A spiritual life is a creative process, a path of devotion, and a journey of self-discovery. Photographer Derek Biermann traveled to northern India to obtain what became a rare and privileged insight into the sacred lives of devotees following different spiritual paths. He asked each of these individuals the same questions: What is faith? What is truth? What is reality? What is love? What is "samadhi?" With their blessing, the answers to these questions were recorded and transcribed and are presented here as a unique insight into the process of obtaining "samadhi"--the direct experience of the conscious Self. "Samadhi" is described as the deepest level of meditation in which the mind becomes completely absorbed in the uninterrupted contemplation of reality and ceases to function other than as pure consciousness. Each response is accompanied by a superb portrait photograph, taken by Biermann, which documents a special exchange of spiritual perspectives. What intrinsically binds all of these people together is their faith. Their knowledge and wisdom guide us toward a further understanding of the depths of spirituality in India.

Samadhi. It's a mysterious word. But what is behind it? Is it only a fairytale or can you actually experience it? This book unveils the ancient art of how yogis and mystics had the keys to an unlimited reservoir of wisdom and power. It brings the timeless and forgotten wisdom of Samadhi into modern-day practicality. What you will find in the book: Rare Samadhi wisdom not found anywhere else. Instructions on how to access the full potential of consciousness to directly explore and experience Samadhi with anything you wish (physical or nonphysical objects, states, lifeforms or even Consciousness itself). How to bring the energy and insight of Samadhi into your body and mind, and integrate them into your life and spiritual journey. Real and direct first-hand knowledge--not from reading books or hearing stories. Disclosing the "active path" of Yogic Samyama and the "passive path" of Letting Go into Shunya Samadhi. The revelation of the arcane 8th Chakra and how to employ its capabilities through a powerful yogic practice. The truth about Mahasamadhi, the "final Samadhi." And much more. Samadhi will change your life forever. Do not neglect its power. It will transform the way you perceive and experience the world because you'll see what very few have seen: an unfathomed beauty, interconnectedness, and unity between all things in life. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable spiritual journey? True life begins with Samadhi--that's how you'll open the gates to the real Garden of Eden and taste the fruit of ancient and forgotten spiritual wisdom.

Five Millennia of Prescriptions for Spiritual Healing

In his fifth book, Gregor Maehle shows how all yogic techniques and methods collaborate to bring about its pinnacle - the state of samadhi. The book culminates in a detailed description of the eight classical samadhis as listed in the Yoga Sutra, both from the practical view of content and experience and from the techniques to access them. The author also shows the importance that these states have for a new enchantment with our world, nature, and all beings. On the way to that climax, Maehle dissolves misconceptions about samadhi, shows the importance of both objectless and the much-neglected objective samadhi, what exactly stands in the way of their arising, how obstacles are removed and dissolved, the role of the teacher, and the role of grace and devotion. He also shows how many other yogic techniques contribute to samadhi. Also covered are: - The future possible spiritual evolution of humanity - The difference between yoga/mysticism and religion - The one underlying truth and essence in all sacred traditions - Integration of the mystical state - Samadhi, enlightenment, situationism, and developing the center - Why ecstasy is important - Whether it is possible to experience the world as it truly is? - Conditioning and its historical aspect - The process of deconditioning - Converting mind into intelligence - Types of karma - Asking, guidance, and consecration - The Divine in the Yoga Sutra - Withdrawing the guru projection - A new way of looking at the teacher - The two inner sheaths and their states - Wrong objectless samadhis: videha and prakrtilaya - Samadhi and the breathless state - Samadhi and chakras - Samadhi and mudras

