🌌 Mysticism −17%

The Science of Religion (Revised)

✍️ Yogananda, Paramahansa
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$9.95 $12.00 Save $2.05 (17%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Yogananda's early guide to direct divine experience via Hindu principles.

This volume captures Yogananda's initial public address in America from 1920. It translates his spoken words into written form for broader distribution. The text prioritizes actionable principles over abstract theory. Readers will find a structured approach to spiritual practice rooted in Hinduism. The publisher aims to preserve the original intent of these early teachings. The book serves as a bridge between traditional Eastern spirituality and contemporary seekers. Its brevity allows for quick comprehension of core concepts. The focus remains strictly on attaining direct experience rather than intellectual understanding.

Key Themes
Hindu spiritual practice direct divine experience 1920 American speech
Literary Context

This text originates from Yogananda's 1920 address in America. It reflects early twentieth-century Hinduism's introduction to Western audiences. The work bridges Eastern religious traditions with American spiritual seekers. Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers maintains its legacy through this revised edition.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Ralph Waldo Emerson · Eckhart Tolle · Deepak Chopra
🌌
Mysticism
🏛 Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers 📅 1982 📖 101 pages 🌐 en 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780876120057
Fun Fact
This foundational text masterfully bridges rational inquiry and spiritual yearning, offering a systematic path to divine realization. Its strength lies in presenting spiritual truths as verifiable principles, not mere beliefs. While it might disappoint those seeking purely academic discourse or philosophical musings without practical application, it's essential for anyone drawn to a disciplined, experiential approach to inner awakening. A cornerstone for modern spiritual science.

📝 Description: The Science of Religion (Revised)

Paramahansa Yogananda presents his earliest published work in this revised paperback edition. The text amplifies principles from his maiden speech delivered in America during 1920. He outlines specific practices designed to help readers attain direct experience of the divine. This volume functions as a summary of foundational concepts rather than a complex theological treatise. It draws upon Hinduism and general religious studies to frame its arguments. The physical book measures 18.19 centimeters in length and weighs 0.12 kilograms. It contains exactly one hundred and one pages of content published by Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers on December first, nineteen eighty-two. The ISBN is 9780876120057. The author qualifies as a spiritual teacher who bridged Eastern traditions with Western audiences. His work focuses on the intersection of mind, body, and spirit. Readers interested in occult, witchcraft, or astrology may find this title less relevant to their specific niche interests. The book suits those seeking a concise introduction to direct spiritual experience within a Hindu framework. It does not offer extensive historical analysis or comparative religion studies. The text remains focused on practical application of Yogananda’s teachings for personal spiritual growth. Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers released this edition to make these early insights accessible to modern readers. The format is straightforward paperback, suitable for portable reading. The content avoids dense academic jargon in favor of clear instructional language. It addresses the general subject of religion through a specific Hindu lens. The physical dimensions allow it to fit easily into standard bags or shelves. Its weight ensures it does not burden the reader during extended study sessions.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Yogananda presents a compelling case for spirituality as an empirical discipline, stripping away mysticism to reveal underlying universal laws. However, readers seeking traditional theological debate or historical religious analysis will find little here. It is not suited for those who prefer abstract metaphysics over practical instruction, nor for skeptics unwilling to engage with the premise of direct divine experience. The text demands a willingness to adopt specific practices rather than merely observe them from a distance.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who feel constrained by rigid religious dogma will find profound liberation in this work. It is ideal for the intellectually curious seeker who desires a structured, methodical approach to spirituality rather than vague inspiration. Those eager to move beyond theoretical philosophy into tangible, practical application of spiritual laws will appreciate the clear techniques provided. If you are looking for a way to experience the divine directly through scientific precision and accessible principles, this book offers a transformative roadmap for personal awakening.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you yearn for a spiritual path grounded in direct experience, or seek to understand the universal "science" behind all true religions, this book is for you. It's a vital guide for any earnest seeker ready to embrace a systematic approach to divine realization, transcending mere belief.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Yogananda presents a compelling case for spirituality as an empirical discipline, stripping away mysticism to reveal underlying universal laws. However, readers seeking traditional theological debate or historical religious analysis will find little here. It is not suited for those who prefer abstract metaphysics over practical instruction, nor for skeptics unwilling to engage with the premise of direct divine experience. The text demands a willingness to adopt specific practices rather than merely observe them from a distance.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Yogananda defines "science" here as a systematic, verifiable method yielding repeatable results, applying this lens to spiritual practice. It's not about laboratory science, but about a methodical approach to inner experience that transcends dogma, allowing for personal validation of spiritual truths.
While rooted in yogic philosophy, Yogananda asserts that the principles outlined are universal. He emphasizes the underlying unity of all great spiritual traditions, making this book relevant to seekers from any background interested in universal spiritual truths and practices for inner discovery.

