To Know Your Self: The Essential Teachings of Swami Satchidananda

Swami Satchidananda's life exemplifies all that's highest in yoga. Constantly self-sacrificing, he brought yoga to millions of people in the west, and always refused to be elevated to some grandiose pedestal; he never exploited his position or any human being--he lived the principles he taught. Those principles, for the most part, are contained here, in his knowing, nurturing voice. Topics include meditation, prayer, mantras, the problem of evil, handling cravings, raising children, sexuality, diet and health--it's very comprehensive. I bought my copy seventeen years ago. Every time I read it I learn something of value. A truly democratic guru, Swami Satchidananda famously said "Paths are many; truth is one." This book is an encylopedia of truth.

Satchidananda writes in such a clear and simplistic way yet his ideas are thought provoking. I love this book and use it weekly to help guide my meditations. You have to read it slowly and digest it's ideas. You will keep coming back to it and learn something new each time... great book

This is another excellent book by Swami Satchidananda, packed with potent life changing lessons with clear, easy to comprehend ideas, not abstract spiritual concepts that leave you wondering what was just explained. I enjoy Eastern philosophy books, but Swami satchidanda's are simple, yet profound. Just get it. and get The Golden Present as well. Trust me, you will be absorbed in these books from page one, no matter your religion or life situation. I can easily say that these are two of the BEST books on spirituality that I have ever read, and I've read many. What are you waiting for? Just get it. You'll thank yourself tenfold.

This book is really like ten or twenty spiritual books in one, because it's teachings are so dense with wisdom, yet easy to understand. I have many of Satchidanada's books and he is my favorite author on living a spiritual life. This was the first of his books I read- they're all wonderful! Believe me, his books WILL change your life for the better, no matter what religion you are. I feel truly blessed to have found his teachings at the young age of 23, for now, whenever I need that life guidance, I just open up one of his books and all answers are given, and more, in very easy to understand words...

Excellent book. Very simple writing. Gives the feeling as the teacher is talking face to face to the reader! You will feel like reading it again and again. It will help to read repeatedly at intervals of months for betterment of ones life. I feel like giving it as a gift for everyone I know.Those trying to quit smoking at least should read the 4 pages section on "How to stop smoking".In essence it is an encyclopedia of etiquette for daily living, but short and simple.