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Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy
$16.95
“Yogi Ramacharaka’s ‘Fourteen Lessons’ is remarkable. It puts into simple language many of the core concepts of yoga philosophy, and gives the reader tools to start practicing them.” – David Rogers, Yogi, International Yoga Instructor
“‘Fourteen Lessons’ is that rare book, full of wisdom and insights, not just for understanding yogi philosophy but for living a fuller life.” – Michael Gansrow, Co-Founder Massage on the Go, Wellness Expert, Author
Bamboo Leaf Press proudly presents a new edition of the classic Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy by Yogi Ramacharaka, with a Foreword by the renowned yoga teacher and writer, Richard Rosen. This unique edition includes Endnotes which offer a historical context about the mindset and language used at the turn of the 20th century and brief biographies of historical figures mentioned throughout the book, many of whom have been forgotten over time. Moreover, this high quality printed book with stitch-binding allows you to open the book flat on a desk without the pages falling out while reading.
Written almost 120 years ago, Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy is one of the first, if not the first, book about yogi philosophy written for a Western audience. It presents the fundamental teachings in a simple, charming, and straightforward style. Although the book is an introduction to this perennial philosophy, it covers a wide range of subjects such as:
The physical, mental, and spiritual constitution of ManThe different Planes of RealityThe Astral worldThought dynamicsThe human auraOccult therapeuticsSpiritual evolution
Nine mantras for meditation are also included to help readers along their spiritual path.
“You are the most precious thing – a living soul – and if you were destroyed the whole system of universes would crumble, for you are as necessary as the greatest part of it – it cannot do without you – you cannot be lost or destroyed – you are part of it all, and are eternal.”
Publisher : Bamboo Leaf Press (January 12, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages
ISBN-10 : 0997414839
ISBN-13 : 978-0997414837
Item Weight : 11.9 ounces
Dimensions : 5.43 x 0.94 x 8.43 inches
11 reviews for Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy
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Ray F –
Baseline of Eastern spiritual concepts from a classic text.
Eastern spiritualism is a subject covering a lot of ground, challenging comprehension for students (and seekers) in the global West. Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy is a century-old text addressing the need for such philosophic grounding in the form of an introductory course.FOURTEEN LECTURES: TEACHER-TO-STUDENTAs a written work, Fourteen Lessons (along with thirteen other theosophical books published between 1903 and 1909) is attributed to Yogi Ramacharaka. This is certainly a pseudonym with the actual author being (according to tradition and Amazon) William Walker Atkinson, a writer, businessman, and attorney from Baltimore. It seems likely, however, that Atkinson collaborated in these books with a very knowledgeable scholar of Yoga philosophy. The bookâs Foreword (written by writer and yoga teacher, Richard Rosen) goes into the theories and probabilities of Atkinsonâs authorship and collaboration.The material in Fourteen Lessons is presented as fourteen lectures in teacher-to-student format about aspects of the Yogi Philosophy (Yoga). The topics would probably be considered âNew Ageâ to most contemporary readers. They include âthe seven principles of man,â prana, thought dynamics, telepathy, spiritual evolution, and spiritual cause-and-effect (Karma). As you can see, a lot of topics are covered in less than three hundred pages.The bookâs prose is an introductory tone, minimizing technical terms and using readable prose. Consequently, the reading is relatively easy, considering the subject matter. Even so, the author is clear that he is just scratching his subject-matterâs surface with this volume.A FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDINGIn its great breadth of subject, Fourteen Lessons provides a solid baseline for Eastern spiritual thought. Such a base should enhance understanding for readers of other theosophical works, oriental religions, and esoteric writings. An open-minded spirituality can certainly help a person deal with near-death studies, paranormal phenomena, or just the common struggles of life. Toward that end, this book offers explanations for spiritual staples that include auras, telepathy, the astral world, and clairvoyance. Such explanations constitute a framework for understanding more solid than simply allusions to nonreligious spiritual ideas.For instance, the first two lessons are on the âSeven Principles of Man.â These can be thought of as the operational divisions of a person, expanding on the usual âmind, body, and spirit.â I find these divisions more satisfying than the common three, and in sympathy with the writings of P. D. Ouspensky. They also, in their account of the workings of the Instinctive Mind and the Spiritual Mind, echo St. Paulâs description in the New Testament of the struggle between our higher and lower natures.I especially liked the sections on Thought Dynamics and the idea that thoughts have a visceral effect on people and can be projected (whether intentionally or not). Thoughts can also continue to exist and have impact years after being projected. That idea, along with the notion of the astral body, offers an explanation for hauntings. This is an example of how spiritual ideas can address phenomenon where conventional explanations may fall short.A LITTLE HISTORICAL BIAS BUT WITH BALANCEFourteen Lessons does not show its age in regard to its clarity of presentation of spiritual matters. Its introductory tone is maintained throughout. Understand, though, that the tone is a nineteenth century one. Hence, you have an exclusive use of the male pronoun when referring to people in the abstract. Such as:”If one, not understanding the laws operating in the thought world, remains long in a place, he is most likely to be influenced by the prevailing thoughtâatmosphere⦔Also, there are some previous century idioms such as a good/bad dichotomy in the narrative that comes out as condescending at times. This is especially true where the narrative concerns tribal peoples:”The mass of uninformed people confuse it with the crudest ideas of the ignorant races of Asia and Africaâbelieve that it teaches that the souls of men descend into the bodies of the lower animals after death.”The editors of this edition of Fourteen Lessons (Bamboo Leaf Press) elected to keep such passages intact and so preserve the bookâs original flavor. I agree with that decision. I think even a wise âvoice from the pastâ will tend to show some historical fallacy or bias. Even so, these are mitigated with passages such as:”Spiritual attainment is slow and arduous, but every inch gained is so much further on, and you can never slip back, nor lose the slightest part of what youâve gained.”THE INTRO I WISH I HAD BACK THENEven after more than a centuryâs passage, Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy remains a solid introduction to Oriental spiritualism. It is the introductory book I wish I had years ago, when I was trying to understand esoteric spiritual concepts. Even so, this volume has provided me an overall view I can take back to earlier reading. I recommend it for anyone looking for a solid intro to Eastern philosophy, as well as for veteran seekers looking for renewed inspiration.
