• The review tells why the book ‘Yog Interrupted’ is a good read and briefly covers its contents. 

I read the author’s first book One Master one disciple with interest and was looking forward to the second for two reasons. One, the first book was really fast paced with lots of personal experiences. Two the language was easy to understand with no pretence by the author of being very learned. It was nice to read how the author had evolved due to her own efforts and kripa of her Guru. The book made me realize the importance of a Guru in one’s spiritual evolution and how he/she can impact your life in a positive way.

This book did not disappoint me. In fact I enjoyed reading it even more. It took me to a deeper level in the understanding of Yog. Again every theoretical concept had author’s own experiences, each chapter was short and a how to do at the end. It is knowledge + personal experience + guidance (yog techniques). In true Indic style, the author says this is not the only way. Every individual has to discover their way. It is not that author’s thoughts or ways are the best. The style is non-judgemental and humble. The print makes reading easy. 

The author narrates her spiritual experiences as they happened. There is no pretence or grand standing. Numerous articles by Jyoti were published in the Tribune Chandigarh and eSamskriti. By virtue of living in Chandigarh she also has a good understanding of the Sikh tradition.

At numerous points, the author credits her Guru inspite of being accomplished herself. The book reiterates the importance of the Guru-Shishya parampara that is unique to Bharat. This approach took me back to Guru Swami Chinamayananda who wrote that the more learned one becomes, the more humble on should be.

At various points the author reminds us of the importance of svadhyaya (self-study, introspection). Whilst reading realized the importance of Staying Still or what I call ‘The Art of doing Nothing’. 

The Author was initiated into the evolutionary Mahavatar Babaji's Kundalini Kriya Yoga by her Guru Yogiraj Siddhanath in 1998 and empowered to share this with others since 1999. She writes humorously about serious spiritual topics and rarely minces words. Today, Jyoti selflessly shares the knowledge of Kriya Yoga online.

Most chapters have a brief introduction on the whole page, the chapter content and a take away. I focused on the take away and tried to internalise it. In the author’s own words, “I have tried to write this as a practical ready recokner for beginners seeking a yog sadhana with the hope that it gives them the same immense stillness and liberty that mine gave me.” 

Yog is one of six darsanas or ways of self-realization, also called system of philosophy.

What does the book cover? Read on.

What is Kriya Yog and why do I practice it? Answer to question, ‘Is Kriya Yog the Best Path for a Seeker?’

About the eight limbs of Yog and how are they practiced is covered in some detail? Author calls them the 8 integrated steps towards Divinity. It is about self-study, self-application and self appraisal.

The concept of Conscious Living!

How Ayurveda supports Shauch, one of the 5 niyamas.

A very interesting chapter is the ‘Play of Yantr, Mantr and Tantr.’

Found useful the chapters on Pranayam esp. the one ‘Regulate Thought with Pranayam’ and Chakras.

Shaktipat (A Constant Shower of Grace) is covered well and a topic that is not written about often.

Good quote, ‘If the Mind is Strong it leads the Pran, If the Pran is Strong it Leads the Mind.’ Author made me realize the importance of breath. 

The concepts of Kundalini, Samadhi are simply explained.

Wish the book had pictures to supplement its writings. A picture speaks a thousand words.

To read author’s articles on esamskriti

To buy the book online Kindle edition also available.

To read all articles on Yoga

Also read

1. The Guru Shishya tradition in Indian Culture

2. Mahavatar Babaji Cave, Kumaon photos

3. The Chakras

4. All articles on Meditation