MEDITATION, PRAYER and
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

A practitioner’s guide to the four spiritual paths of karma-yoga, bhakti-yoga, raja-yoga, and jnana-yoga.  This comprehensive and accessible book, Swami Adiswarananda outlines the message and practice of each of the yogas as well as its philosophy and psychology, preparatory practices, methodical spiritual disciplines, common obstacles and ways to overcome them.

"Approachable and compelling...   dispels many myths about the Yogic way...  Combines the keen observation and analytical skills of a scientist with the transcendent wisdom of a spiritual master."

- Ray Kurzweil, inventor, scientist, author.

From the Introduction About the author Endorsements

The Spiritual Quest and the Way of Yoga:
The Goal, the Journey and the Milestones
by Swami Adiswarananda

Guidance for followers of all traditions in quest for spiritual fulfillment. Drawing on the wisdom of the Vedic scriptures, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and other sources, this book is a valuable companion on your journey through the triumphs and challenges on the path toward spiritual transformation and the achievement of life's highest reward.

"Truly a guidebook to liberation" - Joan Borysenko

"Both instructive and highly readable, I commend it to anyone with an interest in searching for a path toward answers to the timeless questions of human existence."

- Shashi Tharoor
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and best selling author.

From the Introduction About the author The Spiritual Quest and the Way of Yoga

Meditation & Its Practices
A Definitive Guide to Techniques and Traditions of Meditation in Yoga and Vedanta.
by Swami Adiswarananda

The complete sourcebook of Hinduism's two most time-honored traditions of meditation. By exploring the transformative powers of meditation, this inspiring volume shows us time-tested ways to refresh our souls and empower our physical and spiritual selves with innovative ways of meeting the challenges of modern life.

"This authoritative new book sets a new standard for completeness...   a priceless aid for those who strive to let their minds attain the stillness described in the Bhagavad Gita:    'As a lamp in a windless place does not flicker.' "

- Yoga Jornal

Cover
Preface
Introduction
Contents

The practical volume examines ways to overcome the problems of life and many of the common bostacles to spiritual fulfillment - such as questions about human suffering, doubt of God's existence, the meaning of life, and liberation of the soul. In language that is accessible to people of all faiths and backgrounds, this book introduces the reader to the teachings of Vedanta.

"The book should be read by all aspirants of spirituality who want to understand the correct meaning of peace and happiness and how Vedanta suggests a holistic approach to acquiring happiness in life."

- The Vedanta Kesari

Introduction

Hymns and Prayers

A compilation of fifty hymns, including hymns to Guru, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Divine Mother, Sri Ramakrishna, and Brahman. Sanskrit texts with English translation.

Aratrika Hymns and Ramanam

Swami Tapasyananda, translator. Aratrika hymns (vespers) sung in connection with the worship services in the centers of the Ramakrishna Order, and the "Ramanam Sankirtan" - verses expounding the glory of Sri Rama. Sanskrit texts of verses, with English transliteration and translation.

Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers

Swami Paramananda. Provides a rich library of thoughts and prayers for daily practice, by a disciple of Swami Vivekananda.

Living Wisdom -- Vedanta in the West

This collection of forty-three articles offers contemporary insights into the timeless philosophy of Vedanta. A variety of noted authors, including Swami Adiswarananda, offer their wisdom on topics ranging from Vedanta Philosophy to Spiritual Practices. The articles have been divided into four major headings: Philosophy, Practice, Paradigms and Perspectives.

In the Hours of Meditation

Frank Alexander. The reflections of a western devotee of Swami Vivekananda on the "hours when one approaches that region of blessedness in which the Soul is Self-contained and in the presence of the Highest."

Meditation

Monks of the Ramakrishna Order. Articles on meditation by Senior Swamis of the Ramakrishna Order.

Meditation and Spiritual Life

Swami Yatiswarananda. A most valuable, authoritative, and popular volume by a widely respected monk of the Ramakrishna Order. Serves as a practical manual of spiritual life for sincere aspirants eager to attain spiritual fulfillment. Contains guidance on meditation in all its aspects, from preliminary preparations to genuine spiritual experiences.

Meditation, Its Theory and Practice

Hari Prasad Shastri. This lucidly written book gives in brief the methods of prayer and meditation taught by the God-realized sages. Chapters on the theory of meditation and on its simple and advanced practices.

Paths of Meditation

A collection of essays by Swamis of the Ramakrishna Order and scholars on diverse theories and techniques of meditation according to different faiths.

Siva-Mahimnah Stotram: The Hymn on the Greatness of Shiva

Swami Pavitrananda, translator. "Considered by many to be the best of all hymns found in Sanskrit literature." Sanskrit texts of verses and notes.

Spiritual Practice: Its Conditions and Preliminaries

Swami Ashokananda. A traveler in the spiritual path charts the course to the Supreme in this instructive guide-book, with chapters on all stages of spiritual life.

Towards the Goal Supreme

Swami Virajananda. Valuable instructions for the spiritual aspirant by a monastic disciple of Swami Vivekananda. Foreword by Christopher Isherwood. Frontis.

Universal Prayers

Swami Yatiswarananda, translator. Collection of prayers and hymns from the Vedas, Puranas, etc. Introduction and Sanskrit texts of verses.

The Mind and Its Control

Swami Budhananda. Sets forth the teachings of Vedanta and Yoga on the nature of the mind and ways of understanding and controlling it.