The Science of Religion

by Paramahansa Yogananda

"Science without religion is lame," Einstein once declared, "and religion without science is blind." Here is a short yet masterful summary of the principles and practices by which it is possible to attain direct, personal experience of higher Reality.

The value of this small book is beyond estimation in words, since between these narrow covers is to be found the flower of the Vedas and the Upanishads, the essence of Patanjali, foremost exponent of the Yoga philosophy and method, and in the thought of Sankara, greatest mind that ever dwelt in mortal body, placed for the first time within reach of the multitude. Contents: Preface and introduction; Universality, necessity and oneness of religion: distinction between pain, pleasure, and bliss: God; Four fundamental religious methods: intellectual, devotional, meditational, organic, scientific; Instruments of knowledge: perception, inference, intuition.

The Science of Religion is a profoundly simple and concise exposition of the common goal of all true religions, and the four main paths that lead to its attainment. It is a universal message, based not on dogmatic beliefs, but on direct insight into Reality, gained through the practice of ancient scientific techniques of meditation.