Swami Durgananda

After an intense spiritual quest in India and North
America, Swami Durgananda was initiated and trained in Yoga by Sri
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927 - 1993), founder of the International
Sivananda Yoga Centers and Ashrams.
As one of his senior-most and
closest students, she accompanied him on many travels both in East
and West.
As per the wish of her teacher, Swami Durgananda established
the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in Europe. Swami Vishnudevananda
guided her personally in the training of Yoga Teachers.
Swami Vishnudevananda
conferred
on her the title "Yoga Acharya", as one of his spiritual
successors. With deep intuition Swami Durgananda is guiding
many people on the inner path and teaches Meditation, Yoga Psychology,
Nutrition, Positive Thinking, Mythology and Eastern Philosopy.
In
1998 Swami Durgananda founded the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in
Reith near Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria. People from all over the
world come for Yoga Vacation year round. The classical Yoga Teachers`
Training Course and the Advanced Teacher`s Training Course are the
highlights of the year.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
With a commentary by Swami Durgananda
"From contentment comes supreme happiness."
Sadhana Pada, Verse 42
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are an
Indian literary classic and a treasure of spirituality.
However it reveals itself only to a person who is ready to get involved
with the complex study of the scriptures on Raja Yoga. For westerners
to whom Indian philosophy is not easily accessible, the proficient
commentary by Swami Durgananda offers a secure signpost for the Yoga
Path.
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Swami Durgananda is one of the most long-standing and closest disciples
of Sri Swami Vishnudevananda, who accompanied him on numerous journeys
throughout the East and the West. Her teacher sent her to develop the
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in Europe and for many years personally
guided her in the training of Yoga teachers. It was already before his
Mahasamadhi in the year 1993 that Swami Vishnudevananda appointed her
as one of his personal successors by conferring on her the title of Yoga
Acharya.
She thoroughly and profoundly explains the Yoga
philosophy as well as
the structure and the function of the human mind. With
ease and clarity the four "Padas" (paths) - Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibuthi
and Kaivalya À are
described, explaining theirdistinct purposes and challenges.
Furthermore the book includes numerous pieces of advise concerning the
practical use of the timeless wisdom as handed down by Patanjali. It
thus forms an integral guideline for the physical, mental and spiritual
levels of meditation. The commentary of Swami Durgananda is neither abstract
nor sophisticated, but takes the reader precisely from where he or she
is standing. This means that everybody can benefit
from it. Especially
the second part of the book, in which Sadhana, the daily spiritual practice
and routine, is described in detail, constitutes a great help for the
Yoga-student. Swami Durgananda repeatedly points out that plenty of patience
and persistence are needed for spiritual development. The western concept
of quick results cannot simply be applied to the spiritual path. Here,
different laws are at work to help us attain success, and that is what
this book is about.
Verse 42 of the "Sadhana Pada" says: "From
contentment comes
supreme happiness" What is the nature of this contentment
and this happiness? To be free from attraction and aversion, being neutal
and accepting things as they are creates contentment. And true contentment
brings mental peace (Santosha), which is a prerequisite for spiritual
growth.
Whoever has not yet dared to approach the Yoga Sutras should do so now.
It is in beneficial to study Swami Durganandas commentary in every way.
And: Doing so you should take your time and not simply "consume" the
book. With time, true knowledge (Vidya) can grow from the study.
The Sanskrit-Alphabet at the beginning of the book, including phonetic
instructions, enables a first approach to the original texts on which
all interpretations are based. The glossary at the end of the book explains
the Sanskrit-terms which have been used.