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by Swami Sivananda
Paperback (Edition: 2004)


THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY

Size: 6.9″ X 4.9″
Pages: 24

About the Author:

Born on the 8th September, 1887, in the illustrious family of Saga Appayya Diskhita and several other renowned saints and savants, Sri Swami Sivananda had a natural flair for a life devoted to the study and practice of Vedanta. Added to this was an inborn eagerness to serve all and an innate feeling of unity with all mankind. His passion for service drew him to the medical career; and soon he gravitated to where he thought that his service was most needed. Malaya claimed him. He had earlier been editing a Health Journal and wrote extensively on health problems. He discovered that people needed right knowledge most of all; dissemination of that knowledge he espoused as his own mission. It was divine dispensation and the blessing of God upon mankind that the doctor of body and mind renounced his career and took to a life of renunciation to qualify himself for ministering to the soul of man. He settled down at Rishikesh in 1924, practiced intense austerities and shone as a great Yogi, Saint, Sage and Jivanmukta. In 1932 he started the Sivanandashram. In 1936 was born The Divine Life Society. In 1948 the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy was organized. Dissemination of spiritual knowledge and training of people in Yoga and Vedanta were their aim and object. In 1950 he undertook a lightning tour of India and Ceylon. In 1953 he convened a ‘World Parliament Reliogions’. He is the author of over 300 volumes and has disciples all over the world, belonging to all nationalities, religions and creeds. To read his works is to drink at the fountain of Wisdom Supreme. On 14th July, 1963 he entered Mahasamadhi.

by Swami Sivananda
Paperback (Edition: 2000)


THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY

Size: 8.5″ X 5.7″
Pages: 95

About the Author:

Born on the 8th September, 1887, in the illustrious family of Saga Appayya Diskhita and several other renowned saints and savants, Sri Swami Sivananda had a natural flair for a life devoted to the study and practice of Vedanta. Added to this was an inborn eagerness to serve all and an innate feeling of unity with all mankind. His passion for service drew him to the medical career; and soon he gravitated to where he thought that his service was most needed. Malaya claimed him. He had earlier been editing a Health Journal and wrote extensively on health problems. He discovered that people needed right knowledge most of all; dissemination of that knowledge he espoused as his own mission. It was divine dispensation and the blessing of God upon mankind that the doctor of body and mind renounced his career and took to a life of renunciation to qualify himself for ministering to the soul of man. He settled down at Rishikesh in 1924, practiced intense austerities and shone as a great Yogi, Saint, Sage and Jivanmukta. In 1932 he started the Sivanandashram. In 1936 was born The Divine Life Society. In 1948 the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy was organized. Dissemination of spiritual knowledge and training of people in Yoga and Vedanta were their aim and object. In 1950 he undertook a lightning tour of India and Ceylon. In 1953 he convened a ‘World Parliament Reliogions’. He is the author of over 300 volumes and has disciples all over the world, belonging to all nationalities, religions and creeds. To read his works is to drink at the fountain of Wisdom Supreme. On 14th July, 1963 he entered Mahasamadhi.

Publishers’ Note:

Svara Yoga is an ancient Hindu science and Art that has fully analysed the working of the Life-Principle, Prana, and the functioning of Life within this body. It deals with the various channels along which the Prana vibrates within this body animating it and also prescribes means to regulate the flow of Prana to ensure good health and longevity. This Science or Yoga of Svara is more subtler and all-comprehensive than the Science of Pranayama, which when compared to the former, is but a bare outline of Svara Yoga. I Svara Yoga we find various effective means to check disease and death. This Yoga of breath should be practised under the direct guidance of a fully qualified Yogi.

The modern Rishi and Yogi of the twentieth century, Swami Sivananda, has within the pages of this publication, dealt with the little known, though important, branch of traditional scientific Yogic knowledge, that has not found in its general treatment in such publications of his as The Science of Pranayama, Hatha Yoga, Practice of Yoga, Kundalini Yoga. To the spiritual aspirant as well as to lay readers, the contents of this book are full of practical import and the amount of its value, it may be superfluous to say, is relative to the particular requirements of the individual readers.—THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY

by Sadhakas
Paperback (Edition: 2002)


The Yoga Institute
ISBN 8185053472

Size: 7″ X 5″
Pages: 205

Introduction:

We cannot just plant a sapling anywhere, forget about it and then come again to the spot after a few days expecting to see a tree growing. There is thus the need for imparting some sincerity, enthusiasm, and meaning to an activity once started.

