Shambhala Guide to Yoga

by FEUERSTEIN, GEORG PHD

• ISBN13: 9781570621420
• ISBN10: 157062142X
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 1996-03-19
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

This overview of the essentials of Yoga-understood not merely as a system of exercises but as a full-fledged spiritual tradition-is meant to both broaden and deepen the understanding of beginning students. It covers all the basic elements of this ancient discipline and philosophy of India and includes newly translated excerpts from the scriptures. Special attention is given to branches of Yoga, such as Tantra, that are of great interest to Western students but frequently misunderstood. The topics covered include: The principal branches of Yoga Moral principles Meditation and concentration Control of the breath The physical exercises of Hatha Yoga Diet Mantras: sacred sounds of power The powerful psychospiritual energy known as Kundalini The transmutation of sexual energy The teacher-student relationship Suggestions for further reading and other resources

Author Biography

Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., is the founder-director of the Yoga Research and Education Center in California and is internationally known for his many interpretative studies of the Yoga tradition. A columnist for Yoga International, he is the author of more than thirty books. His latest work is featured at www.yrec.org.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
A Note on Pronunciation	ix
Introducing Yoga	1	(14)
The Principal Branches of Yoga	15	(13)
The Teacher, the Disciple, and the Path	28	(10)
Happiness and the Moral Foundations of Yoga	38	(8)
Purification and Postures for Relaxation, Meditation, and Health	46	(16)
Yogic Diet	62	(7)
The Breath: Secret Bridge to Vitality and Bliss	69	(12)
Pathways of Concentration and Meditation	81	(15)
Sacred Sounds of Power: Mantras	96	(17)
The Serpent Power: Kundalini-Shakti	113	(15)
Tantra-Yoga: The Transmutation of Sexual Energy	128	(11)
Self-Transcendence, Ecstasy, and Freedom	139	(15)
Yoga in the Modern World	154	(7)
Notes	161	(5)
Recommended Publications	166	(4)
Useful Resources	170	(2)
Index	172