The Yoga Book is a core text - it explains the true meaning of Yoga, and demonstrates the practices and postures of Ashtanga Yoga that will enable the reader to achieve mastery over the mind and body and can eventually lead to Self-Realization. Through the practice of Yoga we can directly bring stillness to the restless mind and body, giving a true, lasting happiness, from inner peace and contentment. Stephen Sturgess has based his comprehensive book on the classical teachings of Patanjali, who over 1500 years ago distilled elements of earlier forms of yoga into a system of study and practice. It is an authoritative, inspirational and practical guide to the benefits and fulfilment that can be attained by the dedicated practice of Yoga.

Contents

Acknowledgements, Dedication, Preface, What is Yoga? Foreword by Sri Kriyananda, 1. The Subtle Bodies and the Chakras, The Physical Body, The Astral Body, The Causal Body, The Soul, The Chakras: Your Inner Universe, Locating the Chakras, 2. Yama, Ashtanga Yoga: The Eight Limbs of Yoga, The Relationship between yama and niyama, The Principles and Practice of Yama, Ahimsa: Non-violence, Non-injury, Non-harming, Satya: Non-lying, Truthfulness, Asteya: Non-stealing, Brahmacharya: Non-sensuality, Aparigraha: Non-attachment, Non-greed, 3. Niyama, Saucha: Cleanliness, Purity, Santosha: Contentment, Tapas: Austerity, Svadhaya: Self-study, Isvarapranidhana: Surrender to God, 4. Asana, What is Hatha Yoga?, Purification, Fasting for Purification, The Yogic Diet, Bandhas, Mudras, 5. Pranayama, Prana, the Vital Energy of the Universe, The Five Life-Forces of the Body, Guidelines for the Practice of Pranayama, Swara Yoga, Four Different Methods, of Breathing, Hand Mudras for controlling the breath, Pranayama Techniques, Pranic Healing, 6. Pratyahara, The Senses, The Practice of Pratyahara, 7. Dharana, Achieving Dharana, Interiorizing and Concentrating the Mind, Other Techniques that Help Concentration, 8. Dhyana, Why We Need to Meditate, The Practice of Meditation, Kriya yoga: An Advanced Spiritual Accelerator, 9. Samadhi, The Difference Between Meditation (Dhyana) and Samadhi, The Stages of Samadhi, Further Reading, Useful Addresses, Other Resources, Glossary, Index.