Just like the sapling the human beings are also striving for growth and actualisation of inner potentials. In Yoga there is much work to be done work within to train the subconscious to realise the highest.

A well-known Indian named Patanjali, organized this study of man and his achievements in a systematic form. He wrote a small book which is called the Yoga Sutra. The work itself is very very small. In one single page you can write down the entire book. It contains aphorisms consisting of a few words, but these are very important. In the very second and third sentence Patanjali answers the question, “What is Yoga, where of the human personality” and in the next aphorisms, he assures us that such a self mastering leads us to the absolute states. That’s what Yoga is. It is not just exercise, it is not just meditation, it is not just relaxation. The purpose behind Yoga is to gain a complete control over our whole personality – the body, the mind and more, Such a control leads to the optimum growth of one’s consciousness.

Shri H. Sequeira translated the Yoga Sutras and wrote notes on the same. The notes were published in the magazine ‘Yoga and Total Health’ of the Yoga Institute from 1985 to 1995.

Success has different meanings. Success in the true sense of achieving the highest is enshrined in the old Indian ways of realising one’s own true nature. Such a success spills over into success in other areas. Some of the great men in this country were first Yogis and then good medical men, good philosophers and excelled in practically all areas of life.

We remain indebted to Shri Yogendraji, The Yoga Institute, Santacruz and academicians like Ramaprasad, Woods and Dasgupta for the use we made of their experiences and explanations at different places in the book. We also wish to thank all those who helped us in compiling this book.

by Swami Sivananda
Paperback (Edition: 2004)


THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
ISBN 8170521688

Size: 8.6″ X 5.5″
Pages: 175

About the Author:

Born on the 8th September, 1887, in the illustrious family of Saga Appayya Diskhita and several other renowned saints and savants, Sri Swami Sivananda had a natural flair for a life devoted to the study and practice of Vedanta. Added to this was an inborn eagerness to serve all and an innate feeling of unity with all mankind. His passion for service drew him to the medical career; and soon he gravitated to where he thought that his service was most needed. Malaya claimed him. He had earlier been editing a Health Journal and wrote extensively on health problems. He discovered that people needed right knowledge most of all; dissemination of that knowledge he espoused as his own mission. It was divine dispensation and the blessing of God upon mankind that the doctor of body and mind renounced his career and took to a life of renunciation to qualify himself for ministering to the soul of man. He settled down at Rishikesh in 1924, practiced intense austerities and shone as a great Yogi, Saint, Sage and Jivanmukta. In 1932 he started the Sivanandashram. In 1936 was born The Divine Life Society. In 1948 the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy was organized. Dissemination of spiritual knowledge and training of people in Yoga and Vedanta were their aim and object. In 1950 he undertook a lightning tour of India and Ceylon. In 1953 he convened a ‘World Parliament Reliogions’. He is the author of over 300 volumes and has disciples all over the world, belonging to all nationalities, religions and creeds. To read his works is to drink at the fountain of Wisdom Supreme. On 14th July, 1963 he entered Mahasamadhi.

Publishers’ Note:

His Holiness Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj did not write text books as such. The books he wrote were the outpourings of wisdom from his own direct realisation of the Truth.

From his books you will derive not only the benefit of his wisdom and knowledge of both practical and esoteric matters pertaining to Yoga, but also the power of his spiritual force.

Sri Swami Sivanandaji had a unique style-simple, direct and compelling. His books are not dull treatises on Yoga and philosophy, rather his enthusiasm and eagerness to help all is evident in every page, lifting the reader to new heights of understanding.

Sri Gurudev’s great utterances about the need for a Guru to lead the aspirant along the path to God-realisation, and of the devotion that the aspirant should have towards his Guru, are scattered over a number of his works. That great disciple of Sri Gurudaev, Sri Swami Satchidanandaaji (Private Secretary to H.H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj) felt the urge to compile Sri Swamiji’s “saying” on Guru and Guru Bhakti Yoga into a single volume. Guru Bhakti Yoga is the result.

May Sri Gurudev’s Grace lead you to the Highest Realms of Immortality, Eternal Bliss and Supreme Peace. —THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY

by Swami Sivananda
Paperback (Edition: 1999)


THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
ISBN 8170521521

Size: 5.5″ X 8.5″
Pages: 223

About the Author:

Born on the 8th September, 1887, in the illustrious family of Saga Appayya Diskhita and several other renowned saints and savants, Sri Swami Sivananda had a natural flair for a life devoted to the study and practice of Vedanta. Added to this was an inborn eagerness to serve all and an innate feeling of unity with all mankind.

