Title:

Fakirid ja Yoga õpetus – 1911 Estonian Yoga & Fakir Philosophy Book by Dr. Richard Schmidt | Early Baltic Theosophy | Sanskrit Source-Based

Description:

This is a very rare and historically significant 1911 Estonian-language yoga and fakirism booklet titled:

Fakirid ja Yoga õpetus

(Fakirs and the Teaching of Yoga)

Based on Sanskrit sources

By Dr. Richard Schmidt

Published in Tallinn by Kunsti ja Teaduse kirjastus

This 96-page softcover represents one of the earliest known Baltic translations and expositions of Hindu asceticism, yogic practices, and fakir traditions, compiled from classical Sanskrit sources. The work introduces an Estonian readership to concepts of self-discipline, renunciation, asceticism, and meditative practices rooted in Indian philosophy.

Published at the height of the European Theosophical movement, this book is a unique artifact of early 20th-century cross-cultural spiritual exploration—merging Eastern mysticism with Western occult curiosity in pre-WWI Estonia.

Chapter headings include:

• Üksiläelujad ja enesepiirajad (Hermits and Self-Discipline)

• Kuulsad askeedid (Famous Ascetics)

The Art Nouveau–style cover features a printed sketch of a turbaned fakir and the original retail price of 60 kopikas.

Physical Description:

• Size: 8.5 x 6 inches

• Pages: 96 pp.

• Cover: Original gray wraps with bold black borders and central illustration

• Interior: Printed in Estonian throughout

Condition:

• Covers show moderate fading and edge wear

• Spine is torn, and some pages are loose from the binding, though all appear to be present

• There is a brown water stain affecting the upper margins of many pages, visible but not obscuring text

• Pencil signature appears on the title page

• Paper remains supple with minimal brittleness for its age