DHARMARAM VIDYA KSHETRAM

Pontifical Athenaeum of Philosophy, Theology,

Canon Law and Formative Spirituality and Counselling

The Circle of Fire:

The Metaphysics of Yoga
By P.J. Mazumdar

Antony vincen
Reg. No. 2400207
CIA III

DIRECTOR
Prof. Rev. Dr. Wilson Edattukaran CMI

An Assignment
Submitted to the Faculty of Philosophy
on Metaphysics
in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the
Diploma in Philosophy

Bangalore
January 2025
The Circle of Fire: The Metaphysical Yoga of Maya by P.J. Mazumdar is a book that
explores the idea of maya, which means the illusion or false appearance of the world around
us. It explains how we the world is as separate and fragmented, but is not the true reality. The
book shows that yoga is not just physical exercises but a powerful tool to help us look beyond
this illusion and discover the deeper truth of life.
The book combines ancient Indian wisdom with modern science, like quantum physics and
neuroscience, to explain complex ideas in a simple way. He talks about how everything in the
universe is connected and how we can use yoga to experience this unity. By calming the
mind and focusing on awareness, yoga helps us understand the real nature of ourselves and
the world.

Yoga school of philosophy

Yoga philosophical school is one of the main six school of Indian philosophy, it mainly
focuses on spiritual liberation through various practises. The term yoga mean to be in union
or to be connected which signifies the union of the individual soul or with the divine
presence. The primary goal of this school is to attain the state of freedom which is known as
moksha1. Moksha means liberation from sufferings and cycle of rebirth. Yoga school teaches
not just about physical bodies or the human thoughts; but the true existences of pure soul of
consciences. The higher self in itself is described as the being which is interconnected with
everything in the universe
the Philosophy is yoga is mainly found in Yoga sutra of Patanjali which is the main book for
the spiritual practices of spiritual growth and self-realisation according to this sutra book it
points out to the Eight ways called Astanga yoga which helps an individual soul to achieve
spiritual awakening and also to the union with the supreme divine the Eight path (Astanga-
path) are as follows
1. Yama
2. Niyama
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
1
P. J. Mazumdar, The Circle of Fire: The Metaphysics of Yoga (North Atlantic Books, 2009).
 7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi
Yoga school of philosophy also discusses about physical realm that we perceive through
the senses which can be either true of the reality. Here they say that these physical realms
can be seen as temporary and illusory which is called –Maya2, beyond this Maya true
knowledge comes from the beyond appearances of spiritual truth of existences as it cores
out to the balanced way of living. It teaches that through practicing self-awareness an
individual can present their life in inner wisdom aligned with more closely with the realms
of the supreme world.

Metaphysics of yoga school

Metaphysics of yoga school comes from ancient Indian philosophical traditions from
Upanishads, Vedanta and Samkhya. At its heart yoga philosophy is about understanding
reality, consciousness and the self and to unite (or yoga) with the ultimate reality often called
Brahman in Vedanta or Purusha in Samkhya. According to this tradition the world is an
illusion (Maya) and true knowledge is the realization of the self as one with the divine or
universal consciousness.
Yoga metaphysics says the physical body, mind and emotions are layers of existence that
hide our true nature. Through practices like meditation, pranayama and ethical discipline
yoga helps us transcend the limitations of the material world and get self-realization and
moksha. The ultimate goal is to awaken our inner consciousness free from ego and
attachment and to experience oneness with the universe. This journey involves understanding
the interconnectedness of all existence and realizing the divine within.
It focuses on understanding the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self, aiming to
achieve liberation (moksha) from the cycle of suffering. Rooted in the teachings of Patanjali's
Yoga Sutras, it presents a dualistic worldview that separates two fundamental realities:
Purusha (pure consciousness or the eternal self) and Prakriti (the material world, including
the mind, body, and nature). According to this philosophy, suffering arises when Purusha
mistakenly identifies with Prakriti due to ignorance (avidya). Yoga provides a practical and
philosophical path to overcome this ignorance by calming the mind, gaining clarity, and
realizing the true nature of the self as distinct from the material world. The Yoga school also
2
Mazumdar.
delves into the workings of the mind (chitta) and how it creates illusions through thoughts,
emotions, and sensory experiences. Through meditation, self-discipline, and self-awareness,
yoga aims to transcend these illusions, allowing one to experience the unity of existence and
achieve spiritual freedom. This metaphysical perspective is central to the study of Yoga,
connecting philosophical inquiry with practical methods for inner transformation.

The Yoga school of philosophy, based on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, presents a dualistic view
of reality, influenced by Samkhya philosophy. It teaches that existence is made up of two
main principles: Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (material nature). Purusha is the
true self, eternal and unchanging, while Prakriti includes everything in the material world,
such as the body, mind, and emotions. The root cause of human suffering is the mistaken
identification of Purusha with Prakriti, leading to attachment, ignorance, and cycles of birth
and rebirth (samsara).

Yoga provides a practical path to liberation, where the self realizes its true nature and
becomes free from the influences of the material world. Through disciplined practice—such
as ethical living (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asana), breath control (pranayama),
concentration (Dharana), and deep meditation (dhyana)—the mind becomes still, allowing
the realization that Purusha is separate from Prakriti. The final state, Samadhi, is the ultimate
goal, where one experiences pure awareness beyond thought and emotion. This metaphysical
understanding in Yoga emphasizes direct experience rather than intellectual debate, making it
a practical philosophy aimed at achieving spiritual freedom and inner peace

Conclusion
Therefore, this book clearly explains how the world we see is often an illusion (maya), and
yoga is a way to see the truth behind it. The book combines ancient wisdom with modern
science to show how everything in the universe is connected. It teaches that yoga is not just
about exercises or meditation but a path to understanding who we really are and finding inner
peace. By helping us look beyond the illusions of life, the book guides us toward a deeper
truth and a more meaningful, unified existence. It’s a simple yet powerful guide for anyone
curious about life, reality, and self-discovery. A profound exploration of Maya, bridging
Advaita Vedanta with modern metaphysical thought. As a reader, the book leaves a lasting
impression by challenging conventional notions of reality, identity, and perception. Through
logical reasoning and philosophical discourse, Mazumdar presents a compelling case that the
world we experience is a construct of the mind—an illusion shaped by perception and
consciousness.

By the end of the book, it contemplates the implications of this realization that the, If reality
is a projection, then true understanding must come from transcending illusion and
recognizing the oneness of existence. This book does not merely present an abstract idea but
invites deep introspection, urging the reader to question the nature of self and the universe. It
is a thought-provoking journey that blends intellectual rigor with spiritual insight, making it a
significant read for anyone interested in metaphysics, philosophy, and non-dualistic thought.
Bibliography
Mazumdar, P. J. The Circle of Fire: The Metaphysics of Yoga. North Atlantic Books, 2009.