Beyond The Siddhis: Supernatural Powers and the Sutras of Patanjali

Without a doubt the most intense and incisive book about Patanjali's Sutras. The author's approach is unexpected and almost unbelievable, yet the first few pages reveal an undeniable truthfulness; a view of the siddhis so brightly illuminated that there can be no doubt as to the authenticity of the author's viewpoint.If you want to have your world turned upside down, then I highly recommend this little book. If you want to continue the sameness of your existence, then avoid it at all costs.

I have been a Yoga instructor and TM Siddha for over 20 years and thought that I knew everything there was to know about yoga. This little book, however, exploded my carefully constructed world in an instant and in its place was nothing but the infinite unfolding of life. With tears I write this brief invitation to anyone with the courage and willingness to look at themselves, and beyond that at the mystery of creation.

What can I say??? Get this book!!

I've been studying yoga and meditation for nearly 20 years and this is the first book about Patanjali's Sutras that makes spiritual sense that I have read. McAfee describes, step by step, the way to inner knowledge by using the sutras as a vehicle. His insight is amazing. He shows us what we truly are and intimately links the siddhis to our everyday life in a way that knowledge of death, invisibility or mastery of time becomes a true power in a sense far beyond the traditional "supernormal powers" interpretation of the siddhis.This is an amazing book with astonishing implications. A must read for every Yogi.

The foundation of yoga, we learn in John McAfee's brilliant new book, Beyond the Siddhis, began somewhere between 2500 and 5000 years ago. It was then that the focus of humankind shifted from learning to do (build, hunt, sow ) to identity i.e. "Who am I?"The Sutras of Patanjali, written about 2500 years ago in Sanskrit, are the earliest writings (siddhis) about not only the nature of consciousness, but the New Age mysticism dealing with magic rituals and supernatural powers so popular today. Prolific author and seeker John McAfee's intent "...is to peel back the layers of words that hides the truth beneath the Siddhis." As you read this fine work, you will see he does this quite effectively.Beyond the Siddhis is filled with truths and understanding. Patanjali's discussions of the Siddhis, originally called Vibhuti Pada, can be confusing, but Mr. McAfee sorts it out easily. Our relationship with the present moment "...becomes a tool that we use to create some future reality in which we will be something different."We learn that the past, present and future are not real. Only the eternal now exists. The process of becoming is an illusion. Mr. McAfee writes, "The true beauty of Patanjali's writing is that when we stop living in the past and future, when we stop creating images in our minds and living within them, then all time becomes now." This is the real, the true, in which we can live fully.Beyond the Siddhis is a masterful book about attainment. John McAfee, author of The Secret of the Yamas (see my review), guides the reader to awareness, compassion, love and the means to ease the suffering in your existence. It sheds a brilliant light on the core of ourselves!