📖 Who should read this

If you yearn for a spiritual path grounded in direct experience, or seek to understand the universal "science" behind all true religions, this book is for you. It's a vital guide for any earnest seeker ready to embrace a systematic approach to divine realization, transcending mere belief.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Experiencing the Divine Directly

This book champions the idea that spiritual truth isn't just intellectual or dogmatic; it's an intensely personal, verifiable encounter. Yogananda provides systematic methods to cultivate an inner awareness that transcends belief, leading the practitioner to an immediate, undeniable realization of ultimate reality within themselves, rather than relying on external authority or abstract faith.

Spiritual Science Unveiled

Yogananda presents spirituality not as blind faith, but as an empirical science, with repeatable experiments and observable results. He illustrates how ancient yogic principles can be understood and applied with the precision of a scientific method, offering a rational framework for spiritual growth that appeals to both the heart and the intellect, bridging the gap between mysticism and modern thought.

Practical Path to Realization

Beyond theoretical exposition, this volume offers a clear, actionable roadmap for spiritual progress. It details specific principles and exercises that individuals can integrate into their daily lives, transforming abstract concepts into tangible steps towards self-mastery and divine connection. The emphasis is on personal effort and consistent practice to achieve measurable inner transformation and spiritual awakening.

📜 Historical context

Published shortly after Paramahansa Yogananda's 1920 arrival in the West, this foundational text significantly introduced ancient yogic wisdom to American audiences. It was instrumental in establishing a scientific framework for Eastern mysticism, bridging philosophical divides and paving the way for the widespread acceptance of meditation and self-realization practices in the modern spiritual landscape.

📚 Glossary

Divine Experience
Yogic Principles
Self-Realization

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How do you currently approach spiritual truth: through belief, intellectual understanding, or direct experience? How might a "scientific" approach shift your perspective?
  2. Reflect on a time you felt a deep, undeniable connection to something greater than yourself. How did that experience differ from merely believing in it?
  3. Yogananda suggests universal spiritual principles exist. What common threads do you perceive across different religious or spiritual traditions you're familiar with?

✍️ More books by this author Yogananda, Paramahansa

All books by this author →
Autobiography of a Yogi
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Autobiography of a Yogi
$49.00
86
Autobiography of a Yogi: Reprint of the original (1946) Edition -25%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Autobiography of a Yogi: Reprint of the original (1946) Edition
$26.95 $36.00
86
Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life's Challenges (Expanded) -27%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life's Challenges (Expanded)
$10.95 $15.00
86
Autobiography of a Yogi
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Autobiography of a Yogi
$9.27
86
The Essence of Kriya Yoga
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
The Essence of Kriya Yoga
$20.21
86
God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita
$65.00
86
Scientific Healing Affirmations -22%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Scientific Healing Affirmations
$7.73 $10.00
86

🏛 Books from this publisher Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers

All books from this publisher →
Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life's Challenges (Expanded) -27%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life's Challenges (Expanded)
$10.95 $15.00
86
Scientific Healing Affirmations -22%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Scientific Healing Affirmations
$7.73 $10.00
86
God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Yogananda, Paramahansa
God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita
$65.00
86

You might also like

See more →
Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life's Challenges (Expanded) -27%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life's Challenges (Expanded)
$10.95 $15.00
86
Autobiography of a Yogi
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Autobiography of a Yogi
$9.27
86
The Philosophy Of Natural Magic -54%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Agrippa, Henry Cornelius
The Philosophy Of Natural Magic
$9.93 $22.00
92
The Corpus Hermeticum 🏆 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Mead, George Robert
The Corpus Hermeticum
$10.99
92
Mystical Qabalah
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Fortune, Dion
Mystical Qabalah
$13.57
92
A Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah -37%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Chah, Ajahn
A Still Forest Pool: The Insight Meditation of Achaan Chah
$19.95 $32.00
92
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: 50th Anniversary Edition
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Suzuki, Shunryu
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: 50th Anniversary Edition
$19.95
92
The Interior Castle: Or the Mansions -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Of Avila, St Teresa
The Interior Castle: Or the Mansions
$22.31 $29.00
92
The Way of the Psychonaut Vol. 1: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Grof, Stanislav
The Way of the Psychonaut Vol. 1: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys
$26.95
92

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist