Book 2, Beads 37-55 Summary and Analysis

Book 2, "India, or Congratulations to Meet You,' or '36 Tales about the Pursuit of Devotion,'" opens with Liz likening her coming to the Ashram to the introduction of a new chicken to the coop, at night while the hens are asleep and do not notice any change. She lands in Mumbai at 1:30 AM, on 30 December 2003, and a taxi deposits her at the temple at 3:30. For the first time in four months Liz tries out her mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya" ("I honor the divinity that resides within me"). Italy seems far away.

Yoga (Sanskrit for "union") is not just bending exercises, but includes seeking God through meditation, scholarly study, the practice of silence, devotional services, and mantras (sacred words). Its practices can bring one closer to any deity. The yogic path helps disentangle things that keep...