In this study, philosopher and Hatha practitioner Mikel Burley place the soteriological system of hatha-yoga within its proper context, drawing attention to its continuity with Vedic religion, its initiatory pedagogical structure, and the theoretical underpinnings of Hatha practice. In particular, he examines the complex notion of a 'subtle bodily matrix', comprising vital channels (nadis), centres (chakras) and forces (prana)--which is so crucial to the discipline, this matrix being held to form, as it were, a bridge between the gross physical and mental spheres. Use is made of a wide range of source materials, including seminal texts in the Hatha tradition such as the Hatha-Yoga-Pradipika and Gheranda-Samhita, as well as primary and secondary works from related streams of Indian thought. The author's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making the study suitable for specialists, practitioners and general readers alike. Hatha-yoga is concerned with the most fundamental of matters: the development of an ethical and spiritually-oriented appreciation of humanity, the cultivation of maximal health and perceptual acuity, and the quest for Self-realisation. Absorbing and penetrating, Hatha-Yoga: Its Context, Theory and Practice makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of this subject.

The text of `Hathatatvakaumudi is a vast compendium on Hatha system of Yoga practice and philosophy critically edited and published for the first time. The text is authored by Sundaradeva. This work of Sundaradeva poses as extensive and impressive as that of an encyclopaedia. Almost all the topics of Hatha Yoga like Asana, Pranyama upto Nadanusandhana in addition to concept Chayapurusa etc. are described in the minutest of details. There are several unique practices such as Carana, Utkranti Pranayama, several varieties of Nadisuddhi and the like which are in aid to standard Hatha pratices. Some of these are described for the first time in this text. However, one of the many noteworthy contributions of the author of this book lies in his successful effort in presenting a synthetic view of both principle and practice of two seemingly diverse systems of Yoga - Hatha and Patanjali and also various traditions of Yoga such as Bhakti, Laya Nada, Sparsa etc. We have not as yet come across such an effort made in any other published Yogic literature.

Widely respected yoga teacher and author Richard Rosen draws on ancient yoga encyclopedias to explain how yoga was practiced before it became popular in the West. He compares the three main existing sources known to yoga scholars to describe how complex and rich the practice of yoga once was. It included systematic teachings on personal hygiene, good health, and good relationships, and other practices of yoga that went far beyond just the physical postures. Each section of the book offers a guided practice session of ancient poses and breathing techniques to enable readers to connect to the roots of their yoga and to offer a framework from which to understand the sequences they use in their regular sessions.

The ever-increasing popularity of Yoga and related practices makes a desktop reference like this indispensible. With over twenty-five hundred entries and extensive illustrations, it combines comprehensiveness with accessibility. The book is arranged and written in a manner that will inform rather than overwhelm the lay reader, while at the same time offering valuable references for the professional researcher and the historian of religion. This new edition includes information about contemporary Yoga teachers. It also provides fuller descriptions and illustrations of Yoga poses, and features additional cross references.

A fascinating explanation of the significant, often symbolic role that numbers play in yoga philosophy—by beloved yoga teacher and writer Richard Rosen. Numbers play a meaningful role in the philosophy of many spiritual traditions—and yoga is no exception. For example, the number one is the quintessential yoga number, representing “unity” and “wholeness”; number two sometimes stands for co-operative effort, and other times for conflict; and number four is the number of completeness or stability, as it “stands” on “four legs.” There are twelve different names for the mantra OM, each one revealing a different aspect of this root sound. With his distinctive blend of knowledge and humor, Richard Rosen unpacks the fascinating significance that numbers hold in the philosophy and practice of yoga. Stories and practices woven throughout—like the Eka Danta simple meditation exercise, which concentrates on "one pointedness" and is associated with the one tusk of Ganesh—offer readers a hands-on way to explore the importance of numbers in their own practice. Yoga by the Numbers will enlighten and entertain the yogi in your life.

Commentary on Goraksasataka of Gorakhanatha, classical verse work on Haṭha yoga; presenting the viewpoint of the Nātha sect in Hinduism.

Use friendly reference guide detailing a wide range of approaches, the book is designed to educate medical professionals, students, yoga teachers, academia, and the general public on alternative treatment methodss and the game-changing therapeutic framework for Yoga Therapy's application as a complementary treatment approach.

Concise and readable answers to the most commonly asked questions about yoga, and illuminating little-known facts and esoteric aspects of the philosophy and practice--by renowned yogi Richard Rosen. Here are answers to all the questions that come up in your yoga practice and study! Renowned yoga teacher Richard Rosen has asked—and been asked—nearly every yoga-related question that there is, and his wonderfully practical, helpful answers will give you a thorough explanation of the tradition’s key concepts, and the nuts and bolts of yoga philosophy and practice, including: • Yoga’s main texts, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra, among others • Yamas and niyamas • The subtle body—what it means and what it looks like in practice • The evolution of asanas • Pranayama • Mudras and bandhas • And much more

Approximately 900 titels of Asanas, a good number of which are so far unhead of 1100 techniques and illustrations of asanas. 200 authoritative and valid source most of which are unpublished Manuscript. Thousand of references. Hundred of crossreference to ascertain validity, to ckeck comparison and distinction, to established of relationshp, for grouping and classifications and also to find out synonyms. 100 application of Padmasana . 60 Application of Shirshasan (inversion). An exhaustive Introduction. An Appendix of various illustration from different cultures adding additional information, charm and colorfulness of the ancient traditon.