Transitioning in Grace: A Yogi's Approach to Death and Dying

The deeper teachings of yoga state that "We are a soul, and have a body," but how do yogis respond when confronted with death―with their own time of passing? In Transitioning in Grace (based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the classic Autobiography of a Yogi), Nalini Graeber presents true accounts of how longtime yogis and meditators have left their bodies. Some struggled with pain or illness. Others passed suddenly or unexpectedly. Most of these accounts are inspiring; all have something to teach about the transitioning experience. More than just a collection of uplifting stories, this work can serve as a handbook for individuals helping family or friends to leave this world-for those soon to make the transition themselves―and for all thoughtful souls who recognize the wisdom of gaining important insights into early preparation for "Life's Final Exam." Included in these pages: How to prepare for death. A yogic "astral ascension" ceremony (funeral/memorial service) that can be adapted for your particular needs. A description by a great master of yoga, of what we experience during the moments when we leave our bodies. A simple meditation technique that can help greatly to bring calmness to the event. Stories, descriptions, and poems that offer helpful insights and inspiration.

About the Author :
Nalini Graeber is a minister, and a lifelong meditator and follower of the deeper teachings of yoga, as taught by the great master of yoga Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the classic Autobiography of a Yogi). For more than forty years Nalini has lived at Ananda Village, a yoga community in Northern California; she is one of Ananda's founding members, having joined the community after receiving academic training at Stanford and Columbia Universities. She has helped to bring inspiration to yogis around the world through her writing and counseling, and through her work in creating and directing the online inspirational and yogic music program known as "Radio Ananda."

Review :
The unifying theme in these fascinating end-of-life stories is that each individual practiced meditation--not merely in the final hours, but for years before life came to an end. Much has been written nowadays about the positive effect of meditation on health, well-being, and productivity. This is the first chronicle of how meditation also transforms the dying process. . . . An absorbing read with amazing implications for all of us.--Asha Nayaswami (formerly Praver), Author of Loved and Protected: Stories of Miracles and Answered Prayers What happens when we die? How do we prepare for death? Those who embrace a yoga lifestyle are just as interested in these fundamental questions as anyone else, and in her book, Transitioning in Grace, author Nalini Graeber does a good job of answering them--from a yogic perspective. With many inspiring and true accounts of how longtime yogis have faced the end of their lives, and a section dedicated to central yogic teachings, techniques, and ceremonies based on this subject, this book should strike a chord with millions across America, and around the world.--Richard Salva, Author of The Yoga of Abraham Lincoln, Blessed Lanfranc: The Past Life of Swami Sri Yukteswar, and Walking with William of Normandy: A Paramhansa Yogananda Pilgrimage Guide