MAZ –
A New Way to Seeing the World and Your Place In it
I started practicing yoga a few months ago and felt I needed some theoretical background in order to understand such concepts as prana, astral body, aura, mantra, etc. that my teacher often uses. This book has been an eye-opener. Yoga is now for me so much more than physical exercises and physical well-being. It is a new way of seeing the world and your place in it. Yogi Ramacharaka writes, or rather “talks to the reader” in a way that makes you feel he is in the room with you like a loving father addressing you and all of your questions.This is a great book that will make you love yoga not just as a bodily practice but as a whole philosophy of life that may consume your being. Buy this book and your life will never be the same again. Now I’m reading the next book in the series, the Advanced Course, that is even more interesting than the Fourteen Lessons.
Felix R. Marrero –
Spiritual Mind is the Highest Mind
Did you know that according to yogi philosophy we have … three minds? The instinctive mind, the intellect, and the spiritual mind? Well, modern psychology accepts the conscious and the unconscious (although it’s not clear where instinct fits in this scheme), but has no place for the spiritual mind. Yet where does most of our art and music and poetry and inspired philosophy come from? They do not arise in the intellect alone, do they? According to Yogi Ramacharaka the highest mind of Man is the Spiritual Mind. As he says: ” All that we consider good, noble, and great in the human mind emanates from the Spiritual Mind and is gradually unfolded into the ordinary consciousness.”The author (or authors) introduce the reader into many such concepts of Eastern thought by using the simplest and most direct of languages. This is a unique book that was written over a century ago and is still in print. Bamboo Leaf did an excellent job in republishing this book and Rosen’s Foreword is masterful. Loved it.
User Profile –
Wonderful for both beginners and advanced practioners!
A wonderful book about yoga concepts beyond Hathaâs asanas. Itâs great for those just starting their yoga practice and even for those who are more advanced. Fourteen Lessons are just that â introductory lessons about the basics of yoga philosophy, presented in a simple, if at times antiquated (it was originally published over 100 years ago!), language. Although I have both the Kindle and paperback, Iâd like to note that this specific edition Iâm reviewing (by Bamboo Leaf Press â in case Amazon mixes up the editions) is very good. The printing is with a sewn binding that I like and the paper is high quality. The book also includes a Foreword by a renowned living yogi and Endnote that help to better understand the times during which the book was written. If you are interested in Eastern philosophy, then this is the best info out there.
DL –
I loved this book!
“I radiate thought waves of the kind I desire to receive from others”. This is just one of the many beautiful mantras to be found at the end of some chapters of this excellent book. This book is a great introduction to the philosophy behind the yoga postures and asanas. The publisher says that it was the first book on Eastern philosophy written for a Western audience at the beginning of the last century. It is for this reason that the language is simple and addresses the inquiring Western mind. Unlike many other Eastern philosophy books that ask you to “believe something because the guru says so”, Yogi Ramacharaka encourages rational inquiry and addresses the doubts a Western reader may have. Great book.
Nicole T Harmon –
Worth your reading time
This is the best intro to Eastern thought in general-not just yogi philosophy. If you are a newcomer or even not so new to yoga, this is the book for you.
Uena Mota –
A Beautiful & Enlightening Book
A beautiful and enlightening book by the author who had influenced the creators of the movie “The Secret”. Even if you are already familiar with yogi philosophy, this inspiring book will organize your thoughts and place everything in the right context. I highly recommend it!
Cosmic 43 –
Great book in early 20th century vocabulary.
marios ziinieris –
I had read this book about 20 years ago, but decided to buy it as a gift for someone, when I saw this new edition with a Foreword and notes. I bought it for myself too, and I am really glad that the new publishers have done such a great job. Now I’m buying the book for friends and relatives to introduce them to Eastern philosophy. No other book that I know of offers such a clear, lucid introduction into yogi philosophy. My friend loved the book too, and he is also buying it as a gift for others. Let’s spread the word!
Amazon Customer –
Inspiring, informative, and a concise introduction to yogi philosophy, these lessons completely absorbed me. I find myself returning to re-read passages and to see life through a yogi perspective. Highly recommended.
Simon Cahill –
What was all that about?! On the whole anyway. The Bamboo Press Raga Yoga is the one to go for…