Synopses & Reviews
Based on original Sanskrit sources, this book gives an authentic account of the methods of yoga in its different forms, including the challenging "left-hand" paths, as well as practices best suited to Western students.
Review
"[Yoga] will appeal to the serious student of yoga in any tradition. It is not a fluffy yoga exercise manual. It contains the distilled knowledge of thousands of years, but is totally relevant to the present day."
Review
"[Yoga] will appeal to the serious student of yoga in any tradition. It is not a fluffy yoga exercise manual. It contains the distilled knowledge of thousands of years, but is totally relevant to the present day." < b=""> Jennifer Hoskins <> , < i=""> New Dawn <>
About the Author
One of the most distinguished living Orientalists, Alain Daniélou spent more than twenty years in India studying music and philosophy with eminent pandits of the Hindu tradition. Of special interest is his insight into the unique requirements and capacities of today's aspirant and the specific practices appropriate to Western students. Daniélou is also the author of the acclaimed Gods of India, Shiva and Dionysus, and While the Gods Play.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part I: The Five Main Methods of Yoga
I: Hatha Yoga--Reintegration through Strength
II: The Two First Steps of Hatha Yoga
III: The Third Step of Hatha Yoga
IV: The Muscular Contractions (Bandhas) and the Gestures (Mudrâs)
V: The Six Purificatory Acts (Shat Karma)
VI: The Fourth Step of Hatha Yoga
VII: The Fifth Step of Hatha Yoga
VIII: The Last Three Steps, or Inner Stage, of Hatha Yoga
IX: Raja Yoga, or the Royal Way to Reintegration
X: Mantra Yoga, or Reintegration through Hermetic Formulae
XI: Laya Yoga, or Reintegration by Mergence
XII: Shiva Yoga, or Reintegration into the Lord of Sleep
Part II: Other Forms of Yoga
XIII: Karma Yoga, or Reintegration through Action
XIV: Jñâna Yoga, or Reintegration through Knowledge
XV: Bhakti Yoga, or Reintegration through Love
XVI: Kundalini Yoga and Asparsha Yoga
Part III: Initiation--Mode of Living--Obstacles
XVII: The Guide (Guru) and Initiation (Dikshâ)
XVIII: Rules Relating to Food and Mode of Living
XIV: The Obstacles to Yoga
Appendices
Appendix A: The Subtle Body
Appendix B: The Siddhis, or Attainments
Appendix C: The Eighty-Four Postures and Their Effects
Appendix D: The Main Sanskrit Treatises on Yoga
Appendix E: Footnotes in Sanskrit
Index