An Introduction to the Philosophy of Yoga

The outlook of one’s life depends upon one’s conception of reality. The structure of the universe decides our relationship with things. What is known as a vision of life is just the attitude which the individual is constrained to develop in regard to the atmosphere of the universe. Such an exalted conception of the totality of experience may be designated as the ph8ilosophy of life. It is, thus, philosophy which determines human conduct and enterprises of every kind in the social field as well as in one’s own person.  The lectures on the Philosophy of Yoga, which constitute the body of this book, were delivered during the first inaugural course of the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy. The students who participated in this course were unacquainted with the background of the practice of Yoga – its philosophical foundations, its epistemological implications and psychological presuppositions. It was thus necessary to present the entire theme in a rather conversational style, in the form of classroom lessons, than in the manner of formal lectures. The lessons in this book are a sort of homely teachings to pupils with a touch of informality.