Yantra Yoga, a Tibetan Buddhist system of movement and breathing exercises, bring the body/mind into balance and help achieve authentic relaxation--a preliminary to any meditative practice. Profusely illustrated with hundreds of line drawings, black and white photographs, and illustrations, Yantra Yoga presents Tibet's trulkhor yoga tradition as taught by one of its master exponents, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu. Yantra Yoga's movements, exercises, and methods of concentration are all based on eighth-century text whose translation is included, illuminated by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu's commentary. Detailed charts for the timing of the breathing exercises are also included.
Yantra Yoga: The Tibetan Yoga of Movement
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an enthusiastically recommended addition to Tibetan Buddhist studies shelves. - Wisconsin Bookwatch (an enthusiastically )
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"...an enthusiastically recommended addition to Tibetan Buddhist studies shelves."
"...the definitive work on yantra...Practitioners of hatha yoga will be interested."--Shambhala Sun, May 2009
"...the definitive work on yantra...Practitioners of hatha yoga will be interested."--Shambhala Sun, May 2009
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68 of 69 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is IMHO the best book on physical-yoga available in English
Let me start by saying that I own hundreds of books on yoga. About half of these are on Tibetan yoga and about half are on the yoga of the Natha-Sampradaya or its modern derivatives (like Hatha-yoga and Kundalini practices). This book is simply the most interesting treatment of asanas (or "yantras" which are movements often containing asanas) and related pranayamas available, whether we are talking about Indian or Tibetan yoga.
This book covers a system of yoga originally recorded in writing in the 8th CE in a cycle of teachings by the Tibetan translator Vairochana. This cycle contains three works, one of which is fully translated (and commented upon at length) and another on the "elimination of obstacles" is quoted from extensively. The third work on tummo practice is not dealt with at all in this text.
I have only rarely seen such a comprehensive treatment of physical yoga. The text starts with a treatment of the preliminaries (sngon `gro) including two forms of pranayama and eighteen yantras for basic "body training" (lus sbyong). The yantras are yogic movements, many of which include the asanas familiar in Hatha-yoga.
This is followed by the main practices (dngos gzhi), which include five main series of techniques. Each of these five cycles has a method of pranayama, five basic yantras (dngos gzhi) and two variations of these yantras for training (rtsal `don) and progressing (bogs `don).
Thus there are five main pranayamas and seventy-five main yantras. These are followed by seven movements utilizing the lotus posture and a concluding section (rje kyi rim pa) with a method for clearing obstacles called the "vajra-wave".
So the text covers a total of 108 methods. The illustrations and descriptions of the yantras are very detailed, as are the explanations of the methods and rhythms of breathing while doing each yantra. Another important aspect is a detailed traditional description of the benefits of these yantras/asanas.
The pranayama is very advanced and I was astonished to find such methods described so plainly and in such detail. The methods for causing the prana to enter the central-channel (which have long been carefully guarded secrets) are explained in an unexpectedly thorough manner and the texts has a wealth of practical information, such as the progressive timetable for lengthening the practice of kumbhaka. The book has also answered a host of obscure questions that I have wondered about, such as if there is a relationship between madhyama, vama, and dakshina "nauli" and the three main nadis of the body.
From a historical perspective, the root-text (which is older than any of the extant texts on Hatha-yoga) is probably the most interesting document on physical yoga ever published. Many of the yantras are extremely similar to the asanas of Hatha-yoga in both name and appearance.
This illustrates that the yoga methods preserved in Tibet and the methods of the Hatha-yoga tradition (of the Nathas) were once deeply connected. This is particularly true of the abhyantaravarga of ati-yoga (especially the rdo rje zam pa) and the sampannakrama of anuttara-yoga-tantra (especially of Heruka Bhagavan Shri mngon rdzogs rgyal po). The lists of "great adepts" or mahasiddhas preserved in both the Tibetan and Indian traditions reinforce this connection. Many of the same adepts appear in the lineages of both traditions
This is now the most valued text in my collection, and I am deeply grateful to Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and the translators for making it available to students in the West.
