Author: Swami Shantidharmananda Saraswati
Publisher: D K Printworld
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 336
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8182650003
Description
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, svara 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.
Contents
PREFACE
What is Yoga?
Who is a Practitioner
Benefits and Aim of Yoga
Synopsis of the Text
Acknowledgements
Key to Transliteration
Ashtanga Yoga - An Introduction
Yama (External Discipline)
Niyama (Internal Discipline) or Injunction
Asana (Postures)
Pranayama (Breathing Practice)
Pratyahara (Introversion)
Dharana (Fixation)
Dhyana (Meditation)
Samadhi (Engrossment)
Part - I
Purification of Physical Body
(Sharirika Shuddhi Vijnana)
1. Science of Physical Body (Sharirika Vijnana)
Introduction
Nervous System
Glandular System
Respiratory System
Blood Circulation System
Digestive System
Excretory System
2. Science of Body Cleansing (Shatkarma Vijnana)
Introduction
Neti (Nasal Cleaning)
Dhauti (Wash)
Nauli (Abdominal Isolation)
Basti (Intestinal Wash - Cleansing of Colon)
Kapalabhati (Brain Cleaning)
Trataka (Staring - Constant Gazing)
3. Science of Postures (Asana Vijnana)
Introduction
Precautions in Yoga
Preparative Postures
Pavanamuktasana - Part I (Non-Rheumatizing Postures)
Pavanamuktasana - Part II (For Expelling Gas)
Pavanamuktasana - Part III (Non-Rheumatic Eye Postures)
Shaktibandha Asanas (Energy Lock Postures)
Meditative Postures (Dhyanasana)
Postures Done in Seated Position
Standing Posture Series
Postures, Performed Lying on Stomach
Postures, Performed by Lying on the Back
Postures, Performed by Resting on Head
4. Science of Breathing (Pranayama Vijnana)
Introduction
Some Important Guidelines for Pranayama
Preperatory Practices of Pranayama
The Pranayama Practices
5. Science of Gestures and Locks (Mudra and Bandha Vijnana)
Mudra (Gesture)
Ordinary Mudras (Gestures)
Yogic Mudras (Yogic Gestures)
Bandha (Yogic Locks)
Part II
Purification of Mind
(Cittashuddhi Vijnana)
6. Science of Desireless Actions (Nishkama Karma Yoga Vijnana)
7. Science of Balanced Diet (Yuktahara Vijnana)
Santosha
Abhyasa Vairagya
Maitryadi
Yuktahara
8. Science of Yogic Trance (Yoga Nidra Vijnana)
Introduction
Procedure
Benefits
9. Science of Introversion (Pratyahara Vijnana)
What is Mind
Influence of Sattva
Power of Rajas
Sway of Tamas
Atmanivaidana or Prarthana Vijnana (Science of Surrender or Prayer)
Smarta Prarthana
Laukika Prarthana
Japa-Yoga (Science of Chanting)
Rules for the Chanting of Mantras
Ajapa-Japa (Non-Stop Eternal Chanting)
Precautions and Guidelines
10. Science of Concentration (Trataka Vijnana)
Benefits
Precautions
11. Science of Fixation (Dharana Vijnana)
Introduction
Cidakasha Dharasha
Antaþ Darshana (Inner Visualization)
Cidakasha Darshana (Cerebral or Conscious Visualization)
Antarmauna (Inner Silence)
Yogic and Tantric Dharana
Upanishadic Dharana
12. Science of Meditation (Dhyana Vijnana)
Introduction
Dainandini Dhyana (Concentration on Daily Routine)
Vicara Dhyana (Concentration on the Thoughts)
Mantra Dhyana (Sylable Meditation)
Shvasa Dhyana (Concentration on Breathing)
Sahaja Dhyana (Natural Meditation)
Nada Dhyana (Yoga of Subtle Sound)
Bhava Dhyana (Qualitative Meditation)
Bhavatita Dhyana (Transcendental Meditation)
Unmani Kriya
Prana-Vidya (Science of Vital Energy)
Kundalini Vidya (Science of Kundalini - The Dormant Energy)
Important Facts Related to Meditation
Benefits of Meditation
Notice
Part III
Science of Subtle Elements
(Tattva Vijnana)
13. Science of Psychic Channels (Nadi Vijnana)
Sushumna
Ida and Pingala
Gandhari
Hastijihva
Yashasvini
Alambusha
Kuhu
Shankhini
Sarasvati
Varuni
Payasvini
Shura
Vishvodari
Others
14. Science of Psychic Centres (Cakra Vijnana)
Muladhara Cakra
Svadhishthana Cakra
Manipura Cakra
Anahata Cakra
Vishuddhi Cakra
Ajna Cakra
Bindu Visarga Cakra
Sahasrara Cakra
15. Science of Dormant Energy (Kundalini Vijnana)
Part IV
Yoga Therapy
16. Cures through Yoga (Yogic Cikitsa Vijnana)
Indigestion (Flatulence)
Stomach Ulcer
Stomach Ailments (Intestines, Acidity)
Amva Srava Girana
Intestinal Worms
Pandu Roga
Jaundice
Dysentery
Diabetes
Vayunikas (Expulsion of Wind)
Asthma and other Disorders of the Lungs
Chest (Lungs, Pleurisy, Pneumonia)
Back Pain
Impure Blood (Adrenal Gland)
Blood Pressure (Tension and Heart Problems)
Low Blood pressure
Sleeplessness and Worrying (Fainting, Insomnia)
Arthritis
Obesity
Swelling in Joints
Itching, Skin Disease
Shoulders
Neck
Alopecia (Falling of Hair)
Face (Pimples, Wrinkles)
Tonsils (Itching in the Throat, Cold)
Chronic Indigestion
Pyorrhoea and Gum Problems
Legs
Sex Organs (Prostate Gland, Womb Disorders and Sexual Problems)
Polio
Deafness
Piles
Menstruation (Sexual Disorders in Women)
Sciatica
Slip Disc
Part V
Epilogue
Index