Balanced Yoga: The Twelve-Week Programme

Yoga is practised in many different ways, each of which, however, has the same aim—the harmony and integration of the practitioner’s whole being.

As the body is often considered to be the best starting- point, this practical guide concentrates on Hatha Yoga, the Yoga of physical exercise.

Balanced Yoga, as its title suggests, embraces a wide range of disciplines. Divided into a twelve-week programme, each of the lessons revolves around a guiding thought or principle which is manifested by related exercises or postures. Breathing and relaxation techniques, dietary advice, and aids to concentration and meditation are also included.

Designed as a safe and practical guide for men and women, Balanced Yoga provides a simple but complete system of physical, mental and emotional maintenance.

Dr Svami Purn was born into an Indian family of philosophers and rulers. He is a Sanskrit Master and a doctor of medicine, psychology, philosophy and literature, and his mastery of the six schools of Indian philosophy and the Eightfold Path of Yoga have earned him the title Vidya Vacaspati, Lord of Learning.

This manual of yoga practice, with its clear illustrations and concise text, is designed to provide expert guidance both to the complete beginner and to the more experienced practitioner of Yoga. The title Balanced Yoga has been chosen to indicate that, while the emphasis is on 1-latha Yoga (the yoga of the physical body), you will also find guidance and simple exercises to bring about mental and emotional growth. All in all, the contents of this book will help you to overcome the stressful conditions of modern living, and to promote direction and fulfilment in your life. The programme will enable you to come close to the yogic ideal of a calm and mature mind in a healthy and youthful body.

The lessons are so constructed that each combines physical exercises (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and various relaxation methods with practical concentration and meditation exercises, some thoughts to ponder (including ideas on eating habits), and a few simple disciplines. There is a guiding thought, subject or principle for each week, the physical exercises themselves manifesting this thought, but the selected practices are always balanced so that the whole being may benefit.

This programme is intended as a practical aid. Diligent practice will bring results and will uncover the best in you.

Unless otherwise indicated, all the postures in this book are suitable for both men and women, but if you have any chronic health problem, particularly back trouble, you are advised to consult your doctor before starting this programme.