[5] It presents Vivekananda's understanding and interpretation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, "and a selection of hathayoga teachings on the basis of the beliefs that he shared with his students.

"[6] These included elements from traditional Hinduism, but also ideas from western science, Idealism, and "the Neo-Vedantic esotericism of the Brahmo Samaj and Western occultism,"[7] including mesmerism and "American Harmonial religion.

"[8] Vivekananda adapted traditional Hindu ideas and religiosity to suit the needs and understandings of Western audiences, who were especially attracted by and familiar with Western esoteric traditions and movements like transcendentalism and New thought.

[1] This offers a practical means to realize the divine force within, central to modern Western esotericism.

[3][12] It presents exotic teachings to a cultic milieu that sought "ideologically familiar forms of practical spirituality.