A PRACTI CAL COURSE OF STUDY FOR

STUDYING THE WORKS OF YOGI RAMACHARAKA A Practical Course in Oriental Occultism

Compiled and adapted from the writings of Yogi Ramacharaka by Desmond Meraz

O, let not the flame die out! Cherished age after age in its dark caverns, in its holy temples cherished. Fed by pure ministers of love let not the flame die out. Edward Carpenter

INTRODUCTION
The works of Yogi Ramacharaka were published over the course of nearly ten years beginning in 1903. Some were originally issued as a series of correspondence courses at the frequency of one lesson per month. Upon the completion of each year of coursework the lessons were subsequently collected and published as individual volumes. Additional material was issued at each interval in the form of supplementary textbooks. According to the traditional history propagated by the Yogi Publication Society, these books were written by an American pioneer of the New Thought movement named William Walker Atkinson, in collaboration with an Indian disciple Baba Bharata and attributed authorship in honor of their source, Bharatas guru Yogi Ramacharaka. This situation is highly unlikely, however. Atkinson wrote dozens of books under several aliases and covering a variety of esoteric subjects including Mental Science, Alchemy, Rosicrucianism, and Yoga. Like the adoption of local religions practiced by the Gnostics, who perpetuated a consistent inner teaching under a variety of external forms, so did Atkinson utilize these various subjects as vehicles for a singular body of Occult Philosophy that may be characterized as strongly Theosophical in nature and intention. In the 12th Lesson of Gnani Yoga, Ramacharaka provides an illuminating explanation of this peculiar practice of taking pseudonyms. He writes, The Societies or Brotherhoods are engaged in disseminating Occult Knowledge, suited to the minds of the public, through various channels, and cloaked in various disguises of name,

authority, and style. Their idea is to gradually open the mind of the public to the great truths underlying and back of all these various fragmentary teachings. And they recognize the fact that one mind may be reached in a certain way, and another mind in a second way, and so on. And, accordingly, they wrap their teachings in covers likely to attract the attention of various people, and to cause them to investigate the contents. But, under and back of all of these teachings is the great fundamental Truth. The works attributed to Ramacharaka are among the most comprehensive of Atkinsons publication efforts. Containing over a dozen volumes, they comprise a complete system of occult philosophy and spiritual discipline. He states that all of his publications dovetail one into the other, and as each one is read others become plainer. Of necessity, he continues, we must condense our information, and must trust for a careful reading of all the lessons on the part of our students, in order that they may obtain the best result. Viewed independent of their chronological order of publication, they may be divided into four distinct categories: Foundational Coursework, Treatises on Yoga, An Interlude, and Traditional Sources. Taken in this order, they may be employed as a progressive curriculum of study and practice.

FOUNDATIONAL COURSEWORK
Probably in early 1903, Ramacharaka began issuing advertisements for a correspondence course on Yogi Philosophy. According to him, these announcements were carefully worded in such a way as to attract the attention of only those students who were genuinely interested in the occult and accordingly the mere sensation-hunters and faddists were not attracted by his call. It was in this manner that a harmonious body of students was fashioned and dedicated to the common ends of selfimprovement, growth, development, and unfoldment. The two initial courses of lessons distributed to these students constitute the initial exposition of the foundational elements of Yogi Philosophy. Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism Yogi Ramacharaka advised interested beginners to first study the 14 Lessons. It is described as a unique work covering the entire field of Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism, stating the most profound truths and hidden mysteries in the plainest, simplest, English style. Lessons I to III outline the septenary constitution of the human being. Lessons IV to IX describe the esoteric faculties and properties which characterize the seven vehicles.

Lessons X to XI introduce the astral world and post mortem state of the soul. Lessons XII to XIV conclude with an examination of the process of spiritual evolution, the Law of Karma, and the three-fold path of attainment. The Appendix catalogues a mantram or affirmation to be employed as a daily meditation in conjunction with each lesson. Beginning with the First Lesson, the The Science of Breath is continually referenced throughout the text and it is assumed that the reader is already acquainted with its contents. It may be desired to read this small book prior to or in conjunction with the lessons although postponing it to a later time does not detract from the comprehension of the course. In Lesson IV, Ramacharaka writes that the little book in question was written for the general public, who, while they will receive much benefit from it, cannot read from it the meaning which becomes perfectly clear to the student as he passes from stage to stage of these lessons. Although simple and unpretentious, it has many things hidden away that may only be read by the one who is able to understand. The student is advised to re-read the little book from time to time and notice how many things he finds in it which he never before discovered. Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism This book was intended as a continuation of and sequel to the 14 Lessons. It treats upon the more advanced branches of the Yogi Philosophy leading students to higher planes of thought as well as showing the deeper phases of occult work. Lessons I to IV consist of an analysis and explanation of the little occult manual known as Light on the Path by Mabel Collins. Lessons V to VII treat of several branches of the Yogi Philosophy specifically Karma, Gnani, and Bhakti Yoga. Lessons VIII and IX treat of Dharma, the Yogi Philosophy of ethics and right action. Lessons X to XII form a trio of lessons upon the higher Yogi metaphysical and scientific teachings.

TREATISES ON YOGA
According to Ramacharaka, Yoga is divided into several branches, ranging from that which teaches the control of the body, to that which teaches the highest spiritual development. Men are of varying temperaments, and the course of that which will best suit one will not be adapted to the requirements of another. The majority prefer to gain

a rounded knowledge, and acquaint themselves with the principles of the several branches, learning something of each, giving preference of course to those branches that appeal to them more strongly, this attraction being the indication of need, or requirement, and therefore, being the hand pointing out the Path. Accordingly, five primary divisions are identified: Karma, Bhakti, Hatha, Raja, and Gnani Yoga. He issued separate courses and books on the last three, believing that Karma Yoga, the practice of Right Action, and Bhakti Yoga, the cultivation of love of the divine, are pervasive throughout all of the teachings. Concerning the last three it is stated that it is well for everyone to know something of Hatha Yoga in order that the body may be purified and strengthened and kept in health in order to become a more fitting instrument of the Higher Self. It is well that each one should know something of Raja Yoga that he may understand the training and control of the mind, and the use of the Will. It is well that everyone should learn the Wisdom of Gnani Yoga that he may realize the truths underlying life. The man best calculated to make general advancement along occult lines, is one who avoids running into extremes in any one of the branches of the subject, but who, while in the main following his own inclinations toward certain forms of Yoga, keeps up a general acquaintance with the several phases of the great philosophy. Hatha Yoga or The Yogi Philosophy of Physical Well-Being This is a complete manual of the great oriental System of physical wellbeing, health, strength, and vigor. It teaches a sane, normal, and simple theory of physical health, and tells how to put the theory into practice. It teaches that the body is a temple of the soul, and should be kept clean and in good order. Its keynote is the healthy man and woman and its purpose the instruction of mankind to conform to this standard. Hatha Yoga was originally intended as a supplement to The Science of Breath but was later revised to include the relevant chapters of the latter making it a complete treatise on physical culture. The Science of Psychic Healing This book is intended to be a plain, simple, and practical presentation of the various forms and phases of Mental, Psychic, and Spiritual Healing with full instructions and directions regarding treatment. It emphasizes practice over theory but it does provide a general outline of the underlying theories that the healer may understand the nature of the work he is doing. Psychic Healing builds upon the foundation of the teachings set forth in Hatha Yoga and was created specifically as a further development and companion to this volume.

A Series of Lessons on Raja Yoga This course is devoted to the development of the latent powers of man, the control of the mental faculties by the Will, attainment of the mastery of the lower self, and development of the mind to the end that the soul may be aided in its unfoldment. Raja Yoga is designed to enlighten students regarding the nature of the Real Self, and instruct in the secret knowledge whereby they may develop consciousness and realization of the I within them. They are shown how they may cast aside the erroneous or imperfect knowledge regarding their real identity. Lessons I to III bring into realization the consciousness of the I, its superiority over the mind and body, and ultimate identity with the Absolute. Lessons IV to VI assist the candidate in acquiring mastery of the subordinate manifestations of Chitta (Mind-Substance), Prana (Energy), and Akasa (Matter). Lessons VII to IX describe the unfoldment of consciousness and present a clear statement regarding the states of mind, below and over consciousness. Lessons X to XII examine the region of sub-conscious mentation and provide directions for working with this region to accomplish intellectual development, character building, and mental influence. Lessons in Gnani Yoga In the final lesson on Raja Yoga, Ramacharaka remarked that important and interesting as that subject is, it was merely preparation of the soil of the mind for the higher teachings called Gnani Yoga or the Yoga of Wisdom. These consist of the abstract metaphysical teachings concerning the Absolute, its manifestations, and the various principles attendant thereto, which are often obscured by popular misconceptions occasioned by partial teaching. Fortified by the foregoing preliminary instruction and training the student will be in a position to understand these lofty teachings. Lessons I to IV teach the phenomenology of the Absolute and its variety of characteristics and manifestations Lessons VII to XI are concerned with macrocosmic and microcosmic evolution and the pendant subjects of Reincarnation and Karma. Lesson XII called an Occult Miscellany consists of a series of question on a variety of subjects submitted by students of the previous lessons and Ramacharakas valuable answers.

AN INTERLUDE

Ramacharaka stated that Gnani Yoga concluded the presentation of the mystic teachings underlying the Hindu Philosophies and his intention was now to move on to an examination of their Western manifestations. At the end of the Lessons, he wrote, And now, dear pupils, we must close this series of lessons on the Yogi Philosophy. We must rest ere we so soon engage upon our new and great work. We must each take a little rest, ere we meet again on the Path of Attainment. Each of these temporary partings are milestones upon our Journey of Spiritual Life. Let each find us farther advanced. Similarly, the next two books from a natural interlude to the continuity of the Hindu Material proper which will conclude with a final series of lessons. The Inner Teachings of Mystic Christianity These lessons represent a new phase of the work. They consist of a presentation of the great Mystic Principles underlying the glorious creed of the Western World the religion, teachings, and philosophy of Jesus the Christ. These teachings are essentially Eastern in their origin and within them are to be found the same esoteric principles that underlie the other great systems of philosophies of the East. In Lesson X, Ramacharaka speaks specifically to this point, bringing the material in harmony with the previous coursework. He wrote that the inner teachings of the Christian Mystery were identical with the Occult Philosophy and Mystic Lore which has been taught to the Elect in all times and ages, and which is embodied in the several series of lessons on The Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism. The Truth is the same no matter under what name it is taught, or who teaches it. Lessons I to III are concerned with the birth, youth, and early training of Jesus. Lessons IV to VI deal with his ministry, and organization of a core group of disciples. Lessons VII and VIII describe Jesus final actions up to and including his passion. Lessons IX to XII detail the inner teachings of the Christian Mystery placing it into harmonious relationship with the Ancient Wisdom Tradition and concluding with an interpretation of Jesus teachings. The Life Beyond Death This book is devoted to bringing the reader to the doors of the perception that there is no Death that what we call Death is but the other side of Life, and one with it. It discusses the phenomena of the Astral Plane and the progress of the soul behind the veil. Reincarnation is examined as the means whereby the soul repeatedly enters into

incarnation in order to develop ever increasing levels of realization, ultimately achieving liberation and perfection. The Life Beyond Death is an independent volume, the material of which has been introduced and referenced in the previous lessons, an acquaintance with which will make these esoteric teachings more readily apprehensible.

TRADITIONAL SOURCES
Ramacharaka originally intended Gnani Yoga to be the conclusion of the series in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism. Apparently after much diligent and prolific personal examination and research, he decided to bring the series full circle with a final course on the traditional sources which form the well-spring from which all of the previous instruction was ultimately drawn. The Inner Teachings of the Philosophies and Religions of India This is one of the most important of the several series of lessons by Yogi Ramacharaka, and it constitutes a worthy Final Message from the Great Teacher. It is wider and broader in scope and treatment than any of his previous works, as it covers the entire field of Hindu Philosophy instead of the conceptions and doctrine of but one of the many branches of the Oriental Teachings. To take up the many forms of the Hindu Philosophy and Religions, and to present them to the Western Reader in a plain, practical style, is quite an undertaking, but Yogi Ramacharaka pledged himself to make this work a success, and he always accomplishes that which he undertakes to do. These lessons give you a plain, concise, but thorough synopsis of the Fundamental Principles of the Hindu Philosophies, which underlie the entire field of Hindu thought, the understanding of which will enable any person of average intelligence to comprehend the various forms of the philosophical teachings of India, either in connection with the various religious denominations of that land, or else considered by themselves without reference to the religious creeds or divisions. Inasmuch as the Hindu Philosophies go to the very heart of human thought and speculation regarding the nature, origin, destiny, and life of the universe, and what lies behind the universe, it follows that the principles of such philosophy must be universal in their application and may be used in the consideration and examination of the philosophical or religious conception of any people, time, or land. A correct understanding of these principles will give you a Touch-Stone whereby the various speculations of the human mind, on those subjects, may be tested and tried, and their degree of soundness discovered.

