Upasana: In the Presence of the Divine (From the Teachings of Swami Sivananda Saraswati and Swami Satyananda Saraswati)

by Swami Sivananda Saraswati and Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Upasana is the ultimate path of sadhana, which leads the aspirant directly into the proximity of the Divine. This book of practical insight and instruction on the art of worship is meant for all those who ask the questions: How can I discover the ultimate Truth within myself? How can I attain liberation while living in this world?

The teachings contained in this book were expounded by two contemporary masters of the yoga tradition: Swami Sivananda Saraswati and his disciple, Swami Satyananda Saraswati. All aspects of this path of upasana, including types and modes of upasana, relationships with the Divine, use of mantras and symbols, from and formless worship, tree worship, service and yajna are described. The principles and practices offered here can be used by all aspirants on the spiritual path.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Upasana
  • From the Teachings of Swami Sivananda Saraswati
  • Defining Upasana
  • Nine Modes of Worship
  • Divine Bhava
  • Saguna and Nirguna Upasana
  • Significance of Symbols
  • Devi Upasana
• Upasana
  • From the Teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati
  • Importance of Worship
  • Love of God
  • Relationship withGod
  • Types of Upasakas
  • Relevance of Sakara Upasana
  • Sankalpa in Upasana
  • Navadha Bhakti
  • Use of Symbols
  • Mantra Upasana
  • Tree Pooja
  • Serving and Giving
  • Yajna as Worship
• Glossary

About the Author:

Sri Swami Sivananda born on the 8th September, 1887, in the illustrious family of Sage Appayya Dikshita and several other renowned saints and savants, Sri Swami Sivananda had a natural flair for a life devoted to the study and practice of Vedanta. Added to this were an inborn eagerness to serve all and an innate feeling of unity with all mankind. He is the author of over 300 volumes and has disciples all over the world, belonging to all nationalities, religions and creeds. To read his works is to drink at the Fountain of Wisdom Supreme. On 14th July, 163 he entered Mahasamadhi.