Philosophy: Theory and Praxis (An Analytical Study of the System of Yoga) E-BOOK

This book is the doctoral thesis of Uma Dhar, which was completed under the expert supervision of Prof. Amita Chatterjee, Emerita, Jadavpur University and one of the most outstanding philosophers of recent times. Dr Dhar deeply acknowledges her gratitude and indebtedness to her academic mentor, Prof. Amita Chatterjee.

The preface of Dr. Uma's book provides an insightful overview of the motivation and structure of the work. It begins with a candid acknowledgment of prevalent misconceptions surrounding Indian philosophy, particularly the Yoga school of thought. Dr. Uma highlights how Yoga is often misunderstood as an impractical pursuit of mysticism devoid of scientific basis or philosophical depth. Such misconceptions, she argues, have led to dismissive attitudes towards Yoga, both in academic and practical spheres.

To address these misconceptions, Dr. Uma presents her book as an attempt to reassess the practical and theoretical aspects of the Yoga tradition. She has predominantly based her book on the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.  She divides the book into two parts: Theory and Praxis. The first part delves into the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of Yoga, while the second part explores its practical applications and therapeutic aspects.

In the introductory chapter, Dr. Uma emphasizes the urgent need for a synthesis of science and spirituality, echoing the insights of thinkers like Sri Aurobindo and Acarya Vinoba and her spiritual preceptor Paramahansa Yogananda. She sees Yoga as a prime example of this synthesis, referring to it as "Ādhyātmya Vidyā - the Science and Spirituality of Man-in-Depth." This chapter sets the tone for the subsequent exploration by discussing the historical background of Yoga, its significance as both a goal and a means, and the convergence of spiritualism and science.

Subsequent chapters delve deeper into specific aspects of Yoga. Chapter Two focuses on the interpretation of Yoga within the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting its centrality as a foundational text for understanding Yoga philosophy. Chapters Three and Four explore the metaphysical, ontological, and psychological dimensions of Yoga, drawing primarily from the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali and other classical texts.

Chapters Five through Ten cover topics ranging from the transcendental states of consciousness attained through Yoga practice to the practical methods of transformation and the physical changes that occur in the practitioner's mind and body. The concluding chapter reflects on the potential contributions of Yoga philosophy to contemporary discussions on consciousness and the mind-body problem.

Dr. Uma's preface sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Yoga, aiming to dispel misconceptions and reveal its profound philosophical and practical significance. Through a rigorous examination of classical texts and modern perspectives, the book seeks to reaffirm Yoga's relevance and value in contemporary discourse on spirituality, science, and human consciousness.