In the lectures delivered in Varanasi at the thirty-second annual Convention of the Theosophical Society, Dr Annie Bessant explores the nature of yoga- as a science and in practice- the obstacles to yoga and the capacities for yoga. She declares:'Yoga is within your reach, with in your powers, and even some of the lower practices of Yoga, some of the simpler applications of the laws of the unfolding of consciousness to yourself, will benefit you in this world as well as in all others.'

This inspiring little manual provides the basis for a deeper study of the teachings of Patanjali and of Yoga in general, containing as it does the essentials to be kept in mind throughout the different stages of living and practice.