Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind A Guide to Personal Reintegration

by Mohan, A.G.; Krishna-Charya, Shri T.

• ISBN13: 9781570629778
• ISBN10: 1570629773
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-10-29
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

Here is a practical and accessible introduction to the full, multifaceted richness of the yoga tradition. While most yoga books focus only on poses,Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mindintegrates the three fundamental elements of a complete yoga practice:asanas(poses),pranayama(breathing practices), and meditation. A. G. Mohan, an internationally respected teacher, also explains essential philosophical concepts and offers the yogic perspective on health and healing. With step-by-step instructions and abundant illustrations,Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mindis the type of comprehensive guide that will be of interest to every yoga practitioner. The author explains that often when we feel stress or a sense that life has gotten out of control, it's not because of life events themselves, but because the state of our own mind has become chaotic and fragmented. When we are in a state of what he calls "personal integration," we are centered, contented, and able to see people and events in life as they truly are. In this state, people are most able to make decisions and take actions that are clear and positive. InYoga for Body, Breath, and MindMohan provides a structured yoga program to help readers cultivate this state of balance and integration. The book also includes an introduction to the practice of yoga therapy.

Author Biography

A. G. Mohan and his wife, Indra, have a private yoga therapy practice in Chennai, India, and A. G. Mohan teaches workshops in India, the United States, and Europe. He studied with the yoga master, Shri T. Krishnamacharya (who taught B. K. S. Iyengar, among others) for eighteen years, until the master's death in 1989. He is also the author of Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind .

Table of Contents

Editors' Introduction	xi
Foreword	xiv
Author's Introduction	xvii
Yoga and Personal Reintegration	3	(20)
Why Yoga for Personal Reintegration?	3	(1)
The Yogic Approach to Personal Reintegration	4	(1)
The Problem: Mind --- The Source of Misperception	5	(7)
The Solution: The Practice of Yoga	12	(9)
Aspects of Personal Reintegration	21	(2)
Asana --- The Role of the Body in Personal Reintegration	23	(24)
The Core Principles of Reintegration Asana	24	(3)
Practice Guidelines	27	(4)
Putting the Principles Into Practice	31	(16)
The Asanas	47	(62)
Complete List of Asanas	48	(5)
Samasthiti (Standing Pose)	53	(3)
Parshva Uttanasana (Asymmetrical Forward Bend)	56	(4)
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)	60	(6)
Ardha Uttanasana (Half Forward Bend)	66	(2)
Ardha Utkatasana (Chair)	68	(2)
Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle)	70	(5)
Virabhadrasana (Warrior)	75	(3)
Adhomukha Shvanasana (Downward Dog)	78	(2)
Sukhasana (Easy Pose)	80	(3)
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt)	83	(2)
Paschimatanasana (Seated Forward Bend)	85	(3)
Maha Mudra	88	(2)
Dvipada Pitham (Desk)	90	(2)
Urdhva Prasrita Padasana (Leg Raises)	92	(3)
Chakravakasana (Sunbird)	95	(2)
Bhujangasana (Cobra)	97	(3)
Shalabhasana (Locust)	100	(3)
Jathara Parivritti (Lying Twist)	103	(3)
Apanasana (Knees to Chest)	106	(2)
Shavasana (Relaxation Pose)	108	(1)
Viparita Karani --- Inversion	109	(16)
The Philosophy of Inversion	109	(1)
The Psychology of Inversion	110	(1)
The Concept of Inversion	111	(1)
Practical Aspects of Inversion	112	(2)
Viparita Karani (Half Shoulderstand)	114	(3)
Shalamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)	117	(1)
Shalamba Shirshasana (Headstand)	118	(7)
Vinyasa Krama --- Sequencing and Adaptation	125	(34)
The Importance of Vinyasa Krama	125	(19)
Preparation	126	(10)
Balancing Postures	136	(5)
Rest	141	(2)
Ending Your Practice	143	(1)
Sequencing for Individual Needs	144	(8)
Considerations in Sequence Planning	152	(7)
Pranayama --- The Role of Breath in Personal Reintegration	159	(22)
The Removal of Impurities	160	(2)
Conscious Breathing	162	(1)
The Nature of the Breath	163	(8)
The Qualities of Correct Pranayama	171	(3)
Physical Prerequisites for Practice	174	(2)
Some General Guidelines for Pranayama Practice	176	(2)
Notes of Caution	178	(1)
Bandhas	179	(1)
The Use of Sound in Pranayama	180	(1)
Meditation	181	(8)
The Process of Meditation	181	(2)
Prerequisites	183	(2)
Stages of Meditation	185	(1)
Additional Notes on Meditation	186	(3)
Yoga Therapy	189	(24)
Traditional Yogic Perspectives on Health and Disease	189	(3)
Yoga Therapy: A Therapy Without Medicine, A Surgery Without Tools	192	(2)
Yoga Therapy: An Individualized Approach	194	(2)
The Yogic Approach to Restoration of Balance	196	(2)
Diagnostic Principles of Yoga Therapy	198	(3)
General Guidelines in Practicing Yoga Therapy	201	(1)
Responsibilities of the Teacher/Therapist	201	(3)
Practical Guidelines for Yoga Therapy	204	(3)
Specific Applications of Yoga Therapy: Two Sample Case Studies	207	(3)
A Final Caution: The Misuses of a Yoga Practice	210	(3)
Epilogue	213	(1)
About the Author	214	(1)
Contact Information	215	(2)
Index	217