Vedic Yoga: The Path of the Rishi

The Vedic Yoga is the ancient system of integral Yoga shaped by the Vedic Rishis. These Rishis devoted to a life of the Spirit discoved a certain line of development beyond the range of sensory perception by means of their strength of self-discipline, and achieved a many-sided inner progress. Whatever they achieved by their tapasya (meditative concentration) they then cast into a veiled language that they called Mantra. It is through these Rishis that the secret words of the Vedas were revealed. The Rishes had the inner vision to see the light of truth (rsyah mantradrastarah) and the inner audition to hear the voice of the truth (satyasrutah). They possessed both great spiritual and occult knowledge, the complete inner wisdom.

This vision and ideal of the Rishis and the Vedic system of Yoga needs to be recovered today and given a new form suitable to the modern mind in the present challenging human situation. It is in this context this book throws much light not just on the ways of the ancient Rishis, but on the whole of the Rishi tradition from ancient to modern periods especially the roles of Ganapati Muni and Sri Aurobindo, both of whom the author has been connected with for several decades.

Review(s)

This profound and intricate book from a great Vedic master can serve as a guide to total well-being and complete enlightenment. - Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Vedic Yoga is not a mere academic exercise since it is informed by Frawley's own personal spiritual journey which is described charmingly in the autobiographical sections of the book. - Subhash Kak, Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University and author of Mind and Self.

Vamadeva provides a profound understanding of the play of Agni and Soma... and how we can bring about the inner state of enlightenment. This book is an important guide for all those who seek Self-realization. - Vasant Lad, author of Ayurveda: Science of Self-Healing, Textbook of Ayurveda and Director of the Ayurvedic Institute.

Vedic Yoga is a treasure for every serious practitioner of Yoga. With profound insight, Acharya Vamadeva (Dr. Frawley) reveals the practical yogic secrets hidden within the symbolism of the Vedas, and brings forth the power of the Vedic mantras for developing the cosmic forces of higher awareness within each person. - Gyandev McCord, author of Spiritual Yoga: Awakening to Higher Awareness Co-founder of Yoga Alliance.

Frawley conclusively draws a connection between classical Yoga and early Vedic teachings, and issue that has been of some controversy in recent years. His book is a necessary reference for all those who are interested in yoga in the deeper sense-to see the Vedic roots of Yoga Philosophy. - Stephen Knapp, author of numerous books on Vedic culture.

By interpreting the most ancient of sacred texts in the light of modern knowledge and contemporary needs, Vedic Yoga connects today's yogis to the legendary rishis whose Himalayan insights formed the foundation of India's glorious spiritual heritage. Thought-provoking, revelatory, and pregnant with practical implications, Frawley's brave book should be cherished by spiritual aspirants of all traditions and paths. - Philip Goldberg, author of American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West.

About the Author:

David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri) is one of the few Westerners recognized in India as a Vedacharya or teacher of the ancient Vedic wisdom. He is the author of numerous books and articles on Vedic Topics including Ayurveda, Vedic Astrology,Vedanta, Hinduism, Yoga and Tantra, as well as translations and interpretations from the Vedas. Dr. Frawley has been given many awards for his work in India including the Veda Vyasa award by the International Institute of India Studies. He is a Jyotish Kovid through the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences, and is also the President of the American Council of Vedic Astrology, the American offshoot of the Indian council; He has a Doctorês degree in Chinese Medicine and has also been certified as an expert through the University of Poona for his knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda. He is presently Director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies.