Enlightenment an inside story (Book)

A casual Google search on the word “Enlightenment” reflects its popularity: something like 15 million word hits; 5 million images; 23,000 videos; and 30,000 books registered in a matter of seconds. For a moment, you would think it is a pity that Buddha, the one who brought the word into vogue, is not around to see it. But a closer look at the modern usage of the term is not so flattering.

Starting from a purely technical description of the lighting of a light bulb, to some New-Agey people selling soaps, shampoos and incense sticks — everybody has staked their claim to the word. It seems as though most people have come to a conclusion that no such thing as Enlightenment exists, and have therefore decided to make the most of it by putting the word to market savvy uses.

So in the midst of it all, it is extremely refreshing to hear from someone who can answer the questions with an authority – an authority that comes from an inner experience rather than scholarly knowledge; from a mastery of the subject rather than chance learning; from somebody in flesh and blood rather than somebody buried deep in the sands of time. It is in this context that what Sadhguru has to offer becomes invaluable.

Presented in this book is a compilation of discourses by Sadhguru. While each one exudes the rare fragrance of the Enlightened One, some attempt to define, and others describe the phenomenon. While some tell you what to do and what gets you closer, some others talk about the barriers that there are. And for those driven by an inner thirst, he describes the support-structures that exist in the form of Isha Yoga Center, a sacred space that he has so carefully crafted for the purpose.