Overview

The publications offered by Adhyatmik Foundation are based upon perennial knowledge contained in the Vedic and Yogic texts that were originally written in the Sanskrit language.  The beauty of this knowledge is that it transcends any purely Eastern tradition or period of history and is relevant today around the globe for those seeking to find balance and harmony in the ever changing, hectic world in which we live.  The texts listed below have been translated into many languages and have been very well received by both students and teachers of Yoga.  

BOOKS FOR SALE are listed below.

Yoga and the Yoga Sutras

In the West,  the word “Yoga”  has often been defined incorrectly.  Many associate Yoga with the  practice of Yoga positions (asanas) and the  physical nature of the practice.  Yoga, in the traditional sense, has a much broader meaning and encompasses much more than exercise, a religion or a dogma.  It is a scientific method developed centuries ago that one can follow to grow physically, psychologically and mentally into a more complete human being.  The term, Yoga, literally means: union, harmony, completeness, poise, wholeness.  Through Yoga, an individual can harness the various aspects of one’s self to create a dynamic vehicle for evolution and transformation.  As one transforms, a balance and wholeness evolve in all aspects of life bringing one into harmony with nature and the environment.  Yoga brings evenness of mind- a peace that is ever the same- that leads to fulfillment and strength of character; and, ultimately, to revelation of the inner, immortal Self.

Patanjali compiled material from centuries of diverse oral traditions into a single text called The Yoga Sutras (the EightFold Path).  These texts form the basis of yoga philosophy.  The text concentrates upon Raja Yoga, meaning royal or majestic, finest or most refined yoga which is concerned principally with controlling the mind through meditation unlike the more recently developed Hatha Yoga (more common in the West), which more fully developed the practice of asanas (physical postures) and pranayama (breath control).  The Yoga Sutras concentrate on the psychological and spiritual aspects of yoga.   Patanjali says that Yoga practice is the means to still the mind, thereby allowing the inner self, our true ruler, to find liberation:  “Yoga is when the Self rests in its own being, in our original nature which is pure awareness."

The Sanksrit Tradition and the Vedas

Sanskrit is known as the language that underlies almost all of the Indo-European languages.  While being preserved in India, scholars believe it was originally spoken much more widely.  It predates Latin and Greek and can be regarded as the key classical language and basis for knowledge. It is unique among languages in having unlimited vocabulary and ability to add to and join words in a manner that the audience can understand the meaning effortlessly.    On 27 September 1786 Sir William Jones, Chief Justice at Fort William in Bengal communicated his third paper to the Asiatic Society at Calcutta which contained the famous declaration:

“The Sanskrit language, whatever its antiquity, is of wonderful structure; more perfect than the Greek, more copious than the Latin, and more exquisitely refined than either.”

The word “Sanskrit”, in fact, means “perfected”.  The grammar of Sanskrit is unrivalled in its comprehensiveness and refinement.  It is the finest of fine , reflecting people’s minds during Vedic times in India and is exemplary for its beauty and sophistication. On a deeper level, this profound language has the power to elevate people to the ultimate perfection at the heart of all living things, and has become known as “the language of gods”.  The Sanksrit characters to the right mean "moksha" or liberation.

The ancient knowledge of Vedic times  was originally handed down through oral tradition.  The Vedas, four main texts containing the ancient wisdom, were written in Sanskrit.  The Vedas  demonstrate a rich culture and philosophy that define an exemplary way of life.  These texts contain the most ancient holistic system dealing with all aspects of life and nature. The knowledge of these texts forms the bedrock of the Indo-Aryan civilization.  This Indo-Aryan culture that represents the philosophy of that highly evolved civilization placed greater value on the everlasting happiness that is born from spiritual thought and spiritual life rather than on temporal happiness that comes and goes with material possessions.  The people of that time believed in a simple natural lifestyle and developed ways of living that allowed them to live in harmony with nature and their environment.  The Sanskrit language and literature capture the vastness of this Vedic philosophy towards life.  Through the beauty of the Sanskrit sounds, the exemplary rationality of its grammatical structure and the depth of its content, a reader is invited to access the wholeness of this unique philosophy-- and, to seek ways to apply this great wisdom to transform and grow in spiritual understanding in this lifetime.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning “the science of life and longevity”. It is the art of daily living in harmony with the laws of nature and is an ancient natural wisdom of health and healing, a science of life. Ayurveda is a profound science of living that encompasses the whole of life and relates the individual to the life of the universe. Ayurveda was established by the same great sages who created India’s original systems of meditation and yoga. It has both a spiritual and practical basis. According to Ayurveda humans consist of three bodies or aspects, the physical, the subtle and the causal. The Ayurvedic system of health care emphasizes that the harmonious functioning of all three amounts to health. As a science of self-healing, Ayurveda encompasses diet and nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, rest and relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises and medicinal herbs, as well as cleansing and rejuvenation programs for healing body, mind and spirit.  According to Ayurveda, our life’s Purpose can be achieved by balancing four fundamental aspects of life:  Dharma, that is duty or right action; Artha, that is material success or wealth; Kama, that is positive desire; and Moksha, that is spiritual liberation.

Books For Sale

A list of available titles is below.  As new titles become available, those will be posted here for purchase.  When paying for the books, please include shipping costs in the total and provide your order information, including shipping address in the "Add special instructions to the seller" box.  If you prefer to order books by mail, please make your check payable to "Adhyatmik Foundation, Inc" and mail your check along with your book order to Adhyatmik Foundation, Inc, 106 Crestview Court,  Hawley PA 18428.

BOOKS

for any questions about Book orders, please send an email to adhyatmik [at] netscape [dot] net with "BOOK ORDER" in the subject line.

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