I thought long and hard about which book to recommend in this first edition of my newsletter. As an avid reader, my list of favorites is long and beloved, but I wanted to stay true to the theme of this month: grounding, earthing, and strengthening and reconnecting to our foundations.
Interestingly, I’ve been slow-reading two books on the subject of soil, home gardens as well as the witch’s garden as a metaphor for life. (Yes! Gardening is a beloved hobby of mine.) But while their implicit connection to the theme is undeniable, I wasn’t ready to recommend them just yet.
Instead, I paused and asked myself a more evocative question: What books have truly grounded me in my growth as a yoga teacher and spiritual artist?
That brought to mind a book that finds its way to my headboard every so often.
It had reappeared there this past month when I picked it up again, looking to refresh my memory of a particular quote I wished to integrate into this month’s reflection. This book has journeyed with me since my very first yoga teacher training at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Kerala over 13 years ago. It was part of our prescribed curriculum and my first formal introduction to the science of meditation, the power of mantra, and the many branches of yoga.
That book is Meditation and Mantras by Swami Vishnudevananda.
My copy is well-thumbed and copiously underlined from all the times I have gone back to it in search of guidance, inspiration, and clarification, both as a teacher and a seeker-practitioner. What I love most about it is the simplicity and clarity of the writing, even as it presents vast and profound teachings.
As a direct disciple of the renowned master Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnu Devananda was guided and inspired by his guru’s teachings. As you read this book, I am sure you too will be struck by Swami Vishnu’s words, which carry a ring of authority, born from the empirical experience of one who has renounced the world, in order to dedicate his life to the study, practice and dissemination of spiritual and yogic wisdom. He writes with a characteristic warmth and inspirational insight into the subject.
In the book, Swamiji offers a structured, brief yet concise introduction to ideas and practices that can often feel mysterious or overwhelming. Whether it’s mantra japa, Kundalini yoga, meditation techniques, or understanding the paths of Raja, Bhakti, Karma, and Jnana Yoga, this book has something valuable to offer for every category of seeker. It even includes a small section devoted to Electronic Meditation and Biofeedback ! a subject that thrills me greatly. Scientific evidence and explanations paired with yogic doctrine hold great fascination for me. It brings additional validation to the already rich wisdom of this classical heritage. Swamiji, also shares practical tips for establishing a grounded meditation practice, recognizing common obstacles encountered on the path of sadhana and how to transcend them.
Having trained in the Sivananda lineage, I naturally hold Swami Vishnu in high regard. But what I find most admirable and fascinating about him are his famous Peace Flights. An ardent peace activist, Swamiji made it his life’s mission to travel the world spreading the message of peace in the role of a yoga, pranayama, and meditation ambassador. From his delightful vibrantly custom-painted airplane he “bombed” places that were in a state of strife with flowers and leaflets of peace. The artist and flower child within me delighted at the vision of this unique colorful plane for peace. His dedication and commitment towards bringing about a more harmonious and peaceful world is something I resonate with deeply. If I had to take away one message from his teachings, it is : “If you want world peace, teach everyone pranayama.”
His reasoning behind this message is that, the sustained practice of mind and breath control through yoga, pranayama, and meditation cultivates inner peace and where there is peace, there is no room for war.
This book is a gem for those curious about beginning a sincere and grounded spiritual practice. It’s accessible, practical, and timeless. Whether you’re new to the path or looking for inspiration to deepen your understanding, Meditation and Mantras is a wonderful place to begin.
I’m so grateful for the wisdom in these pages, and truly happy to pass it along to you.
Below is a link to the book on Amazon.