Everything You Need to Know About The Holy Science
Exploring the Divine Blueprint Bridging Science, Religion, and Spirituality

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In a world often divided by the seeming contradictions of science and spirituality, The Holy Science stands as a timeless bridge between these realms. Authored by Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, the revered guru of Paramahansa Yogananda, this concise yet profoundly impactful book offers a unifying vision of truth that resonates across religions, cultures, and epochs. First published in 1894, The Holy Science was written at the behest of Mahavatar Babaji, one of the most legendary figures in the lineage of Kriya Yoga.

This blog post explores the depths of this remarkable text—unpacking its purpose, structure, core messages, and practical relevance in today’s world. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a scientific thinker, or a curious mind caught between the two, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the luminous teachings of The Holy Science and how they can illuminate your life.

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What Is The Holy Science? Who Is Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri

The Holy Science is a spiritual treatise that aims to show the essential unity between the teachings of the Bible and the ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Sri Yukteswar's central thesis is that truth is universal. Though it may be expressed differently across spiritual traditions, its essence remains unchanged.

The book is divided into four sections:

1. The Gospel (Kaivalya Darsanam)

2. The Goal (Chittam)

3. The Procedure (Sadhana)

4. The Revelation (Samadhi)

Each section outlines a different stage of spiritual development and offers wisdom to help navigate the path from material bondage to divine liberation.

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The Purpose Behind the Holy Science Book and When Was It Written?

Swami Sri Yukteswar wrote The Holy Science to address the confusion and dogma that often accompany organized religion. At the time, and still today, many spiritual traditions appeared incompatible due to the superficial differences in their customs and languages. Yukteswar, inspired by Babaji, wanted to create a text that clarified these apparent contradictions.

His aim was to:

• Reveal the common threads between Eastern and Western spiritual teachings.

• Harmonize religious belief with rational understanding.

• Present a clear roadmap for inner realization.

In doing so, he hoped to awaken in the reader a desire not merely for intellectual knowledge, but for direct personal experience of Truth.

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The Age and Cosmic Understanding: What Is Vedic Astrology?

One of the first things that makes The Holy Science unique is its cosmological framework. Yukteswar introduces a revolutionary interpretation of the Yugas—cosmic ages that dictate humanity’s collective spiritual evolution. Contrary to popular Hindu belief that we are in Kali Yuga (the age of darkness), Yukteswar asserts that we are actually in Dwapara Yuga, a rising age of energy consciousness.

His reasoning is grounded in astronomical cycles and the precession of the equinoxes. According to Yukteswar, our solar system orbits around a central sun (the Vishnunabhi), and this grand orbit determines the spiritual condition of humanity.

Here’s a brief overview of the Yuga Cycle as presented in The Holy Science:

• Kali Yuga (Iron Age) – Materialism and spiritual ignorance dominate.

• Dwapara Yuga (Bronze Age) – Awakening to energy and the subtle nature of reality.

• Treta Yuga (Silver Age) – Mental power and divine intuition flourish.

• Satya Yuga (Golden Age) – Full spiritual enlightenment prevails.

Understanding these cycles helps explain not just ancient history but also why certain truths are revealed or hidden in different eras.

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Section One: The Gospel (Kaivalya Darsanam)

This section presents the eternal truth about creation, the nature of God, and the divine origin of the soul. Sri Yukteswar begins by stating that there is One Eternal Substance—Spirit—from which all things originate. This Spirit is beyond duality and beyond the perception of the senses.

In this part of the book, Yukteswar establishes several fundamental concepts:

• God is Existence-Consciousness-Bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda).

• The soul is a reflection of God and therefore immortal.

• The delusion (maya) of separation from God is the cause of suffering.

He also delves into the Biblical parallels, showing how the Gospel of John (“In the beginning was the Word...”) aligns perfectly with the Vedic concept of Aum, the cosmic vibration that underlies creation.

This segment provides a metaphysical map of reality—from Spirit to matter—and lays the groundwork for understanding the soul’s journey homeward.

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Section Two: The Goal (Chittam)

Once we understand our divine origin, the natural question becomes: what is our purpose?

According to The Holy Science, the goal of life is to attain Self-realization or Kaivalya—perfect liberation and union with the Divine. This state is not a belief or concept, but a direct experience of one's identity with Spirit.

Yukteswar explains that true liberation involves the purification of the Chitta, the heart-mind. This purification allows us to perceive the soul directly, free from egoic distortion.

To reach this goal, one must:

• Renounce false identifications with body and ego.

