Integral Yoga Hatha - Softcover

Satchidananda, Sri Swami

Softcover

ISBN 10: 093204042X ISBN 13: 9780932040428

Publisher: Integral Yoga Publications, 2002

Synopsis

In print constantly since 1970, this large format Hatha Yoga instruction guide is now recognized as a classic in its field. Over 160 large photographs show Hatha expert Sri Swami Satchidananda performing more than 80 postures, breathing practices, relaxation, cleansing and concentration techniques. Instructions are easy to follow and describe how the body and mind benefit from each pose. Practice routines for beginning, intermediate and advanced students are suggested.

About this title

About the Author:

His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda is one of the most revered Yoga Masters of our time. A much-loved teacher, well known for his combination of practical wisdom and spiritual insight, he gave his life to the service of humanity, demonstrating by his own example the means of finding abiding peace. His message of peace, both individual and universal, has been heard worldwide. Each year, he received hundreds of invitations to speak at conferences, colleges, medical groups, and houses of worship around the globe.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

The following is taken from Swami Satchidananda's preface to Integral Yoga Hatha.

WHAT IS INTEGRAL YOGA? Integral Yoga is a combination of specific methods designed to develop every aspect of the individual: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. It is a scientific system which integrates the various branches of Yoga in order to bring about a complete and harmonious development of the individual. Every human being longs for true and lasting happiness. The path or means through which he attempts to find it varies according to the individual's development. He may strive for happiness by satisfying the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of his personality. Experience may teach him what sages and saints have been proclaiming throughout the ages, that true and lasting happiness cannot be based on that which is impermanent in its nature. True and lasting happiness can only be attained through the knowledge of the permanent or Divine which is the Indweller of all beings and the source of all life. It has been given such names as the Self, Nature, God, Brahman, Cosmic Consciousness, Infinity, the Thing in Itself, Nirvana, and so on. Since it is infinite, it can only be experienced when the individual rises above his limited personality. The body, emotions, and intellect must be developed to a level in which they function healthfully and in perfect harmony with each other. Only then can one live a happy life and use them as tools to transcend limitations and experience the Divine.

SOME OF THE MAIN BRANCHES OF YOGA

HATHA YOGA: Bodily postures (asanas), deep relaxation, breath control (pranayama), cleansing processes (kriyas), and mental concentration create a supple and relaxed body; increased vitality; radiant health; and help in curing physical illness. Through proper diet, the physical body undergoes a cleansing through which impurities and toxins are eliminated and at the same time vitamins and minerals are readily assimilated and used by the system. As the body and mind become purified and the practitioner gains mastery over his mind, he finally attains the goal of Yoga, Self Realization.

KARMA YOGA: The path of action through selfless service. By performing duty without attachment or desire for the results of action, the Karma Yogi purifies his mind. When the mind and heart are purified, the Karma Yogi becomes an instrument through which the Divine Plan or Work is performed. Thereby he transcends his individuality and experiences the Divine Consciousness.

BHAKTI YOGA: This is the path of love and devotion to God, a Divine Incarnation or the spiritual teacher. By constant love, thought, and service of the Divine, the individual transcends his limited personality and attains Cosmic Consciousness. the path of Bhakti or devotion can be practiced by everyone. All that is needed is faith and constant loving remembrance of God.

RAJA YOGA: This is the path of meditation and control of the mind. It is based on ethical and moral perfection and control of the senses which leads to concentration and meditation by which the mind can be stilled from its thoughts. Then all limitations are transcended and the state of Samadhi or Superconsciousness is experienced.

JAPA YOGA: Japa yoga is a part of Raja Yoga. Japa means repetition of a mantra. A mantra is a sound structure of one or more syllables which represents a particular aspect of the Divine vibration. Concentrated mental repetition of the mantra produces vibrations within the individual's entire system that are in tune with the Divine Vibration.

JNANA YOGA: This is the path of wisdom. It consists of self-analysis and awareness. The Jnana Yogi gains knowledge of the self by ceasing to identify himself with the body, mind, and ego. He completely identifies with the divinity within him and everything and realizes the oneness.

Integral Yoga is a synthesis of all Yogas. The goal is a body of perfect health and strength. Mind with all clarity, calmness and control. Intellect as sharp as a razor, will of steel, heart full of love and mercy, a life dedicated to the common welfare and Realization of the True Self.

In this book, Hatha Yoga will be reviewed. There are many, many books on this subject on shelves and libraries throughout the world. Because of this, I hesitated to add one more book to the market and perhaps even flood the river of existing material. It has only been through the urging of my students, who insisted on seeing my way of teaching also in print, that this book has been compiled. I truly hope it won't strain the category of Hatha information, but instead will be useful in a unique way, enabling the practitioner to gain from my personal practices and from the knowledge collected through teaching Hatha all over the globe for the past twenty-five years.

This book contains very little theoretical material, but has been set up as a sort of Hatha Yoga directory--including precise and simplified technical details plus pictures with each pose.

About this edition

• Publisher: Integral Yoga Publications
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 093204042X
• ISBN 13: 9780932040428
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 189