A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga (ePub)

William Walker Atkinson (December 5, 1862 - November 22, 1932) was a pivotal figure in the early 20th-century's New Thought movement and is known for his significant contributions in the fields of philosophy, occultism, and the self-help movement. With a legal background, Atkinson pursued a career as an attorney in Pennsylvania before turning his attention to the powers of the mind and spiritual self-improvement following a profound personal crisis and later, recovery, which he attributed to his mental and spiritual practices. He became a prolific writer under his own name and various pseudonyms, most notably Yogi Ramacharaka, Theron Q. Dumont, and others. His works often combined Western and Eastern thought, blending science, philosophy, and spirituality in a practical approach meant to aid others in self-development and mastery of their personal reality. Among his numerous publications, 'A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga,' often stands out for its detailed exploration of the yogic approach to meditation and the harnessing of mental powers. Atkinson's literary style was didactic and direct, aiming to be accessible to the layperson while sufficiently thorough for the more serious student of yogic philosophy. He is often regarded as a pioneer in disseminating Eastern philosophy to a Western audience and as an influential force in the personal development and human potential movements of the early twentieth century (Atkinson, W. W., 1905-1906).