Yoga

Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man

by Krishna Gopi

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"This is an amazing spiritual biography, it deserves the status and immortality of St. Theresa's and other saints. Amazingly, to me, Gopi Krishna found so little spiritual help and guidance in India, when there were many avatars contemporary with him, like Meher Baba and Ramana Maharshi. Yet, it is instructive how hard it was for him to find information and help, even in India, where this sort of transformational experience is explicitly cultivated by literally millions! One hopes that his 12 years of agony and torture are not the norm for those who awaken the Kundalini too forcefully or prematurely. Yet, Nietzsche's own breakdown after his own Kundalini awakening offers further caution to the forceful awakening of Kundalini. Clearly, some kind of yogic physical practice is essential to moderate this transformation, like Chi Gung or Hatha Yoga, or even Gardening!"

Publisher: Shambhala | More reviews: amazon.com

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika

by Svatmarama

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"The two best known English translations of Svatmarama's classical text on yoga from the Fifteenth Century are by Pancham Singh and Elsy Becherer. The former is 87 years old and the latter is a translation (with commentary by Hans-Ulrich Rieker) from the German, and is therefore twice removed from the original Sanskrit. Both books are out of print. Surprisingly there is virtually nothing else in English despite the fact that the hatha yoga teachings found in popular works, including B.K.S. Iyengar's celebrated Light on Yoga, are in no small part based on Svatmarama's text.Brian Dana Akers brings us a new translation set with the English following the Sanskrit verse by verse. His style is straightforward, clear and elegant. He does not make the mistake of trying to translate yogic terms that are really not translatable, e.g., "nadi," "prana," "bandha," "mudra," etc. Instead he invites us to use a dictionary of yoga. He also makes the sly suggestion in his brief but graceful Introduction that "the scientifically minded do some empirical research. In a peaceful country, in a quiet place, free of all anxieties..." (p. xii)Well, I have done some small research and I can tell you that Svatmarama knows whereof he speaks. I can also say along with Akers that I do not recommend some of Svatmarama's practices, (some of the "cleansing" mudras are unnecessary today; indeed they are dangerous) and clearly the old master exaggerates. However, his intention was not hyperbole. He spoke instead in what is called an "intentional language" that would guide teachers and advanced practitioners without confusing or revealing too much to beginners. This way of speaking is also called samdhya-bhasha ("twilight language") according to Georg Feuerstein. Thus a practice that allows one to become "young, even if old" may be distinguished from another practice that "destroys death," which in turn may be distinguished from one which leads to the place where "time is not."Even though I first encountered the text almost 25 years ago and have read it several times, I did indeed find a dictionary helpful. I used Georg Feuerstein's definitive The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga (1997), but could have also used an English-Sanskrit dictionary to explore the more secular meanings of some words, which might have given me a better feel for some of the nuances of expression used by Svatmarama. To really appreciate Svatmarama's text perhaps this from Feuerstein might be helpful: "Language has the curious capacity to both disclose and veil the truth, and since ancient times the masters of India's spirituality have been especially sensitive to the possibilities and the limitations of linguistic communication." (Opus cited, p. 167) Rather than throw himself into the briar patch of Svatmarama's expression, Akers has wisely stepped to the side and let the text speak for (and against) itself.But what is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika? It is simply a course in how to obtain samadhi, or liberation or freedom from the pairs of opposites that dominate our lives. It begins with asana and pranayama and ends with transcendence. All of the postures so familiar to us, and all of the breathing exercises have but one purpose: meditation leading to pushing aside the veil of ignorance that characterizes ordinary existence. It takes a long time to get there. The "empirical research" that Akers recommends will be a project of years (unless of course one is particularly gifted).What is not mentioned in Svatmarama's delineation are the ethical and spiritual considerations called the yamas and niyamas that we find in Patanjali. I recommend that the Hatha Yoga Pradipika be studied in conjunction with Patanjali's celebrated sutras as aids to your practice. They have much in common, but there are some significant differences. Svatmarama makes no concessions to political correctness nor to social or religious considerations. His text is indeed striking in its terse and single-minded, even profane, ambition. Quite simply there is a problem: bondage to samsara. And there is a solution: hatha yoga leading to raja yoga leading to liberation.Brian Dana Akers and the people at YogaVidya are to be complimented for bringing this text to the general public and for doing so in a most attractive manner. This is the book you want after you have finished with the popular texts."

