Yoga Masters: How Yoga Theory Can Deepen Your Practice and Meditation (Living Wisdom)

In recent decades, the timeless practice of yoga has gained increasing popularity throughout the western world. However, many practitioners don't fully understand the philosophy behind yoga.

In a book based on his popular Spiritual Teachings series, Mark Forstater, with yoga instructor Jo Manuel, illuminates the meaning of this Far Eastern practice and makes it comprehensible for modern followers. Combining the significance of the ancient texts with the knowledge and insights of today's practitioners, Yoga Masters distills the essence of yoga into a highly readable and readily applicable guide to its millennia-old theories and practices.

Beginning with an introduction to the theory and the philosophy behind yoga, the book also contains new translations of the primary yoga scriptures. The yoga teachings of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras hold the keys to self-awareness and the all-important sense of who we are. It is through seeking and understanding this inner truth that we can develop confidence, strength, and tranquility, and realize our limitless potential for happiness and well-being.

Whether the reader is a beginning or advanced student or an experienced practitioner, Yoga Masters will add new depth and meaning to anyone's current yoga practice.

Mark Forstater is the author of a series of books on spirituality and philosophy published in the U.K. An American producer with over twenty-five years experience in film and television, he currently lives awith his wife Jo Manuel, who is a yoga teacher, and their daughter Cleo.

Part One: Yoga Is A Living Philosophy

Preface

1. A View from Above

2. The Aim of Yoga

3. Yoga as a Tool

4. Patanjali's Classical Yoga System

5. How We See the World

6. The Ashtanga System

7. Ethical and Spiritual Training

8. Physical Training: Asanas

9. Breath Control—Pranayama

10. Meditation

11. The Origins of Yoga

12. The Upanishads: The Secret Teachings

13. The Search for Wholeness

14. A Conversation with God

15. The Last Word

Part Two: Yoga's Sacred Scriptures

I. The Secret Teachings: Selections from the Upanishads

II. The Bhagavad Gita (the Celestial Song)

III. The Yoga Sutras