This comprehensive desktop encyclopedia gives an authentic portrayal of a rich and highly complex spiritual tradition of India, with its history, its many approaches, schools, and teachers, its scriptures, and its technical terminology. The book is arranged and written so that, in spite of the wealth of detail provided, it will inform rather than overwhelm the lay reader, while at the same time offering valuable references for the professional researcher and historian of religion. Among its unique features: Each entry has cross-references providing pertinent conceptual links. Entries are in English alphabetical order, unlike comparable reference works that follow Sanskrit alphabetical order, which is difficult for the lay reader to follow. Orientational entries furnish an overview of central aspects to the Yoga tradition, such as history, psychology, and major branches. Many entries cite or even quote original sources, shedding light on how a given term is used by traditional Yoga authorities.