Early Teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati --- A Review

There is no doubt that this book is one of the most informative books that I have read this year.

What is the most significant matter about the text is, the teachings in it belong to Swami Satyananda Sarawati, one of the foremost disciples of Swami Sri Sivananda maharaj, the apostle of the 20th century who has been the most influential mahatma, whose precepts have been the mainstay of many swamijis and gurus, who came after Him in the 20th and even 21st centuries.

While Swami Satyananda, in the main, follows the footsteps of his Guru, in some very significant and glaring ways, however, his views in the book are a touch heterodox, and are even in serious errors: diametrically opposed to what his Guru has said.

For instance, his opinions on Prarabdha Karma, destiny, mediums, rendering to people, seeking medical attention vis-à-vis surrender, and transference of karma are plainly polar opposites of what Swami Sivananda has said about them in his books. To my mind, they are errors that are serious enough to mislead the readers. [Disclamatory Note: I am no authority on the matters at issue, and I am, thus, in no position to comment on a spiritual juggernaut like Swami Satyananda whose spiritual attainment and achievement cannot be measured and judged. My aforesaid judgement is based solely upon the outlook and perspective of Swami Sivananda, Paramahansa Yogananda and the coterie of sages like them.]

Notwithstanding that, however, I should strongly recommend this book to any spiritual aspirant who is keen on acquiring unbiased information on and knowledge of the mind, the place of astrology in spiritual life, trataka, pranas, mantra, hatha yoga, japa, healing, sexual energy, etc. The opinions on them are in line with what the scriptures have said about them. Further, Swami Satyananda's sincerity can be felt in the words that carry his message.

Like all other spiritual books, this book should be perused, its authentic views assimilated and practised; otherwise, reading it become a mere intellectual past-time.

I have given it four stars because it contains very many accurate details about spirituality and spiritual living. I baulked at giving it five stars mainly because it contains some irreparable mistakes in regard to the opinions, I said, were in error.