His passion for service drew him to the medical career; and soon he gravitated to where he thought that his service was most needed. Malaya claimed him. He had earlier been editing a Health Journal and wrote extensively on health problems. He discovered that people needed right knowledge most of all; dissemination of that knowledge he espoused as his own mission.

It was divine dispensation and the blessing of God upon mankind that the doctor of body and mind renounced his career and took to a life of renunciation to qualify himself for ministering to the soul of man. He settled down at Rishikesh in 1924, practiced intense austerities and shone as a great Yogi, Saint, Sage and Jivanmukta.

In 1932 he started the Sivanandashram. In 1936 was born The Divine Life Society. In 1948 the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy was organized. Dissemination of spiritual knowledge and training of people in Yoga and Vedanta were their aim and object. In 1950 he undertook a lightning tour of India and Ceylon. In 1953 he convened a ‘World Parliament Reliogions’. He is the author of over 300 volumes and has disciples all over the world, belonging to all nationalities, religions and creeds. To read his works is to drink at the fountain of Wisdom Supreme. On 14th July, 1963 he entered Mahasamadhi.

Publishers’ Note:

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Maharshi are the standard Text on Yoga and these Sutras constitute a philosophy as well as a practical technique of meditation. The purpose of the Yoga way of analysis is an overcoming of the limitations of both subjectivity and objectivity and a union of the deepest within us and the deepest in the Cosmos. Yoga is not one way of living among many. It is the only way-gathering of your personality with one purpose. The removal of the idea of externality of the object is the process of meditation. There are certain misconceptions about Yoga. It is based on a sound philosophy and deep psychology. It is an education process by which the human mind is trained to become more and more natural and weaned from the unnatural conditions of life.

Very few authentic commentaries on the Yoga Sutras are available today. And, the aspirants in this science-minded world of today take a keener interest in this Branch of Yoga. All the Western Sadhakas take to the pratice of Raja Yoga. In Europe and America, hundreds of men and women Sadhakas owe their progress in the practice of Raja Yoga to the practical and efficient guidance of Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. Sri Swamiji’s approach is direct, clear and positive.

There has been a persistent demand for a reprint of Sri Swamiji’s Raja Yoga. We are happy now to be able to present the readers with a reprint of this precious volume.

28th July, 1999

Sri Guru Purnima

THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY

by Swami Jyotirmayananda
Hardcover (Edition: 2004)


International Yoga Society
ISBN 8185883416

Size: 8.6” X 5.6”
Pages: 240 (21 B/W & 1 Colour Illustration)

Introduction of the Book and the Author The Great Buddha, Adorable Jesus, Bhagavan Krishna, Divine Moses and all great pioneers of spiritual movement were endowed with extraordinary psychic powers. Even many centuries before Christ, the Sages ad Seers of India possessed miraculous psychic powers. How did they achieve their greatness? What secrets did they pursuer in order to unravel the infinite powers of the mind? All this and more is given in this inspiring book, “Yoga Secrets of Psychic Powers”. The Genius of Yoga, Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda reveals now those secrets of psychic powers that made these great personalities the immortal torch-bearers of wisdom and cosmic love.

Not only are these psychic powers explained but full instructions are detailed upon so that anyone wishing to tread the path of psychic powers may commence immediately on his endeavour to gain mastery over any technique he chooses.

The mysteries of he mind are ar, far beyond the imagination of any individual. So profound and vast are the possibilities of the mind that even science has never been able to fathom its depths! Deeper than the deepest ocean, higher than the highest mountain, stronger than the mightiest hurricane, and more delicate than the fragrance of rose, such is the human mind that remains unexplored by most people of the world.

Few have known the true nature of the unconscious mind and what lies hidden in its depths. In the innermost regions of the mind lies an extraordinary power, sometimes referred to as extrasensory perception or ‘occult powers’. However, in Yogic terminology it is known as Siddhis or Psychic Powers. The renouned author, Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda, tell show these powers are inherent in everyone, but remain untapped and unused. For the vast majority of people they continue to remain unseen and unheard.

