Tale of Two Realities | Exploring the Mind through Patanjali’s Yogasutras with Episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana

Preorder Now! Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram is pleased to announce the release of its newest publication, Tale of Two Realities, which draws together the philosophical depth of Patanjali’s Yogasutras with narrative episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana to illuminate the workings of the mind. Author | Lakshmi Devnath Publisher | Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram ISBN No. | 978-81-87847-66-3 Language | English Edition | 2026 Pages | 420 About the Book The fundamental tenet of Patanjali’s Yogasutra is that we are not bodies with souls but souls with bodies. However, the bane of mankind lies in the undue importance it accords the ephemeral physical being with all its shortcomings. This misalignment entangles us in myriad problems that present to us as all-important and often times all-consuming, with the mind as the chief architect. Recognising this, Patanjali delves deep into the nature and workings of the mind – the temptations that plague it, the emotions that overpower it and recognises its conditioned state, trapped between external influences and inner impulses. He tailors his study from various angles to facilitate right perception, the core aim of yoga. In doing so, the Yogasutra makes a remarkable bridge to psychology, emerging as an invaluable manual for everyday living. This book not only packs in the wisdom of the Yogasutra but juxtapositions it with popular incidents from the Valmiki Ramayana that illustrate the workings of the mind. The timeless characters of this magnificent epic take us through varied situations, often holding up a mirror to our own thinking and gently nudging self-introspection. Alongside comes hope when we see the dogged pursuit of right perception even in the face of failings, from souls as evolved as Rama, Sita and Hanuman, no less. The ultimate value of this book lies in the vast inner resources it helps us access – sources of strength, balance and insight as we navigate our journey on this earth. About the Author Lakshmi Devnath is one of India’s most compelling voices in the world of cultural writing – a storyteller, scholar and chronicler whose work illuminates the enduring spirit of Indian art, music, and philosophy. Holding degrees in History (Hons.), Classical Music and Yoga and fortified by her robust knowledge of Sanskrit, she writes with a rare combination of intellectual depth and linguistic ease. Over the course of her career, Lakshmi has authored more than 200 articles for leading publications including The Hindu, Sruti – India’s foremost magazine for music and dance and Shanmukha. As Contributing Editor of Sruti and Managing Editor of Sri Nrisimhapriya, a magazine on Vaishnavism, she has played a pivotal role in shaping conversations around heritage and culture. Her books reflect extraordinary range and imagination. Poorva – Magic, Miracles and the Mystical Twelve (East West Books, 2007) reimagines the lives of the twelve Azhvars of South India through an adventure-filled time travel format. An Incurable Romantic (HarperCollins India, 2013) offers an intimate portrait of violin maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman; Pictures of Melody (Heritage Publishing House, 2012), is a graphic novel series on the lives and contributions of Carnatic music legends and A Class Apart (PSBB Alumni Association, 2005), is the authorised biography of visionary educationist Dr. (Mrs.) Y.G. Parthasarathy. In 2022, the Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai republished Poorva – Magic, Miracles and the Mystical Twelve and in 2024, the Tamil edition of the same book (earlier published by New Horizon Media, 2009 and Giri Trading Agency, 2015). In 2026, the Math published yet another work by Lakshmi titled Vedas – An Exploration, a concise yet insightful introduction to the contents of the four Vedas. Lakshmi’s forthcoming works include Poorva in the Vedic Age and Sargam – A Journey into the World of Carnatic Music. Both these books are being written for young adults, once again exemplifying her ability to bridge scholarship and storytelling with grace and authority. Through her writing, she invites readers to rediscover India’s spiritual and artistic wealth, in a voice vibrant, relevant and profoundly human.