Reviews
The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita:
An Introduction to India’s Universal Science of God-Realization
by Paramahansa Yogananda / Self-Realization Fellowship/ $14.00
“We came from God and our ultimate destiny is to return to Him. The end and the means to the end is yoga, the timeless science of God-union.”
So explains Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the best-selling spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, in the new book The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita: An Introduction to India’s Universal Science of God-Realization (Self-Realization Fellowship, Los Angeles).
With penetrating insight and clarity, Yogananda delves into the deeper meaning of the Bhagavad Gita’s symbology, and sheds a fascinating light on the true intent of India’s beloved scripture. He shows how the warriors doing battle on the field of Kurukshetra are intended metaphorically to represent the negative tendencies of the human ego pitted against the divine qualities latent in each soul. He describes how every individual, through applying the profound wisdom of yoga, can achieve material and spiritual victory on the battlefield of daily life.
This concise and inspiring new book is a compilation of selections from Paramahansa Yogananda’s in-depth, critically acclaimed, two-volume translation of and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (God Talks With Arjuna). It presents truth seekers with an ideal introduction to the Gita’s timeless and universal teachings—the liberating path of right action and meditation to achieve a permanent state of higher consciousness.
The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita explores such topics as yoga methods for creating a life of peace and inner harmony; the psychological forces that help and those that hinder spiritual progress; the ideal balance of material and spiritual goals; the cultivation of the ennobling qualities of the soul; and the use of self-analysis and introspection for continuous personal growth. Paramahansa Yogananda’s original translation of the Gita verses, never before printed in sequential form, is also featured.
Along with its companion volume, The Yoga of Jesus (which has also been just released by Self-Realization Fellowship, the organization Paramahansa Yogananda founded in 1920), this book will appeal to anyone interested in the time-proven wisdom of the ages, including the millions of yoga practitioners who are ready to go beyond physical exercises to experience the spiritual depths and true essence of India’s ancient science of inner peace, joy, and divine union. –JM
www.yogananda-srf.org
Spiritual Warriors
A review by Kendall Klug
A tragic circumstance or deep emotional wound often propels us into the depths and heights of self-exploration. Asking “what’s it all about?” often leads an individual to turn inward for solutions.
Spiritual Warriors stars Jsu Garcia (Along Came Polly, Traffic, Collateral Damage) as sometime actor Christopher Finn, who runs drugs for a local mobster when not otherwise employed. When a deal goes bad, Finn eludes police by taking refuge in the lush surroundings of a local estate and sleeping in the garden overnight. He “awakens” to strange visions and an old man named Roger (Robert Easton) who tells Finn that he has “been waiting for him.” The viewer senses that Christopher’s life has hit rock bottom. Thus, the real adventure starts as Finn’s quest for life’s answers accelerates while his sudden visions continue. Roger tells Christopher the visions are past lives and that he is being called to complete and heal the past. He says that only Christopher himself can decide what steps to take next. His life is now rapidly changing and his spiritual thirst cannot be quenched.
Finn agrees to accompany Roger on a trip to Egypt, where he feels unearthed answers await him. It is a journey that includes metaphorical battles with the lords of illusion, evil, and the ego. Along the way, there is some spectacular scenery in storied lands such as Egypt, Syria, Palmyra and Jordan, including the stunning Tell El Amarna temple.
Spiritual Warriors was co-written and produced by Garcia and best-selling author Dr. John Rogers, who formed the producing film company Scott J-R Productions in 1997. There will be free screenings of Spiritual Warriors November 19-25 at the Fine Arts Theatre, 8556 Wilshire Blvd., in Beverly Hills (90211), California. The film shows at 7pm and 10pm each evening. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The producers and cast of this thought-provoking film will be on hand during the screenings for Q and A with audience members. For more information about this event, visit studioscreenings.com/FAT.html. For more information about the film Spiritual Warriors, please visit www.spiritualwarriors.com.