Man has been a seeker since time immemorial. As he evolved. his thirst to understand the mysteries of life grew. His experiences made him ask questions, many of which he was unable to explain through logic. It was this quest to find answers. that led him to search within. It was also this quest that gave rise to the origin of so many schools of philosophical thought. While the paths indicated by ancient masters may be many and diverse. they all emphasize the necessity of seeking and finding the inner light which lies within each of us our highest potential.

In this book. Sri TKV Desikachar presents the essence of three decades of study under his father Sri T Krishnamacharya.

The co-author, Mr. Martyn Neal. has faithfully respected the inimitable manner in which Sri TKV Desikachar explained so simply and yet so profoundly the multiple facets of this inward journey - the role of suffering, the necessity for disciplining the mind, the teacher student relationship. social and personal responsibilities and values. the role of the mind in dealing with suffering and faith as a catalyst to transformation.

While re-reading "The Eighth Day" by American novelist Thornton Wilder, I was struck by this description: "Men of faith and men of genius have this in common: they know (observe and remember) many things they are not conscious of knowing. They are attentive to relationships, recurrences, patterns and ‘laws.’ There is no impurity in this operation of their minds — neither self-advancement nor pride nor self-justification. The nets they fling are wider and deeper than they are fully aware of TKV Desikachar is one of these men. There are many people who have not had the opportunity to meet him and to appreciate his clarity and simplicity — this book will give them an insight into the depth of the teaching which he received from his father, Professor T. Krishnamacharya. It exposes some of the aspects of Yoga in relation to the inner quest the role of suffering, appropriate discipline, the student — teacher relationship, social responsibility and values, the mind, action, faith.

The message conveyed is open and accessible to all. Going beyond barriers and steeped in respect, it results from long experience in the field of human relationships through teaching. The openness with which it is shared, linked to a firm grounding in the authentic and living tradition from which it has sprung confers on this message an enormous value in today’s complex society. Desikachar, in a simple and direct manner, renders some of the deepest aspects of this ancient philosophy easily understandable and relevant to all. The ideas and reflections which the reader will discover here, were exposed in numerous lectures which he gave to European audiences in 1995. My work has been to select them and arrange them in a readable form. Very few Sanskrit terms have been used. Some textual references are given to enable those who feel inspired to further their research.

I would like to express my deepest thanks to all those who have helped me in this endeavor. In particular, my wife, Christine, who was ever ready to listen and contribute, to my children for their encouragement and guidance in "computer-taming" — especially Dan and Rachel for design research, and to my friends Claude Marechal, Frans Moors and Bernard Bouanchaud for their readiness to assist.

It has been an enriching and comforting experience for me to prepare this book. I hope that it will stimulate others in their quest.

**Contents and Sample Pages**