Books by Swami Rama
Integration of Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra: The tradition of the Himalayan sages is a source out of which many spiritual practices have emerged, and which have subsequently taken on individual identities as spiritual paths. The teachings of Swami Rama are a practical integration of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Advaita Vedanta, and Samaya (purely internal) Tantra. These encompass the teachings of the tradition of the Himalayan sages. His presentation of these ancient teachings is so straightforward as to be accessible to all people. (See the article, Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra.)
Practical, clear, and deep: One thing that all of Swami Rama’s books have in common is that they focus on the practical, and at the same time provide the depth of yogic theory. While I admit my bias, since he is my teacher, I truly mean this, that his presentation is practical and clear. It is common for someone to start reading his books and then tell me, in their own surprise, how extremely useful, understandable, and thorough they find his teachings.
A complete study: There are many books by Swami Rama, and if you enjoy the first few, you might eventually like to have a complete library (if you find the first one or two useful). However, there are three books that, together, form a complete study, containing essentially all of the principles. I have used these three books a great deal for teaching classes. They are:
Three recommendations: If you are wondering where to start in all of the Swami Rama books, getting copies of these three would be a good choice:
 | 1. Meditation and Its Practice (original ISBN 0893891304) A solid foundation for the practice of Yoga meditation. It is superb for the beginner, including instructions on preparation, sitting postures, breathing practices, and meditation itself. The chapters on mind and the chapter introducing a program for progress in Yoga meditation are profound, even for the more experienced meditator, and yet practical in describing the advanced stages of meditation. Unfortunately, this book has been significantly altered in a posthumous revision. The link here is to the original book, which can be purchased in the used book market. |
 | 2. The Art of Joyful Living (original ISBN 0893891177) The first time I saw this book, I was put off by the title and a quick glance through the pages. It looked like just another pop psychology book. Wow, was I wrong. This book puts the wisdom of the ancient sages in wonderfully usable language. Another thing nice about this book is that the editor did a minimal amount of editing. Most of the language is in its original form, as if he is speaking to the reader, and speaks clearly of a voice of direct experience. Unfortunately, this book has been significantly altered in a posthumous revision. The link here is to the original book, which can be purchased in the used book market. |
 | 3. Path of Fire and Light: Volume II This book is Volume 2 of the series. Volume 1 is great and has many advanced practices. However, they are so difficult that he wrote Volume 2, which is subtitled “A Practical Companion to Volume 1.” This book breaks down the path to enlightenment in eight clearly described steps. It also has great explanations of how to work with your mind, how to do internal dialogue, and how to work with energy and chakras. It gives detailed descriptions of Yoga Nidra, yogic sleep. |
More Books by Swami Rama
Each of the following will give added perspective on the teachings. Sometimes it can seem that we need more and more new information when, in fact, what we really need is to hear a similar message over and over, said in different ways. The Swami Rama books below will give you that diversity.