• Cultivate discriminative wisdom (viveka).

• Embrace spiritual disciplines and self-control.

Importantly, Yukteswar stresses that spiritual liberation doesn’t come through ritual or blind faith but through the transformation of consciousness. This emphasis aligns with yogic philosophy and also finds echoes in the teachings of Christ, Buddha, and other enlightened beings.

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Section Three: The Procedure (Sadhana)

This section is arguably the most practical, offering a step-by-step path to spiritual awakening.

Sadhana means disciplined practice. Yukteswar lays out an integrated lifestyle that harmonizes body, mind, and soul. While he keeps the explanations concise, his guidelines are profound and precise.

Key elements of sadhana include:

• Yama and Niyama: Ethical disciplines like truthfulness, non-violence, purity, and contentment.

• Meditation and Concentration: Interiorization of awareness, especially through techniques like Kriya Yoga.

• Discrimination and Detachment: Developing the ability to see the real versus the unreal.

• Devotion (Bhakti): A loving surrender to the divine.

Yukteswar strongly emphasizes the power of right company (satsang), balanced diet, and inner stillness. He also points out that while the path is inward, the world is not to be renounced, but spiritualized. One must live in the world, but not be of it.

These practical teachings can be applied by anyone—regardless of religious affiliation—to lead a life that is not only successful materially but also rich in inner peace.

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Section Four: The Revelation (Samadhi)

The final section deals with the highest state of spiritual experience: Samadhi.

In Samadhi, the soul becomes completely absorbed in Spirit, beyond ego, thought, or even individuality. Yukteswar describes this as the final goal of human evolution. It is the state of Christ Consciousness, or Kaivalya, where one sees the entire universe as a play of Spirit.

He explains that Samadhi has several stages—from Savikalpa (where duality still exists) to Nirvikalpa (total absorption into the One). In this supreme state, the soul is freed forever from the cycles of birth and death.

Yukteswar presents Samadhi not as a mystical rarity, but as a natural culmination of disciplined spiritual living. His portrayal is inspiring, sober, and empowering. It serves as a promise to all sincere seekers: liberation is not only possible—it is inevitable for the earnest heart.

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The Relevance of The Holy Science Today

Despite being written in the 19th century, The Holy Science is astonishingly relevant in today’s world.

1. Bridging Science and Spirituality:
   In an era where quantum physics, neuroscience, and metaphysics increasingly converge, The Holy Science offers a framework where energy, consciousness, and divinity are one continuum.

2. Religious Unity:
   As sectarianism and religious conflicts persist, Yukteswar’s comparative analysis between the Bible and the Vedas shows that all authentic spiritual paths point to the same ultimate truth.

3. Mental Health and Inner Peace:
   The practical path of sadhana aligns with modern psychology and wellness practices—encouraging self-reflection, mindfulness, and emotional mastery.

4. Cosmic Perspective:
   Understanding the Yuga cycles provides a hopeful context for the chaos and upheaval of our times. We’re not regressing—we’re evolving.

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Reflections from Paramahansa Yogananda

Perhaps one of the greatest testaments to The Holy Science comes from Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda often referred to Sri Yukteswar’s wisdom as being “as exact as mathematics” and deeply transformational. He once said that reading The Holy Science with an open heart can awaken the soul’s memory of its divine origin.

Yogananda’s own mission in the West was shaped by this book, which equipped him to articulate universal spirituality to a global audience. He called it a scripture for the modern world.

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Final Thoughts: Living the Holy Science

The brilliance of The Holy Science lies in its brevity and depth. At just over 100 pages, it encapsulates the journey of the soul—from creation to liberation—with crystalline clarity. It challenges the intellect, warms the heart, and awakens the spirit.

To live its teachings:

• Meditate daily and explore silence as the gateway to truth.

• Practice selfless love, integrity, and detachment.

• Study spiritual truths across traditions and find their unity.

• Reflect on your divine identity and purpose.

• Serve others with compassion and humility.

In a world obsessed with outer advancement, The Holy Science calls us inward—to the throne of the soul, where the eternal light shines. As Sri Yukteswar writes:
“Man’s highest duty is to realize the spirit in himself and in all creatures.”

If you’re seeking a guide not just to believe in, but to become, then The Holy Science may very well be your spiritual compass.

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May its truths inspire your journey from ignorance to wisdom, from ego to soul, from separation to union.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur, musical artist A.L.I.A.S., and Travel Partner #20735937284 for discounted & free vacations!