Introduction
When we see a book with a title like The Path of Perfection, we
May react with a bit of common skepticism: ‘‘Oh, another book
Claiming to give all the answers. One more do-it-yourself en-
lightenment scheme.” And certainly it seems that such skepti-
clam is justified nowadays. Our natural desire for ultimate
Meaning, happiness, enlightenment, liberation, and salvation has
become the most exploited commodity of the twentieth century,
Creating what one contemporary theologian termed a disastrous
“seduction of the spirit.”” This seduction is, indeed, the most
tragic kind of exploitation. And the unfortunate consequence of
this exploitation is a kind of deadening cynicism that discourages
our search for self-fulfillment and a means to attain it.
, The contemporary, thoughtful reader, weary of the many
epeculative, simplistic books cluttering the bookstore shelves,
Offering instant formulas for psychological or spiritual salvation,
, willl find The Path of Perfection a welcome relief. Herein one will
find a clear, intriguing explanation of the philosophy and practice
of mankind’s oldest system of spiritual development—yoga.
Now, the word yoga may conjure up an image of some skinny
fakir contorted like a human pretzel, or perhaps a room full of cor-
pulent matrons in black leotards struggling to stand on their heads
In hope of improving their health, losing weight, or increasing
their sexual powers. This is not what we mean by yoga. Here we
ate referring to an ancient philosophy and meditational system
that has been practiced by millions throughout the ages. What has,
| In modern times, been reduced to a commercially exploited tech-
| nique of bodily agility and pseudomeditation was once a com-
| Pfehensive and easily applied form of self-realization.
| The Path of Perfection consists of a historic series of talks—
@laborations on a previously published commentary—by His Divine
Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) on
India's greatest spiritual classic, the Bhagavad-gita. In these ab-
gorbing talks, Srila Prabhupada explores deeply the philosophy of
yoga as explained in the Sixth and Eighth Chapters of the Gita,
showing clearly how these timeless teachings apply to twentieth
vii.
ll. |
