First Steps to Higher Yoga: An Exposition to First Five Constituents of Yoga

About the Author:

Shri Yogeshwaranand Parmahans formerly known as Brahmachari Vyas Devji, left his home of a tender age of fourteen in search of knowledge and self-realisation. The young Brahmachari spent the early years of his life in the study of sanskrit and mastering. the scriptural lore. He, then, followed the path of ancient rishis of the Himalayas and practised the most difficult tapasya and Yogic Sadhana while continuing the search of real guru who could lead him to the final goal. He came across a number ascetics about whom one reads only in the scriptures but his search came to an end only when he met Avadoot Swami Almanandji, who had then returned from Tibet.

By constant and dedicated practice of meditation he experienced various types f Samadhis, some of them lasting for several weeks which culminated in his gaining knowledge of self-realization, origin and dissolution of cosmos and the goal of human existence. The esoteric knowledge which used to pass from guru to disciple through personal relationship and which sometimes required not only a whole lifetime but several lives, has now been set down, at the behest of his guru, in his books.

He joined the Brahma on April 23, 1985 at the age of ninty-nine.

This book is based on the personal experiences of Brahmarshi Shree 108 Swami Yogeshwaranand Ji Saraswati, who led a life of noble dedication to the cause of spirituality and God-realization, Since his boyhood, he has been practising Yoga, which has enabled him to solve the problems relating to the Prakriti, the Self and the Overself. This, first among the series of three books, explains how one aspiring for a spiritual life should prepare himself, the subsequent two being 'Science of Soul' and 'Science of Divinity'.

'Bahiranga- Yoga' is an exhaustive and scholarly treatise on 300 bodily postures (Asanas), 70 breathing exercises (Pranayamas), 13 cleansing exercises (Shat-Karmas) and 15 controlling poses (Mudras). The last chapter is devoted to withdrawal of senses (Pratyahara) which is the goal of Bahiranga (External) Yoga. Every exercise is illustrated with photographs of postures either of the author himself or his disciples. It is a practical and reliable guide. The writer speaks with the self-confidence of one who has personally practised the exercises and benefited by them.

The thinking people all over the world are now taking interest in the Indian Yoga, especially for building physical health. The author, while explaining the technique of every Asana and Pranayama has also pointed what ailments can be cured or prevented by it. The physical health is a step not only towards moral and spiritual health but also in controlling mind and senses, this is ably explained in the concluding chapters.

Written by an authority on the subject, the book is indispensable for those who desire to make a thorough study of practical Yoga.

The book has been thoroughly revised and enlarged. As many as 50 Asanas and 10 Pranayamas have been added to it. The excercises have been marshelled into 14 groups in accordance with their intricacy.