In the last lesson, the student is furnished with a Dictionary of the Sanskrit terms used in the lessons, which will aid in the study of other works on the subject. The Spirit of the Upanishads This book consists of a collection of texts (aphorisms, sayings, proverbs, etc.) from the sacred writings of India. It was compiled and adapted from over fifty authorities and represents the greatest elements of Hindu philosophical thought. The primary teaching underlying the entire book is that of One Self, the only Reality. The personal self is a thing of the moment, being born, growing old, and dying. But the Real Self endureth forever. It is the Spirit in each of us which is at One with the Father. Nearly every aphorism in the Book emphasizes this teaching, in various words and forms of expression, and many of them are intended to lead the reader to a Realization of the Truth. The Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita is an episode of the great Hindu epic, the Mahabarata. It enjoys the highest esteem among the Hindu people, and is constantly quoted there as a great authority regarding doctrine. Its philosophy embodies the prevailing Hindu beliefs, as expounded by the Brahamanas, and in its teaching it subtly blends into a harmonious whole the varying points of doctrine of Patanjali, Kapila and of the Vedas. This edition is a compilation from the best of the various translations wherein the complier endeavored to give the spirit of the teachings in a plain, practical, understandable form, adapted to the requirements and needs of the English speaking reader.

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Two Final Works There are two final works by Ramacharaka that have not been mentioned in the above outline. They are Hindu Yogi Breathing Exercises and Hindu Yogi Practical Water Cure. The first is not included in the list of Ramacharakas works at the end of each volume. It consists of a digest of breathing exercises and is somewhat of an anomaly considering the fact that this material was given much more thorough treatment in The Science of Breath. The primary value of this book seems to be as a historical curiosity. Nearly a third of the work contains a series of old advertisements for the Yogi Philosophy books. This material was instrumental in compiling the present course of study. The Hindu Yogi Practical Water Cure serves as a useful

supplement to Hatha yoga describing the manifold uses of water in the maintenance of health and the treatment of various ailments. Completing the Course Throughout the numerous lessons, Ramacharaka describes five main paths of Yoga, three of which were the subject of individual books and courses. Concerning the omissions, he states that he has written something of Bhakti Yoga in the Advanced Course and also that it is taught through all of the other lessons, for he fails to see how one can teach or study any of the branches of Yoga without being filled with a sense of Love and Union with the Source of all Life. Similarly, although Karma Yoga is indicated as one of the three primary paths of attainment, itself worthy of an entire treatise, none was put forth. Instead the instruction was limited to a few lessons. Nearly two decades later an anonymous author writing under the name of Bhikshu, took it upon himself to complete the course of Yogi Philosophy by filling in the gaps left by these omissions. He issued two series of lessons on the subjects of Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga through The Latent Light Culture, an organization which served as agents of the Yogi Publication Society in Tinnevelley, South India. They were written to harmonize with the composite scheme of the Yogi Philosophy. As such, they serve as a valuable adjunct to and completion of the delineated course of study. The Works of Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda was the greatest disciple of the Indian saint Sri Ramakrishna. He began his ministry in 1893 when he traveled to America to participate in the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago. His message of strength, love, and universal religion delivered with eloquent speech and keen intellectual prowess coupled with strong personal magnetism was welcomed by an appreciative audience and made him the most memorable speaker at the event. A group of followers was formed and his numerous lectures were frequently reviewed and printed in local newspapers. Many of these lectures were collated, edited, and published in book form. Ramacharakas divisions of Yoga and many of the traditional elements of his teaching can be traced directly to these books. All of Vivekanandas writings may be studied with great benefit. Particularly recommended are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Gnana Yoga which may be employed as useful supplements and expansions of the material contained in Ramacharakas respective treatises.

