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92 of 97 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best kind of its genre, April 21, 2005
This review is from: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Paperback)
This book is a must-have for yoga practicioners that want to go beyond simple asanas. This is a wonderful way to learn of hatha yoga's roots as a holistic system, and even put it into practice, since this book is a modern compilation of ancient Indian lesson-texts put into modern English. Hatha Yoga Pradipika means "Light on Hatha Yoga" (not to be confused with modern and lesser imitations that use that title). Holding this book in my hands feels like direct access to a rich history of the roots of hatha unscathed by "new age" ideas. Basically the book is about classical postures, breath control, and cleansing.
Interestingly, the book does not talk about food intake--basically says that it is not important to spend too much time thinking about what food to eat, how much, etc. (this is a nice change in a modern world that obsesses over food). However, it does go into length on the subject of cleansing the body using several methods, some of which are extreme, but some of which a novice could do with some courage.
Another interesting thing about the texts in this book is that although they are traditional, the focus isn't spent on spiritual concepts such as chakras, kundalini, or meditation, etc, it even rarely mentions relatively popular yoga terms such as prana or nadis. As it is well-known about hatha, the people who practiced these ancient rituals believed that persons could not reach enlightenment through stillness and meditation, but instead, through physical asana and purification. There are interesting and clear ideas concerning this inside the book as well.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Ancient and Essential Guide for Yogic Practitioners, April 13, 2007
This review is from: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Paperback)
An all-encompassing text on the vast teachings of hatha yoga, lucidly expanding on each verse from the original Pradipika written in the 1300's. This book is "the source" for methods of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha and meditation practice providing clear step-by-step instruction. A remarkably easy read for such dense material.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another GREAT text, February 24, 2010
This review is from: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Paperback)
If you are familiar withthe Bihar School of Yoga text, you will know how wonderful their books and insights are. Their research stems not only from a spiritual point of view but from a scientific and medical one.
I had only the mildest of thought of what I might find in this text as I was purchasing it. I figured it would be an indepth book on the religious aspects of the system we know as Yoga. Was I mistaken... Here I found a work so compelling and utterly educating. I can not understand why I hadn't purchased this book earlier. On my quest to understand Yoga and why I do the asana's, pranayama's, mudra's and meditation, I came into contact with the Bihar School of Yoga's great work Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha/2008 Fourth Revised Edition and was blown away. Then came several more books from this school. Every one of these books have taught me something more than what I could ever hope to find on the internet. I delved further into learning true Yoga. This book is no different.
Each text in here begins with the original sanskrit writing. Then follows the engish translation of the sanskrit. Lastly, but in no way less important, follows the translation and expansion of these great writings by Swami Satyananda and Swami Muktibodhananda, giving insight on how things can be done in todays world owing to dramatic change of living and the spreading of these teaching all over the world, adapting it to everyones personal situation. Throughout they suggest that a guru is obtained to walk you through the changes and insights you will likely experience while practicing. I agree with this, but I feel they do such a great job on coaching throughout the book that you can get pretty far without one. I guess that is why these books are used in their Masters and Doctorate Yoga program in Bihar, India. Also, when read carefully, you will notice that they also mention that no matter what your spiritual/religious beliefs this book can still be used to bring you closer to it, to feel it and also to bring you closer to yourself and humanity. This book is for everyone.
Reading this book alone is a journey in of itself. Another great from the Bihar School of Yoga. To go anymore indepth than I already have would take alot more space. I highly recommend this book to any and all who are looking for a guide for a safe practice toward True Yoga (connection with the supreme). Enjoy.
Other books of theirs to consider (they have helped me understand how life and our bodies really work - inside and out, how disease manifests and how to heal) something I have yet to find in via my doctors ...
Dynamics Of Yoga
Yogic Management of Asthma and Diabetes
The Practice of Yoga for the Digestive System
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