinduism has been able to accommodate seemingly opposite schools of thought without giving way to the platitudes which mar many syncretic movements.

Genres: Hinduism, Spirituality, Philosophy

448 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1984

About the author

Swami Venkatesananda (Parthsarathy as he was known then) was born in Tanjore on December 29th, 1921, to a South Indian Brahmin family. He learned Sanskrit at an early age from his uncle and grandfather, and used to love to take part in religious observances. He was not only scholarly but full of fun (a trait which endeared him in later life when, as a Swami, he travelled in the West, illustrating the everyday concepts we live by with his humorous stories.)

At the age of fourteen he discovered a book by Swami Sivananda in a bookshop. He was so impressed that he wrote to Swami Sivananda asking if he could join him in his ashram. Swami Sivananda told him to finish his education and then come to Rishikesh.

On leaving school, he studied shorthand and typing, coming first in the examination. After working for the Madras Corporation, he obtained the position of Private Secretary to the Minister of War in Calcutta; most suitably, as a member of the diplomatic core. In this capacity one day he was asked to escort some V.I.P.s to Haridwar and Rishikesh. He visited Sivananda Ashram and was told that Swami Sivananda was resting and he wouldn't be able to meet him. Shortly after, Sivananda unexpectedly came out. He looked at Parthasarathy and said, "So. You have come," and asked him to stay at the ashram.

So after fulfilling his work commitments for a year, he returned to Rishikes to stay. Sivananda put him to work in various departments of the ashram's kitchen, temple, office, and typing, the press etc. After that he became the private secretary to Swami Sivananda, typing his books, answering letters and generally helping in his day to day activities. Later he travelled the world to spread the message of his master, Swami Sivananda.

Reviews

[Suchita Rastogi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult read, but this book has changed my life. And it will continue to change my life if I read it over and over again. It answers the questions that has puzzled generations for time immemorial - what the meaning of life is, what the nature of the universe is, who we are and why we are here. Read this only when you are ready to read it. To one who is not primed to read it, the book seems extreme (as it did seven years ago, when I picked it up for the first time). But to the person who has reached a certain level of understanding, this book is the most calming and inspirational read I have ever had access to. It is a beacon of light that resets the reader so that she can once again find her center. The pages will bring truth seekers unspeakable peace.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me over a year to read, and it was totally worth it. I really wanted to take my time and slowly digest it, instead of just trying to read it quickly to add to my list of books read.

Really fascinating. Explored ideas that I had heard of before, but hadn't quite understood. Definitely a good read for anyone interested in Hinduism, Buddhism, or Asian philosophy.

[John Div · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of Padma and Leela was one hell of a trip. The book talks about 'one' thing, and that 'one' thing is repeated from the first page to the last page, in several different ways. The fact is, that 'one' thing can never be put into words or be called any word. They keep talking about something that you can't talk about. It sees but cannot be seen, it talks but cannot be spoken about, it hears but cannot be heard, it feels but cannot be felt, It is present but does not show its presence. what is it?

[Allen O'Dell Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the classic text of Hindu philosophy. The writing is very smooth and compelling. The depth of this book is not to be underestimated. This book can be mind altering. Venkatesananda has done a masterful job of conveying the thesis of this masterpiece into English.

[Kalpana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading it online - several editions

[Upasna Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

our mortality is a result of our karma...