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5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure classic Hatha Yoga text, without commentary., February 3, 2001
This review is from: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Hardcover)
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The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is essential reading for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the original purpose and methods of Hatha Yoga. However, it will NOT be very helpful to those practicing Yoga primarily as a modern-day physical fitness regimen, because only 16 postures are presented in the entire 390 verses, and most of these are the basic seated postures used for breathing and meditation.
This is the oldest known complete text on Hatha Yoga to survive into modern times. The original Sanskrit manuscript was written by Swatmarama ("Swami Rama") of the original Natha sect, during the 14 Century, only a few hundred years after Hatha Yoga first branched off from the more ancient Tantra Yoga. Although this translation by Pancham Sinh was first published in 1915, the English usage remains current and easy to understand. Being more of a Sanskrit scholar than a Yoga practitioner, however, there are a few places where Mr. Sinh loses the original intention of the author, and we are left with a literal rendering of the text devoid of its proper yogic significance. Fortunately, such places are few, and fairly obvious.
The Pradipika (along with the Shiva Samhita, the Gheranda Samhita, and many of the Yoga Upanishads) was written primarily as an instructional manual for teachers and advanced students. This particular edition will be useful to scholars and to serious students of Yoga, because it includes: [1] a contextual introduction by the translator, [2] the original Sanskrit Deva Nagari script for each verse, and [3] a pure translation of the original text (without any omissions or sectarian commentary, as found in "The Yoga of Light" edition by Hans-Ulrich Rieker).
Hatha Yoga Pradipika is also a practical guide for those seeking to expand their Yoga practice beyond the gym-class exercise programs that are so popular today, and open up to a deeper experience of what Yoga has to offer. In this context, it is important to remember that the oral tradition is still a vital part of Hatha Yoga. Therefore, the guidance of an experienced teacher (one knowledgeable in both the textual background and the advanced practice of Yoga) would be needed for one to get the most out of this book.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, June 13, 2011
This review is from: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Hardcover)
Excellent book with well translated writing within. Great for all those yoga enthusiasts looking for more in depth understanding of the beginnings of yoga.
Great service from seller. You can depend on them and their quick service. Book was in great condition. Hard back and clean pages.
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