About the Book The book presents a study of different types of yoga as all of them are considered essential at different stages in the path of spiritual evolution: hatha yoga, raja yoga, kriya yoga, japa yoga, laya yoga, kundalini yoga, nada yoga, stara yoga among others. It starts with a background on the meaning and concept of yoga and its benefits. It examines the theory and practice of yoga under two broad groups- pertaining to purification of the body and purification of the mind, presenting yoga as taught in the Upanisadic texts as well as yoga as scientifically researched and practiced in the modern day by yogic masters. Under these groups are covered the science of the human body and its cleansing, postures, breathing and gestures and the different techniques meant for achieving spiritual and mental excellence through desireless actions, concentration fixation, meditation and yogic trance. Written in an easy-to-understand language, the work abounds in quotations and other references to the sacred scriptures and famous ancient works on yoga to provide a broad base and comprehensive treatment of the subject.
The book will prove extremely relevant to all those simply interested in yoga or involved in studies on yoga, whether they are beginners, scholars, spiritual aspirants.
About the Author Swami Shantidharmananda Saraswati is a scholar saint who has been involved in the quest for spiritual knowledge for years. He received spiritual guidance and wisdom from spiritual masters at the historical pilgrimage centers-Munger, Rishikesh, Benaras and Omkareshwar. He has specialized in yoga, having received initiation from the great yogic master of modern times Paramahansa Swami Satyananda Saraswati of Bihar School of Yoga, Munger. He currently resides and teaches in his own hermitage.
Preface YOGA is a way of living a complete life. It is a method which overhauls all aspects of the human personality. It is a system of integral and spiritual education, education not only of the body and the mind or the intellect but also of the inner spirit. It shows you the marvellous method of rising from evil to good, and from goodness to holiness and then to eternal divine splendour. It is an art of right living. A yogi, who has learned the art of right living is happy, harmonious, peaceful and tension-free.
Introduction The subject of astanga yoga has been dealt with in great detail in several Upanisads, Smrtis like Yogi Yajnavalkya-Samhita and the text Yoga-Sutra written by maharşi Patanjali. Aṣṭanga yoga has eight steps namely yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
Book's Contents and Sample Pages
