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by Paul Mason (Author)
Yoga Meditation & Dharma: The Teachings of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Swami Shantanand, Saraswati & Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is an illustrated view of the lineage of teachers who shared techniques through which the state of yoga can be experienced by those living in accord with the ideals of dharma, the lifestyle dedicated to right action supported by natural law.
Indian texts composed some 2,500 years ago and more contain many references to the word 'yoga', a term that can best be understood as meaning 'a state beyond thinking', 'a transcendental state of awareness', 'a state in which the mind can enjoy awareness of just being, without the distraction of the churning of mental activity'.
Yoga meditation is an ancient practice, yet until the mid-20th century the word 'yoga' was seldom heard of in the West.
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati was the Indian guru who from 1941-53 served as Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, one of four such posts in India each filled by an eminent spiritual teacher. During his years as Shankaracharya, Swami Brahmananda revived spiritual teachings in Northern India and popularised the practice of meditation. His successor, Swami Shantanand Saraswati, together with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, his gurubhaiee (brother disciple of the same guru), set themselves the task of spreading the teaching of meditation worldwide.
Yoga meditation is a practice aimed at attaining a state of inner stillness wherein one is fully awake and in a state of profound inner alertness, stillness and silence.
Dharma is a way of life, of right action in accordance with nature. Practised together, Yoga meditation and Dharma provide the essential ingredients for a balanced, stable, and satisfying lifestyle.
