Yoga Consciousness in Ancient Mystery Religions

Book excerpt: Yoga Consciousness in Ancient Mystery Religions provides a fascinating new perspective on some traditional fairy tales that we all thought we knew. We are taught from an early age that these stories can give us useful guidance for life, even if they seem obscure. Tony Butcher shows us how to unravel the meanings, drawing on the ancient teachings of the mystery schools and, in particular, the teaching of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The first section of the book takes us through the philosophy behind it all, originating in the writings of Thoth (also known as Hermes), upon which ancient Egyptian teaching was based. Transcendence, various states of consciousness and the Yoga Sutras all pave the way towards enlightenment and freedom from the bonds of the material, earthly world.