RC Parker
Let me start by saying that I own hundreds of books on yoga. About half of these are on Tibetan yoga and about half are on the yoga of the Natha-Sampradaya or its modern derivatives (like Hatha-yoga and Kundalini practices). This book is simply the most interesting treatment of asanas (or "yantras" which are movements often containing asanas) and related pranayamas available, whether we are talking about Indian or Tibetan yoga.
This book covers a system of yoga originally recorded in writing in the 8th CE in a cycle of teachings by the Tibetan translator Vairochana. This cycle contains three works, one of which is fully translated (and commented upon at length) and another on the "elimination of obstacles" is quoted from extensively. The third work on tummo practice is not dealt with at all in this text.
I have only rarely seen such a comprehensive treatment of physical yoga. The text starts with a treatment of the preliminaries (sngon `gro) including two forms of pranayama and eighteen yantras for basic "body training" (lus sbyong). The yantras are yogic movements, many of which include the asanas familiar in Hatha-yoga.
This is followed by the main practices (dngos gzhi), which include five main series of techniques. Each of these five cycles has a method of pranayama, five basic yantras (dngos gzhi) and two variations of these yantras for training (rtsal `don) and progressing (bogs `don).
Thus there are five main pranayamas and seventy-five main yantras. These are followed by seven movements utilizing the lotus posture and a concluding section (rje kyi rim pa) with a method for clearing obstacles called the "vajra-wave".
So the text covers a total of 108 methods. The illustrations and descriptions of the yantras are very detailed, as are the explanations of the methods and rhythms of breathing while doing each yantra. Another important aspect is a detailed traditional description of the benefits of these yantras/asanas.
The pranayama is very advanced and I was astonished to find such methods described so plainly and in such detail. The methods for causing the prana to enter the central-channel (which have long been carefully guarded secrets) are explained in an unexpectedly thorough manner and the texts has a wealth of practical information, such as the progressive timetable for lengthening the practice of kumbhaka. The book has also answered a host of obscure questions that I have wondered about, such as if there is a relationship between madhyama, vama, and dakshina "nauli" and the three main nadis of the body.
From a historical perspective, the root-text (which is older than any of the extant texts on Hatha-yoga) is probably the most interesting document on physical yoga ever published. Many of the yantras are extremely similar to the asanas of Hatha-yoga in both name and appearance.
This illustrates that the yoga methods preserved in Tibet and the methods of the Hatha-yoga tradition (of the Nathas) were once deeply connected. This is particularly true of the abhyantaravarga of ati-yoga (especially the rdo rje zam pa) and the sampannakrama of anuttara-yoga-tantra (especially of Heruka Bhagavan Shri mngon rdzogs rgyal po). The lists of "great adepts" or mahasiddhas preserved in both the Tibetan and Indian traditions reinforce this connection. Many of the same adepts appear in the lineages of both traditions
This is now the most valued text in my collection, and I am deeply grateful to Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and the translators for making it available to students in the West.
RC Parker
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
in this book, chogyal namkhai norbu presents a detailed explanation of a medieval yoga text, as informed by his receipt of oral transmission. he makes no mention of whether in doing so he violates tradition, or whether an initiation is considered necessary to practice the exercises.
in general, tibetan buddhists are required to complete a series of purification exercises that last about two years before undertaking the higher levels of tantric instruction. one can only assume the practices in this book are an exception, because norbu does not discuss that point. there's a brief, obligatory statement at the introduction of the text stating that one should seek instruction from a qualified practitioner, but aside from that the reader is not discouraged from giving the material a go.
the text itself is basically a manual, presenting the exercises verbatim without frills or discussion. one might infer that the text was intended for an academic audience if it weren't for the fact that the instructions are so clear and specific. perhaps it was intended as a reference for the author's students, but if so that statement is not made anywhere.
if you are like me and are fascinated by the various schools of yoga and their practices, you will find in this book a real treat. it presents a highly esoteric system that is very different from typical studio yoga. the exercises themselves, however, are quite complicated, and it is probably unrealistic to think you can learn to perform them correctly from this book. you should probably check out the videos available freely online by norbu's students and others, under the titles "yantra yoga" and "trul khor." there is a very specific rhythm and form to the exercises that cannot be gleaned from the text itself. if the author's assumptions are correct and these exercises act to free blocked energies in the subtle body, performing them incorrectly could conceivably lead to temporary psychosis or other problems.
