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A popular and critical success when it first appeared in France, Yoga and the Hindu Tradition has freed Yoga from the common misconceptions of the recent Yoga vogue. Jean Varenne, the distinguished French Orientalist, presents the theory of classical Yoga, in all its richness, as a method—a concrete way to reach the Absolute through spiritual exercises—which makes possible the transition from existence to essence.

This excellent translation, including line drawings and charts, a glossary of technical terms, and a complete translation of the Yoga Darshana Upanishad, begins with a brief description of the metaphysical and religious history on which Yoga is based. Varenne discusses the theoretical conception of Yoga as the search for liberating knowledge, concluding with a brief indication of the physical practices and extra Yogic themes such as Kundalini and Tantrism. It is the author's hope that "those who read [this book] will come to realize that it is in fact dishonest to reduce Yoga to some sort of physical training, or to just an occult doctrine; it is a 'world view' a Weltanschauung that comprehends reality in its totality."

"The straightforward, well-organized presentation makes the book itself a microcosm of what Varenne singles out as a dominant feature of classical Hindu thought—a bringing of the complex and multitudinous into a unity."—Judith Guttman, Yoga Journal

Yorùbá Metaphysics challenges Western dominance in the field of epistemology and sheds light on the sophisticated realm of indigenous African knowledge systems and metaphysical thought. Toyin Falola comprehensively explores the complex interplay between the physical and spiritual worlds as understood by the Yorùbá people, offering a fresh perspective on metaphysics, spirituality, and the societal roles these elements play in African communities. The book contributes to the fields of philosophy, religious studies, and African studies by revealing how indigenous epistemologies can inform broader discussions of metaphysics, ethics, and societal development that are outside the Western frame of thought. Each of the book’s fifteen chapters focuses on a distinct aspect of Yorùbá life and cosmology. Topics encompass the everyday consequences of spiritual beliefs on social interactions and community living as well as the philosophical foundations that inform these practices. Noteworthy discussions include the function of language in conveying metaphysical knowledge, the societal impact of esoteric beliefs, and the application of these traditional understandings to contemporary life challenges. This work not only elucidates the nuances of Yorùbá metaphysical thought but also promotes the integration of this knowledge into broader academic and practical settings to advance societal development and sustainability. As global discourse increasingly seeks to acknowledge and incorporate diverse viewpoints, this book provides essential insights into the workings of an African metaphysical philosophy and its relevance to both regional and international concerns. Falola urges the academic community to reconsider the value and role of indigenous knowledge systems in present-day education and policy formation. This work is vital for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in cultural studies, philosophy, religious studies, and African studies. It is not merely a scholarly work; it is an appeal for a reassessment of the methods by which indigenous knowledge is viewed and applied on an international scale.