 | Living With the Himalayan Masters This is a great book for everybody. It has over 100 different stories about travels around India and encounters with many sages. If there were ever a book to which the word “inspiring” applies, this is it. I have met many people who started their journey of Yoga meditation because of reading this book. |
 | Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad Gita Bhagavad Gita means “Song of the Lord” and is a very well known text, actually part of an epic poem, in which Krishna instructs Arjuna on the paths of Yoga. There are many commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, each with its own focus. Swami Rama writes in the Introduction that, “Profound psychological insights are intertwined in the Bhagavad Gita with the philosophical concepts, so the task undertaken here is to separate the psychological principles and to explain their practical application…. Without the help of psychology — knowing, analyzing, and learning to use our inner potentials — we cannot fulfill the goal of human life: Self-realization.” |
 | Enlightenment Without God (Mandukya… The title can seem somewhat offensive. However, this is not anti-God, but rather is emphasizing the need to do self-enquiry to experience the Self. It is said that the entire wisdom of the East is in the Vedas, that the Upanishads is the distillation of that wisdom, and that of the over 100 known Upanishads, the most profound is the Mandukya Upanishad, the subject of this short book. The topic is the mantra AUM, and is summarized in 12 verses. Swami Rama’s commentary is nothing short of awesome. Individual sentences will call out to you as you repeatedly refer back to this book over time. The text is out of print and you may have to locate a used copy. |
 | Lectures on Yoga Describes the eight rungs of Classical Yoga, from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The eight rungs are thoroughly described in separate chapters. Originally published in India in the early 1960’s, the book was later revised and republished. The book has been posthumously revised once again and re-titled The Royal Path: Practical Lessons on Yoga. |
 | A Call to Humanity Subtitled “Revolutionary Thoughts on the Direction for Spiritual and Social Reform in Our Time.” Discussions on spiritual practices in the context of our modern culture. An inspiration on being in the world. The book has been posthumously revised and given the new title of Spirituality. |
 | Choosing a Path A superb book for comparing and integrating the paths of Yoga. Includes chapters on Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Raja, Laya, and Kundalini Yoga. There is also a chapter on Preparation for Choosing a Path, which serves as a clear foundation for all of the paths. |
 | Creative Use of Emotion As the name implies, the book deals with the use of emotions in the spiritual journey and in daily life. Many practical insights. The book is co-authored with Swami Ajaya, an American psychologist. More books by Swami Ajaya |
 | Freedom from the Bondage of Karma An excellent, short book that gives really succinct and practical explanations of the process of forming and removing karma. |
 | Inspired Thoughts of Swami Rama A collection of published lectures transcripts and articles spanning a decade, from the 1970’s to the early 1980’s. Some really useful insights. |
 | Life Here and Hereafter: Kathopanishad Based on the Katha Upanishad, a story where the student Natchiketas means Yama, who symbolizes the one who knows the secret of life, death, and eternal being. Swami Rama describes the key principles of Vedanta in this book. |
 | Love and Family Life A beautiful description of living spiritual life in the midst of family life. Many couples have told me that they find this book to be an important part of their planning their family lives. |
 | Love Whispers Poetry of Swami Rama from his private diaries, in which he is writing of his love for the mother aspect of the Universe, of God. |
 | Path of Fire and Light: Advanced… This is the original (Volume 1) Path of Fire and Light, subtitled Advanced Practices of Yoga. It is an excellent resource, describing many advanced breathing practices. The chapters on the construction of the subtle body are very useful. |
| Path of Fire and Light: Volume II This book is Volume 2 of the series. Volume 1 is great and has many advanced practices. However, they are so difficult that he wrote Volume 2, which is subtitled “A Practical Companion to Volume 1.” This book breaks down the path to enlightenment in eight clearly described steps. It also has great explanations of how to work with your mind, how to do internal dialogue, and how to work with energy and chakras. It gives detailed descriptions of Yoga Nidra, yogic sleep. |
 | A Practical Guide to Holistic Health This edition is a posthumous revision of a beautiful text that emphasizes the key of spiritual practices, particularly Yoga meditation in the process of attaining physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is really a very good book, especially if one reads carefully and follows the suggestions. |
 | Science of Breath By Swami Rama, Alan Hymes, and Rudolph Ballentine. A very good book for understanding the mechanics of breath, and gaining practical “how to” explanations. |
 | Book of Wisdom Subtitled Wisdom of the Ancient Sages. Commentary and discussion of the Isha Upanishad, said to be the first of the Upanishads that is normally taught. In this text, Swami Rama comments on the Upanishad verse by verse, with practical wisdom. |
| New Publications from India Several other books by Swami Rama are available that have been published through the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust in India. The link above is to the HIHT website page on publication. The books include Sacred Journey, Sadhana, Yoga the Sacred Science, and A Personal Philosophy of Life. These are each superb books and would be worth the difficulty in ordering (There is no “Add to Cart” style of ordering available). The web page gives you instructions on how to order and an email add |