in general, tibetan buddhists are required to complete a series of purification exercises that last about two years before undertaking the higher levels of tantric instruction. one can only assume the practices in this book are an exception, because norbu does not discuss that point. there's a brief, obligatory statement at the introduction of the text stating that one should seek instruction from a qualified practitioner, but aside from that the reader is not discouraged from giving the material a go.
the text itself is basically a manual, presenting the exercises verbatim without frills or discussion. one might infer that the text was intended for an academic audience if it weren't for the fact that the instructions are so clear and specific. perhaps it was intended as a reference for the author's students, but if so that statement is not made anywhere.
if you are like me and are fascinated by the various schools of yoga and their practices, you will find in this book a real treat. it presents a highly esoteric system that is very different from typical studio yoga. the exercises themselves, however, are quite complicated, and it is probably unrealistic to think you can learn to perform them correctly from this book. you should probably check out the videos available freely online by norbu's students and others, under the titles "yantra yoga" and "trul khor." there is a very specific rhythm and form to the exercises that cannot be gleaned from the text itself. if the author's assumptions are correct and these exercises act to free blocked energies in the subtle body, performing them incorrectly could conceivably lead to temporary psychosis or other problems.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book saves many years of research. It clearly explains purpose of many methods which are usually assigned to domain of Hatha yoga. Available books with commentaries in twilight language of Natha sampradaya can be understood much better now. Also, it is a real treasure for practitioners of Vajrayana.
Sw. Santosh Suraj
Sw. Santosh Suraj
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great
As difficult as yoga is to learn from a book, this one is the best.
Published 23 months ago by M. Zaurov
Excellent work as usual!
I hate yoga books that are not pragmatic. This book is not only very well written. But it's a step by step how-to of Tibetan Yoga. Read more
Published on February 27, 2010 by M. Addison
Yoga
This book is well written. It gives detailed descriptions and instruction. Quite different than most yoga books available. It will take some time to get through the 108 moves.
Published on September 25, 2009 by Pat T.
Definitive Guidebook to one of the few Buddhist-based Yoga Forms...
Most yoga taught in the West is descended from Indian hatha traditions. Yantra yoga, or trul khor, is a Tibetan Buddhist form that is now available in the West, thanks to Chogyal... Read more
Published on May 19, 2009 by L. Erickson
An extensive commentary of the oral instruction of Tibetan yogins and...
Written by Dzogchen and Tantra master Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, Yantra Yoga: The Tibetan Yoga of Movement is an in-depth study of Yantra Yoga, the Buddhism-influenced line of yoga in... Read more
Published on December 8, 2008 by Midwest Book Review
Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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seven limbs, slow inhalation, smooth breathing, inhaling forcefully, lower your forehead, grasp the outer sides, straighten your sides, first yantra, arch your torso, straighten your torso, second yantra, yantras help, pervasive prána, karmic air, contracted hold, eliminates ailments, tense your whole body, opening your shoulders, arch your head, vajra fists, open your elbows, wrap your right arm, heels with the tops, six hollow organs, opening your chest Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
The Overcoming of Obstacles, Six Applications, Closing the Armpits, Rotating the Arms, The Swinging Lotus, Extending the Ankles, The Suspended Lotus, Four Profound Applications, Yudra Nyingpo, The Flaming Lotus, The Snaking Lotus, Dzogpa Chenpo, The Arched Lotus, The Tibetan, Empty Hold, Basic Movement Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
seven limbs, slow inhalation, smooth breathing, inhaling forcefully, lower your forehead, grasp the outer sides, straighten your sides, first yantra, arch your torso, straighten your torso, second yantra, yantras help, pervasive prána, karmic air, contracted hold, eliminates ailments, tense your whole body, opening your shoulders, arch your head, vajra fists, open your elbows, wrap your right arm, heels with the tops, six hollow organs, opening your chest Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
The Overcoming of Obstacles, Six Applications, Closing the Armpits, Rotating the Arms, The Swinging Lotus, Extending the Ankles, The Suspended Lotus, Four Profound Applications, Yudra Nyingpo, The Flaming Lotus, The Snaking Lotus, Dzogpa Chenpo, The Arched Lotus, The Tibetan, Empty Hold, Basic Movement Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
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