All of us want to have a healthy and peaceful life. But in our daily
chore of activities, there are causes, which do not allow things to happen that way. We have stresses, tensions, diseases, fatigue, loss of energy, inadequate performance at job etc. We can start and maintain a healthy way of living, with the help of Yoga, which however needs training under a qualified Yoga teacher, and regular practice. In six part s of the book, with the help of many coloured photos, the author has ably covered various aspects like Introduction to Yoga, The Practice, Pranayam, Meditation, The Kundalini path, and Therapeutic Yoga. With Yoga practice, there have been reports of feeling better, sleeping better, losing weight, overcoming fears, getting rid of habits like smoking, getting better concentration, improved relationships, and peaceful living etc.
One of the major Chapters entitled The Practice, covers at length most of the aspects. It starts with the guidelines for preparing oneself for the Yoga, namely the clothes, mat (asana), space, comfortable area without disturbance, concentrating mind on Yoga during this time, getting a qualified teacher, informing the past health history to him, seeking his guidance for taking special precautions esp. for women during pregnancies and menstruation, doing Yoga within our limits, and never overdoing it, starting time and duration etc. We may start with a short relaxation, and take a final relaxation at the end of the Yoga session, which is absolutely necessary. We have to go in for Savasana posture, in which step by step we have to let the body go, keeping the mind alert. The author starts with
exercises for building
awareness, but the instructions meant for each of the exercises must be followed. Here he discusses chest opening exercise, Biralasana (cat pose), Roll downs and Sukhasana Forward fold. For the standing posture, he takes up side bends, back bends, forward bends, twists and balances. The required proper alignment and good posture are required for all asanas. The asanas are Tadasana, utkatasana and eight others. Forward bends help us to listen to ourselves, to our heart. These include Dandasana, Virasana and nine others. Back bends keep the back bone aligned for proper functioning of the nerves. These include Ustrasana, Matsyasna and five others. These are followed by twists, which include five asanas. Balancing leads to better results in life. These include Garudasana and five others. Inversions help us in getting confidence. These include Sirsasana and five others. Dynamic Yoga that is Surya Namaskar, has twelve postures. Restorative Yoga poses enable us to recharge, by expending minimal energy. These include Makrasana and four others. Yoga on a chair, describes some good office exercises, esp. useful for the elderly or infirm. These include back bend and five others. At the end of this Chapter, the author rightly advises us, for structuring our practice, meaning that during each session we must include at least one of each type of exercises, a centering exercise, a side stretch, a forward bend, a back bend, a twist, a balance, an inversion, and the final relaxation. Pranayam should be done before the Asanas. We can practice in mornings and evenings, with suitable selection of Asanas.
This book provides Contents, Index and About the author at appropriate places. It has an appealing cover design, many coloured photos depicting correct postures, step by step guidelines, process, caution, and comparative tabular presentations etc. It is easy to understand, and useful for each and every person. A must read book.