Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language, Symbols, Secrets & Metaphors

by Radha, Swami Sivananda

• ISBN13: 9781932018134
• ISBN10: 1932018131
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-05-30
• Publisher: Timeless Books

Summary

HATHA YOGA: THE HIDDEN LANGUAGE takes the study and practice of hatha yoga far beyond a series of physical exercises. Building on the classical foundations of an ancient tradition, Swami Radha brilliantly synthesizes the ancient wisdom of yoga with an understanding of psychological and spiritual facets of contemporary life. Working with metaphor and symbolism, imagery and visualization, Swami Radha guides students toward a richer understanding not only of Hatha Yoga, but also of their purpose in life. With this approach, one can penetrate the mystical messages of the asanas so that the body is truly understood as a spiritual tool.

Author Biography

SWAMI SIVANANDA RADHA (1911-1995) is regarded as one of the most profound and practical spiritual leaders of the twentieth century. She is the author of more than 10 books on yoga and the fournder of Yasodhara Ashram, timeless books, ascent magazine and a number of international Radha Yoga Centres.

Table of Contents

Foreword	17	(4)
Swami Lalitananda
Preface	21	(4)
B.K.S. Iyengar
A Word from the Author	25	(6)
PART ONE AN INTRODUCTION TO YOGA PSYCHOLOGY	31	(20)
PART TWO METHOD: PRACTISING THE HIDDEN LANGUAGE	51	(176)
STRUCTURES
Tadasana
The Mountain	57	(8)
Salamba Shirshasana
The Headstand	65	(8)
Salamba Sarvangasana
The Shoulderstand	73	(6)
Utthita Trikonasana
The Triangle	79	(6)
Paschimottanasana
The Sitting Forward Bend	85	(6)
Ardha Matsyendrasana
The Spinal Twist	91	(8)
TOOLS
Halasana
The Plough	99	(8)
Dhanurasana
The Bow	107	(10)
PLANTS
Vrikshasana
The Tree	117	(8)
Padmasana
The Lotus	125	(10)
FISH, REPTILES & INSECTS
Matsyasana
The Fish	135	(8)
Bhujangasana
The Cobra	143	(8)
Kurmasana
The Tortoise	151	(10)
Vrishchikasana
The Scorpion	161	(8)
BIRDS
Kukkutasana
The Cock	169	(6)
Mayurasana & Pincha Mayurasana
The Peacock & Peacock Feather	175	(6)
Garudasana
The Eagle	181	(8)
Bakasana
The Crane	189	(6)
Hamsasana
The Swan	195	(8)
ANIMALS
Gomukhasana
The Cow	203	(6)
Simhasana
The Lion	209	(10)
SHAVASANA
Shavasana
The Corpse	219	(8)
PART THREE BRAHMACHARYA: YOGA & CELIBACY	227	(6)
CONCLUSION: ASANAS, THE HIDDEN LANGUAGE	233	(26)
APPENDICES
Appendix A: The Divine Light Invocation	245	(4)
Appendix B: Kundalini Yoga & The Chakras	249	(3)
Appendix C: Mantra Yoga	252	(3)
Appendix D: Guided Visualization: The Lotus	255	(4)
Bibliography	259	(6)
Index	265	(10)
Resources	275	(2)
About the Author	277