The Five Dharma Types

May 15, 2014

Chokoisky (Ayurvedic Inst., Albuquerque, NM) teaches Sanskrit and "medical astrology," and this ambitious volume attempts to map ancient Vedic conceptions of human capacities to the realities of today's Western world. While we can, according to the author, be divided into five Dharma types: educators, warriors, merchants, laborers, and outsiders, we are all constrained to live in an age most congenial to merchants. Chokoisky's task, in addition to convincing readers of the types to which they belong, is in part to help them adjust to the times. The success of this book for most readers will depend on their acceptance of the validity of the ancient Indian model, which at times has been seen as a set of confining hierarchies: Chokoisky's attempts to visualize them as complementary personalities is intriguing. VERDICT The author's purpose--to allow each of us to find a right profession and way of living--is appealing, but his ideas may be a tough sell in America, where we tend to believe in an infinite ability to choose. Still, this book is enthralling, and should appeal to many students of Vedic tradition and yoga.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 14, 2014
Building on themes explored in his previous book and DVD series on Vedic astrology and dharma types, Chokoisky applies elements of the ancient Indian Vedic tradition to the modern psyche in this comprehensive handbook. Simple self-tests help readers determine their dharma type—educator, laborer, merchant, warrior, or outsider—while subsequent chapters explore these labels and apply them to real-world decisions like choosing a partner or a profession. Chokoisky’s tone is authoritative, inspirational, and rich with pop culture references from Harry Potter to Spider-Man that make his message accessible to the modern, Western mind. Exercises engage readers in a range of activities from sensory experiments to determine food preferences to more esoteric explorations such as choosing a totem animal as a spirit guide. While there are few true surprises here, either for fans of Chokoisky’s earlier work on dharma types or those familiar with other personality typing systems, the author demonstrates a deep understanding of his subject. He writes clearly and eloquently, offering a spiritually inspired, and ultimately practical, guidebook for personal fulfillment. Previously published as The Dharma Types: Secrets of the Five Ancient Castes that Will Transform Your Life.