Publisher: YogaVidya.com | More reviews: amazon.com

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation (2nd Edition)

by Joan Budilovsky

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"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation, by Joan Budilovsky and Eve Adamson, will answer every question you have about meditation, as well as help you find the kind of meditation that is right for you. Budilovsky and Adamson have teamed up before with books on yoga and massage, as well as writing independently about holistic health. They write that "meditation can teach you to live in the now, to know yourself--body, mind, and soul--better, and to find the life you need." They first explain how meditation reduces stress and helps in healing, then discuss how "meditation will lead you to a consideration of life's bigger questions. . ." before getting into the actual techniques for successful meditation. They emphasize throughout the book that meditation does not conflict with any religious or spiritual beliefs. Instructions start with how to prepare your mind and body for meditation, then explain the different seated, walking, and moving meditations. The authors discuss how to use mantras, mandalas, and visualization techniques to enhance meditation. They also review the basics of yoga, T'ai Chi, and QiGong as relaxation techniques. Readers are taught how to adapt religious traditions to "create your own profound meditative exercises." They also learn how to perform "body scans" to determine what their bodies are telling them about their physical health. Definitions of unfamiliar terms are included with the text, making it easy to understand the information presented. "Mindful Minutes," meditation trivia and anecdotes, are scattered throughout the book. Budilovsky and Adamson say that with a "few simple techniques, you can harness the awesome power of your own mind-body." In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation, they show you exactly what those techniques are and how to apply them in your own life."

Publisher: Alpha | More reviews: amazon.com

The Bliss of Inner Fire: Heart Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa

by Lama Yeshe

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"Lama Thubten Yeshe's approach to teaching tummo practice is totally inspired and practical. This book is a treasure for those of us who have already been instructed in tummo practice by a genuine living teacher. It seems important for us to note that these talks from a practice seminar given by Lama Thubten Yeshe were made available to the general public only by his students and only after his death. I don't believe that Lama Thubten Yeshe would have encouraged anyone to dive into these practices after just reading a book, without preparation, transmission, and direct practice instructions from an authentic teacher. My living Tibetan teacher of these practices, and all of the other excellent Tibetan teachers I have known, would never make written tummo instructions available to the public. We students of these living teachers are required to finish several extensive courses of vajrayana practice and receive formal transmission in a personal teaching situation before we are considered ready to make proper use of these profound instructions that help us to realize the inseparability of bliss and emptiness. We are told that it is essential to always approach the practice with the motives of awakening and benefit for other sentient beings. We are warned that mistakes in applying tummo practice instructions can cause mental and physical harm. I do know of people who have hurt themselves. So, please connect with a genuine teacher, fulfill prerequisites, get personal guidance and follow-up help in tummo practice, and then use this book as a precious resource to deepen your practice."

Publisher: Wisdom Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

Yoga for Transformation: Ancient Teachings and Practices for Healing the Body, Mind, and Heart

by Gary Kraftsow

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"I have actively worked with this book for 2 months and this teacher for 5 years. This is an elegant, innovative introduction and practice manual for the broader and deeper dimensions to Yoga practice. The publication is in two parts. The first is a presentation of the classical five dimensions to the human being from the Taittriyha Upanishad integrated with the Kriya Yoga model of transformation from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the age and orientation models of Yoga practice from the teaching lineage often known as Viniyoga in the West. This discussion alone will be of much interest to the serious Yoga student of any tradition, for many classical teachings are condensed in a well-written, authoritative and accessible manner. The authority comes both from the influential teachings of Krishnamacharya and his son, Desikachar and the scholarship of the author, a student of Desikachar, Sanskrit and religion for many years.Following this foundation is a series of discussions and practices sequentially emphasizing each of the 5 dimensions: Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya and Anadamaya. Within these discussions are more well-written teachings on Pranayama, the Bandhas and the Cakra model. These practices are instructive and surprisingly challenging by themselves, but they are not prescriptions. They are illustrations of principles that can be further adapted by individuals to better support their own bodies and purpose for Yoga practice. In brief, this is what the Viniyoga teachings are all about. Still, the practices can be practiced by individuals on their own or used by a teacher as a template when working with his or her own students in group classes. For those not familiar with Viniyoga, the practices are well-presented with pictures and detailed instructions.For those who have worked with the author for some time, several of the practices are familiar, but others are new. Many of the best practices he has presented at workshops are not shown. This book will be a relief for the many students who have tried to recall the flood of information presented at workshops around the country because much, but not all, is finally written down. A natural complement for this book is Kraftsow's first book, Yoga for Wellness, where the principles of Viniyoga asana practice are presented, along with many therapeutic applications of breath and movement. Three other good complements are Yoga for Body, Breath and Mind by A.G. Mohan, The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar and The Essence of Yoga: Reflections on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Bernard Bouanchaud."

Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) | More reviews: amazon.com

Ecstasy Through Tantra (Llewellyns Tantra and Sexual Arts Series)

by Jonn Mumford

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"Fantastic!This book has proven to be a continual resource of information. It is multileveled, so the beginner and serious student both benefit. Through theNsimple exercises you will learn valuable methods of making love not only to others, but to yourself, awakening mystical union and opening to alchemical transformation. Dr. Mumford has created a rare resource book, authentic through his extensive experience in initiated practices in India, filtered through a western mind to be an easy to read approach and grounded through scientific and medical knowledge. Few other resources have such extensive training. Through the mirrors of Dr. Mumford's expansive research, the vision of Tantra becomes clearer...Patricia, tantra teacher,"

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

Mantras: Words of Power

by Swami Sivananda Radha

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"Sivananda Radha has explained the way the mantra works and has gone into the intricacies of this difficult spiritual discipline in a simple and clearcut way. Her list of mantra goes beyond individual religions and includes buddhist, christian and Hindu mantra that are easy to learn."

Publisher: timeless books | More reviews: amazon.com

Meditation and Its Practice

by Rama

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"After many years of studying the work of Swami Rama, this book being a great 'one' to lead to inner knowledge-the book has simple methods to find how to meditate and just what is required to develop a good practice... we were shocked to learn of a split in the organization over the past years- that includes now three different groups called Himalayan Institute- each as a seperate non-profit. The scandal developed when the one based as publisher of these books in USA has canvased for funds to send to Indian hospital of same name- and we visited this hospital in the past years to learn that our donated money never arrived in India, they are seperate groups now--yet the book on 3rd to last page still asks for donations to US group for Indian Hospital. So the book is great- the search for knowledge can go on- but send funds directly to India if donations are in order. Namaste"

Publisher: Himalayan Institute Press | More reviews: amazon.com

The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness: Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda

by J. Donald Walters

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"Raja yoga--the "royal" yoga, or the "king's" yoga--is traditionally the yoga that comes after hatha yoga. In the Patanjali sutras it is sometimes associated with the limbs of yoga beginning with pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and concluding with samadhi, with the earlier limbs of yama, niyama (ethical considerations), asana (physical posture), and pranayama (breath control) understood as preparatory. However nothing in yoga is that clear cut, and some see the initial limbs of yama and niyama as part of the essential teachings of raja yoga, while others (myself included) see raja yoga as a continuation of hatha yoga and in no way separate. Swami Kriyananda (who was J. Donald Walters) presents in this book an elaborate yoga program that includes the Patanjali canon and much besides. Unfortunately (for me at least) much too much of the book is devoted to Kriyananda's personal and highly religious, mysterious, pseudo-scientific and murky ideas that are essentially extraneous to the ancient art and practice of yoga.To give you an idea of how Kriyananda's perceptions and mine differ consider this: In an "Author's Prefatory Note" Kriyananda explains why he uses "he" throughout the text instead of "he or she" or the often non-grammatical "they." He finds such usages "cumbersome" noting that he refuses to think in terms of "pants" or "skirts" when he is addressing the "human being, stripped of sexual considerations." This is fine, indeed, admirable. However on page 23 he writes, "Primitive peoples, as all men are believed to have been..." when he could have just as easily have written "...as all people are believed to have been..." I am persuaded that Kriyananda's text, which serves as the basis for what he calls "Part II of the Ananda Course in Self-Realization" is a text that he didn't want to change, perhaps for practical reasons, and found a justification for the sexist language instead. Since the text was apparently written many years ago (Sheila Rush in her Foreword, indicates on page 13 that she read it 21 years ago) and considering that Kriyananda has been teaching yoga for over fifty years, his reluctance is understandable. However other parts of the text suffer from a similarly antiquated and no longer viable view of yoga and its history.For example he speaks of the superiority of the ancients in terms of their having attained "far greater heights of knowledge than we have reached so far in our civilization." He gives as examples, "ancient, supposedly mythological, accounts of flying vehicles, even of interplanetary travel." And he refers to "an ancient manuscript in India that has survived to this day, in which the lives of many thousands, perhaps millions, of people were recorded in detail." He notes that "most of these people had not yet been born." He adds, "I found my own life accurately described--even to my correct name and birthplace--in this work, including predictions of future events that have since come to pass." (All of this on page 25.) On the following page, Kriyananda informs us that as the sun moves closer to the galactic center "mankind as a whole becomes more enlightened." In addition to this sort of unnecessary mysticism, the text is also highly religious in a way that I find inimical to the spirit of the yoga of Patanjali or the yoga of B.K.S. Iyengar, or that of the Gheranda-Samhita and the Hathayogapradipika, or that of the Katha Upanishad, or even that of the sacred Bhagavad Gita. The postures demonstrated throughout the book by a sometimes smiling adept, are captioned with what are prayerful exaltations. Above the Supta-Vajrasana (what he calls "the Spine Firm Pose") on page 265 are the words, "With calm faith, I open to Thy Light." Or on page 335 captioning Sirshasana (the headstand) are the words, "I am He! I am He! Blissful Spirit, I am He!"So be aware that this is a religious book as much as, or even more so, than it is a work on raja yoga. The religious orientation is Hindu which is understandable since it is very difficult to separate yoga from Hinduism; however Kriyananda does not try. That is not his intent. Indeed he tries to show that yoga is an integral part of other religions including Christianity. For example on page 402 he writes, "In Genesis 3:24 we read of the tree of life. The reference is to the spine." This yogic interpretation is a bit forced and typical of much of the world view presented herein.All of this is not to say that there is not much of value in this work. It is just that the insights and understanding that Kriyananda has of yoga are eclipsed by the intent of his religious message, a message primarily intended for the resident students of his Ananda Village near Nevada City, California.Instead of this book, as always I would recommend Iyengar's Light on Yoga for the serious student. And for those wanting to know more about the history and culture of yoga, I would recommend works by Georg Feuerstein and Mircea Eliade."

Publisher: Crystal Clarity Publishers | More reviews: amazon.com

Integral Yoga: Sri Aurobindo's Teaching & Method of Practice

by Aurobindo

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"This is one deep book. Aurobindo is masterful in his analysis of the mind & brain, especially its limitations. As a person approaching everything in life via intellect I found his explanations right on the dot & revealing. He explains why we need to transcend our faculties to something higher. One can make more sense of the book if accompanied by spiritual practice & experience to relate to. Not for the faint hearted."

Publisher: Lotus Press | More reviews: amazon.com