The phenomenal world is nothing but pure consciousness with names and forms; projected though and perceived by our 'Body-Mind-Intellect-Complex', and five sense organs (Eyes, Ears, Nose, Skin and Tongue), through five primal elements (Ether, Air, Water, Fire and Earth). 'Ego' arises from 'SELF' or pure consciousness which in turn creates the phenomenal world of names and forms through 'Words' by 'Mind'; but 'Words', 'Names' and 'Forms' are inseparable. Mind is a conglomeration of thought constructs, created and sustained by 'Words'; and a mind without 'Words' is 'No-Mind' or pure consciousness; the substratum for all other three states-wakeful dream and deep sleep. As we know 'GOD', 'GURU', 'SELF' or 'BRAHMAN' is nothing but pure consciousness; and awareness of consciousness, through the 'EYE' of consciousness (Prathyabhinjna-Insight) is 'Self-Realization', 'Sahaja-Samadhi' and 'Liberation-in-Life'. Mind Watch - the illustrated practical guide is meant for the seekers of 'Self-Realization', 'Sahaja Samadhi' and 'Liberation-in-Life', who want to render their mind thoughtless. When the 'Mind' is rendered 'Wordless' (Thoughtless- without names and forms) that results in 'Worldlessness' or non-perception of the phenomenal world. Then the self-effulgent, pure consciousness-the substratum for the phenomenal world-shines forth in all its innate glory as 'Truth-Being-Existence-Consciousness and Bliss'. In other words; 'Words', through threefold division (Thriputi) of infinite pure consciousness as the perceiver-perceived and perception, create the finite phenomenal world, by 'Body-Mind-Intellect complex' and five sense organs. When words (Names and Forms) are removed from our consciousness; through Self-Inquiry (Who am I?), once again our finite phenomenal consciousness becomes infinite pure consciousness or 'Brahman', resulting in 'Self-Realization', 'Sahaja-Samadhi', and 'Liberation-in-Life'. 'Mind-Watch' is meant for constant 'Introspective contemplation'-Who am I?- 'BY' you, 'OF' you and 'WITHIN' you; which may result in spontaneous 'Self-Awareness', 'Sahaja Samadhi' and 'Liberation-in-Life'. Let 'Mind-Watch' shower blessings of divine grace and 'Glimpses of Self-Realization' upon each and everyone who goes through this book. -Dr. Gopinathan Maranchery

Samadhi consciousness is a state of being that many strive to achieve in their spiritual journey. It is a state of meditative consciousness that brings you to yourself, allowing you to connect with your inner wisdom and power. In this book, I have structured interactive advice to help guide you on your path to reaching samadhi consciousness. Throughout my own spiritual walk, I have encountered chaos and challenges that have tested my faith and determination. It was through these struggles that I learned the importance of living in my purpose, rather than simply chasing after a purpose. By aligning myself with my true calling and inner guidance, I was able to find peace and clarity in the midst of chaos. One of the key strategies I share in this book is the importance of tuning into your intuition and listening to the whispers of your soul. Your inner wisdom holds the key to unlocking your true potential and guiding you towards samadhi consciousness. By quieting the noise of the outside world and turning inward, you can tap into the infinite well of wisdom that resides within you. Another key aspect of reaching samadhi consciousness is learning to let go of attachments and expectations. By releasing the need to control every aspect of your life and surrendering to the flow of the universe, you can open yourself up to new possibilities and experiences. Trusting in the divine plan and allowing yourself to be guided by your inner compass will lead you closer to your true self. Living in your purpose is not about achieving a specific goal or reaching a certain destination. It is about embracing the journey and being present in each moment, fully immersed in the experience of life. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness and awareness, you can deepen your connection to yourself and the world around you. As you embark on your own journey towards samadhi consciousness, remember that the path is unique to each individual. Trust in your inner wisdom and power, and allow yourself to be guided by the light within. By living in your purpose and embracing the journey with an open heart and mind, you can awaken to the true essence of who you are.

Millions of people practice some form of yoga, but they often do so without a clear understanding of its history, traditions, and purposes. This comprehensive bibliography, designed to assist researchers, practitioners, and general readers in navigating the extensive yoga literature, lists and comments upon English-language yoga texts published since 1981. It includes entries for more than 2,400 scholarly as well as popular works, manuals, original Sanskrit source text translations, conference proceedings, doctoral dissertations, and master's theses. Entries are arranged alphabetically by author for easy access, while thorough author, title, and subject indexes will help readers find books of interest.