Additonal works by other monks of the Ramakrishna Order that are suggested to the student of the present course include The Spiritual Heritage of India by Swami Prabhavananda which is similar in content to the Philosophies and Religions of India and Meditation and Spiritual Life, a collection of lectures by Swami Yatiswarananda which consist of a comprehensive exposition of inestimable value to those on the Path. Three Theosophical Manuals Three principle manuals of practical instruction are generally acknowledged as classics of the Theosophical Tradition. They consist of At the Feet of the Master, Light on the Path, and The Voice of the Silence. They were delivered by Jiddu Krishnamurti, Mabel Collins, and H.P. Blavatsky respectively but none of these individuals accept authorship of the teachings, instead attributing them to a transpersonal or historical source. According to John Algeo, the editor of a modern collection of these writings entitled Inspirations from Ancient Wisdom, these three books complement each other in providing instruction for various levels of spiritual development. At the Feet of the Master is preparatory, dealing with what comes first. It answers the question How do I prepare to walk the Path? Light on the Path is progressive, being concerned with what the Path itself is like. It answers the question What will I find as I walk the Path? The Voice of the Silence is cumulative, leading up to what comes at the end of the Path. It answers the question Where does the Path lead? At the Feet of the Master (1910), describes four preliminary qualifications necessary for anyone desirous of pursuing the occult sciences, specifically discrimination, desirelessness, good conduct, and love. Thus, this book serves as a brief overview of the four traditional qualifications of the student of Vedanta. These are Viveka or discrimination between the real and the unreal, Vairagya or renunciation, Shatsampatti or the Six treasures forming the ethical foundation of spiritual life, and Mumkshutvam or longing for liberation as a manifestation of Bhakti, the single minded zeal and unswerving passion for the realization of Truth. Light on the Path (1885), was originally described as a treatise written for the personal use of those who are ignorant of the Eastern Wisdom and who desire to enter within its influence. Ramacharaka

referred often to this work throughout the course of lessons and was apparently deeply inspired by it, so much so that he devoted the first four lessons of the Advanced Course to an extensive exposition and commentary upon it. According to him, it provides a description of the Way of Attainment the Path and was written down by Mabel Collins at the request of some advanced mind who inspired it. It is so carefully worded that it is capable of a variety of interpretations adaptable to the varying requirements of the several planes and stages of life. His interpretation is designed to apply to the life of the student entering upon the Path. His lessons endeavor to explain the first several precepts in the light of Karma Yoga and then to point out their plain meaning pertaining to the higher desires. He then passes on to an explanation relating to the unfoldment of Spiritual Consciousness, which is indeed the key-note of the little manual. The Voice of the Silence (1889) is the most difficult of the three. It consists of extracts from a larger work called The Book of the Golden Precepts and is divided into three fragments entitlted The Voice of the Silence, The Two Paths, and The Seven Portals, which describe the entire Path of spiritual progress. In his commentary called The Creative Silence, Rohit Mehta writes that The Voice of the Silence indicates that the greatest obstacle on the spiritual path is the Mind with its tendency to slay the Real. It is true that the Real cannot be slain, but it can be covered with the innumerable projections of the Mind. The journey of the neophyte through the Three Halls described in the book is a process whereby these projections, even the subtlest are put aside. These two books, The Voice of the Silence and The Creative Silence are suitable for advanced study as a natural progression from Light on the Path.

FINAL THOUGHTS
The series of works on Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism provide a complete system of occult philosophy and spiritual discipline in harmony with the Theosophical ideal of presenting eastern esoteric teachings in a manner that is palatable to western understanding. The intention is not to replace western concepts but rather to open them up to the revitalizing influence of the spirituality of the east. The discriminating student will discover that in reality there is no contradiction between the two. Both reveal, under differing forms, the same eternal truths passed down through the ages as a unified tradition of Ancient Wisdom. In the present guide we have endeavored to indicate a systematic course of study leading from the simplest to the most advanced teachings in a logically consistent manner forming a natural

progression of subjects and disciplines. The zealous student may feel some trepidation when faced with the great volume of material outlined herein. It is important to keep in mind that the series was originally issued and studied during a period of nearly ten years and was intended to be assimilated and applied throughout the course of a lifetime. Furthermore, do not fret over any potential limitations to apprehension. Through persistent effort, you will derive as much wisdom as you are capable of receiving at the present time. Even the smallest cup drawn through the great ocean of divinity departs with a portion of the water of life. May the wisdom of these magnificent teachings assist you in living according to a high standard of personal integrity so that in the end you may declare with Arjuna, By Thy Divine Power, O Immutable One, my Blessed Lord and Master, my mind hath been cleared of its confusion, and I see now with clear understanding, and by the Light of the Spirit. I now stand firmly fixed upon principles, and my doubts have vanished into air. From this time on, shall I act according to the Light of thy Teachings. In the Radiance of Thy Wisdom, so will I Act! PEACE BE WITH YOU