Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga

Yeah - As the other reviewer says - the book is indispensable. I haven't combed Motilal Benarsidass' catalog recently for an alternative - but there's really no reason. Georg (pronounced Gay'org) Feuerstein is one of the leading independent scholars of our generation (Post WWII baby-boom) in any field. His field, however, is the analysis of classical Indian sciences of enlightenment(including those many which have spread beyond the land of their origin) - and his work is among the best. The dictionary, distilled from the vast Sanskrit literature into a single, easily accessed 425 page volume which integrates over eighty illustrations and photos into the text, along with extensive scriptural citations, is presented in a format that is comprehensive, authoritative, and accessible. 1) Each entry is systematically cross-referenced "so that the reader can follow up on pertinent conceptual linkages". 2) "There are ... orientational entries that furnish the reader with an overview of a given aspect of the Yoga tradition, such as its history, psychology, or major branches." 3) "Entries are all in English alphabetical order and , moreover, include key words in English, with references to their Sanskrit equivalents or other relevant Sanskrit concepts." In an area of reading where one really needs a reliable, ready-to-hand, well-organized reference, the Encyclopedic Dictionary stands alone. A note: The Dictionary was first compiled in 1990 - before Feuerstein's fruitful associastion with David Frawley, et al. Also, and perhaps fortunately in many cases, a number of important speculative dates are missing. A timeline would have been an appropriate inclusion. However, much of this research can be found in Feuerstein's later productions. If the Dictionary goes to another printing, it would be convenient to have some sort of dating for entries such as, for instance, Mahabharata.

The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga is an invaluable and absolutely indispensable guide for students of Yoga, Samkhya, and Vedanta. Comprehensive in both scope and depth, it lucidly explains the terminology used in these Eastern religions, covering the most basic concepts to the most esoteric. This dictionary is a remarkable achievement and is a reflection of Georg Feuerstein's standing as a scholar of the highest order. I have referred to this book often. I shall refer to it again and again.