THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF YOGA
Swami Vishnudevananda
(Abstract by lastri)
First published in the early 1960’s, this highly authoritative work by one of Yoga’s foremost proponents is considered by many reader-practitioners as their bible, Expounding in-depth the basis, theories, practices and merits of a discipline then little-known to the West, it helped to demystify yogic art and encourage interest worldwide.
Yoga, translated as ‘divine union’, has four basic variations (Karma Yoga, Bhakthi Yoga, Raja Yoga and Gyana Yoga). Raja Yoga, likewise, has three forms (Mantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Hatha Yoga). Perhaps the most popular one, Hatha Yoga is the type we usually see being practiced in most commercial gyms and
health clubs. The static
exercises that challenge one’s flexibility with unusual contortions of the body are called asanas. Each has a general or particular value to health akin if not related to the exercises of Chinese chi kung. Deeper Yoga, however, is very spiritual.
Based on yogic principles, God, the Supreme Being, is an omnipresent spiritual
consciousness that permeates every matter or space, and man or any other living creature has but a small part of that all-encompassing presence. Veiled by the
physical body, and affected by the ‘illusion’ of individuality, man’s consciousness has strayed from God’s consciousness. For this reason, man experiences birth (and rebirths), old age, suffering and death. It is the aim of Yoga for man (the practitioner) to achieve union with this omnipresent consciousness and thus avoid the cycle of reincarnations with their attendant shortcomings.
The experience of Yoga, as a state of mind, is called superconsciousness. It is often described as blissful. Getting there requires a physical body, and mind, healthy enough to muster the intrinsic energy called prana (Chinese chi, Japanese ki). Thus, there are physical cleansing methods called kriyas, special diets, required changes in lifestyle and attitude, and of course the trademark exercises. The asanas, some breath-control exercises collectively called pranayama and certain forms of meditation comprise the basic curriculum. Regular practice is good for stress-management, blood circulation, organic balance and overall health. Advanced yogic practices which approach actual ‘divine union’ must never be attempted without the guidance of a more qualified teacher as these concern forces and
psychic manifestations a novice cannot readily handle.
Prana circulates throughout the human body. (The science of acupuncture may be the proof that it does.) Some adepts are able to ‘charge-up’ this energy and pass it on to cure the sick. This is called pranic healing, similar to but not necessarily the same as ‘laying of the hands’ in Christian cultures. Advanced forms of pranayama, along with mystical syllables called mantras, are employed while meditating on specific areas of the body so that the concentration of prana may energize corresponding psychic centers (chakras). These centers are located approximately by the tailbone, genitals, navel, heart, throat and middle of the eyebrows. The lowest center is where the Kundalini sakthi or ‘serpent power’ resides. It is activated, made to move up the spine and ‘open’ other chakras. As each succeeding psychic center is ‘opened’ accordingly, unusual powers (siddhis) may manifest in the practitioner or yogi.
superconsciousness is experienced while meditating on the highest chakra, between the eyebrows. A Yoga master or yogin can remain in that state for long periods.
Without doubt, this book, clear and generously illustrated, delivered. It must have played a big role in the Yoga fad that started five decades ago and influenced succeeding works by the author’s students. Yoga can be pursued by anyone with a trainable mind and body. All one need is a good teacher, and the willingness to succeed.
.
More reviews about the The Complete Illustrated Book Of Yoga