Christ the Yogi: A Hindu Reflection on the Gospel of John

This book is excellent, but the title is a bit misleading. Let us start by saying that you can't go wrong reading this book. It is a detailed analysis of the book of John, from the New Testament. I must admit that much of the author's commentary brought up ideas I had never considered, or not seen the same way. It will add depth and understanding for anyone trying to understand the mystical style of the book of John.The reason I only gave this book 4 out of 5 stars is that the title suggests a more detailed treatment, and bonding between the Eastern traditions of Hinduism and yoga, and Christ. Little of the Eastern traditions are mentioned, but those that are mentioned are excellent reflections. I was hungry for a treatment of Christ philosophy from an Hindu Yoga point of view. It was much more geared for the biblical reader, than for the Hindu reader. A little more balance would have been my preference.Still, a wonderful book to read!

In this book Ravi Ravindra goes through the gospel of John section by section, following each part with commentary. I found his insights very valuable; although I had read John's gospel many times before, Ravindra's reading of it pointed out many insights I would never had caught on my own. I suspect this may be because the author approached the gospel with a "beginner's mind," which is often difficult for those of us raised in a Judaeo-Christian culture. His perspectives on the story of the Samaritan woman at the well were so profound that they pushed my understanding of Jesus' teachings to a new level. As a person who has given up on organized religion, this book was valuable in helping me to go back to what is of value in Christian teachings and draw on it. Ravindra combines his understanding of the Hindu approach to the spiritual path with Christian mysticism in this book. Rather than watering down either tradition, the approach is truly inspiring.

1. "For the first time, a systematic study of the Gospel according to St. John is made by a non-Christian. Dr. Ravindra explores John's twenty-one chapters, one by one, with beautiful and incisive style... Ravindra's commentary is not an intellectual exercise but a heart pilgrimage. He warns us that the 'rational mind is always uneasy about the Spirit which displaces it from the centre of being...' The author shares with us his spiritual journey, using John's Gospel as the structure for his development. The basis of personal experience of the spirit within us is reminiscent of Pascal's Pensees, and, closer to us, Thomas Merton's reflections on Zen Buddhism... Stemming from this are larger, more universal truths; on an otherwise too-familiar text he brings us countless insights, which can only be gained from such a fresh perspective. Throughout the book these nuggets startle and delight... The Yoga of the Christ will be for many readers such a source of light, as the best insights of the Hindu tradition are integrated to better reveal the dynamic elasticity and immense spiritual wealth of John's Gospel." --From The Atlantic Provinces Book Revie