Just as resources of oil and gold lie hidden beneath the sea and land, so too, the unique mysterious powers of the mind lie dormant and untouched by man. Mahatma Gandhi of India had great spiritual powers. Even men in different fields of life are able to express powers in different ways. Isaac Newton, the discoverer of the law of gravitation; Einstein, the discoverer of the law of relativity, Wagner, the great composer; Leonardo da Vinci, the great painter and artist, and any others were endowed with extraordinary powers of the mind. Can there by any work of glory and greatness without the power of this mysterious mind? Within these pages, it is shown that the understanding of psychic powers and the secrets of developing them are important for conquering all weaknesses of the body and mind. With an insight into the immense resources of he soul, you move from strength to a greater strength; from success to a greater success, from the ordinary state of consciousness to the extraordinary attainment of Self-realization only known by a few mortal men.

In the Bible, Luke 12-2, Jesus said, “There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known,” Here Jesus was referring to the mind that knowns, to the all-seeing Spirit, from which nothing is concealed.

The cosmic Ear hear everything, the Eternal Mind knowns all things, and the Witnessing Self sees all that is confined to the law of cause and effect relationship. The Upanishads say, “This Divine self is hidden in all beings. He pervades all that exists. He is the indweller of all. He is the bestower of the fruits of Karmas (results of actions). He is the abode of all beings. He is the Eternal Witness, Pure Consciousness, Non-dual, and devoid of all limitations.”
- Shwetashwater Uapnishad 6/11.

The Universal self is the essence of all, and each one has access to this source through the profundities of his mind. By attuning the individual mind to the Cosmic Mind there is nothing that the soul cannot acquire or experience. This soul in a human being can realize its identity with the Supreme Self. What can be a greater attainment than this? The author emphatically declares that all the secrets of psychic powers are ultimately meant for unraveling the supreme secret of existence- the inherent identity of the soul with Brahman or the Absolute.

On this Book, the author, Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda has given the entire third chapter of Raja Yoga with lucid explanations and brilliant powers. In addition to this the author gives passages from Yoga Vasishtha and Srimad Bhagavat Purana to present different approaches of unraveling the inner powers of the mind. Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga, and truths about the functions of the mind have been included in this unique book for aiding one’s quest for the inner powers of the mind and the soul.

This is the thirtieth book of Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda written with usual clarity, profound simplicity and dynamic spiritual force. Showing how these mysterious powers can be achieved, he gives a great emphasis on the complete integration to personality. Therefore, an aspirant in his pursuit of psychic powers cannot become disbalanced or maladjusted in day to day life.

Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda is held in high esteem throughout the world; as a profound philosopher, a renouned religious teacher and the “Genius of Yoga.” Thousand of lives have been transformed by his visible and invisible presence and magnanimous writings imbueded with his intuitive knowledge.

Our profound appreciation to Roberto Martinez, the Artist who did the drawings and the staff of Ashram Karma Yogis who have rendered their assistance in the various aspects of the completion of this book.

May your life reveal those great powers that lie in the depths of your mind. And may the Lord grant you Eternal Peace!.

Back of the Book Discover –explore the secret powers and mysteries of great yogis of India. Learn authentic techniques of how to acquire psychic powers. See how meditation provides knowledge of past, future, rebirth & death. Experience mystic powers of the soul. Acquire extra energy for body mind.

by Swami Rajarshi Muni
Paperback (Edition: 2004)


JAICO PUBLISHING HOUSE
ISBN 817224424 X

Size: 9.6″ X 7.2″
Pages: 200

About the Book :

Yoga – The Ultimate Attainment is a groundbreaking work about “Spontaneous Yoga” or the yoga of liberation. Instead of discussing the physical exercises or meditations to achieve inner peace, this book is about a proven process by which you can achieve unlimited divine powers, liberation from the limitations of time and space, and an immortal, physically perfect divine body that is retained forever. The sagas who composed the ancient scriptures achieved such a state – as have people of all religious traditions. How? Through the process of spontaneous Yoga, in which the body and mind are surrendered to the spontaneous workings of the awakened life force: prana.

Once prana has been awakened, it works in its own amazing way to purify your physical and non-physical body and over time, all the bondages of karma are released and you become fully liberated. Yoga – The Ultimate Attainment reveals how anyone who’s genuinely sincere can practice dharma, or pure conscious living, which results in prosperity, pleasure, happiness, and the joy of selflessness.

About the Author:

Swami Rajarshi Muni was born in 1931 and has devoted himself to serious yoga study since 1950. He renounced the world to receive Sannyas initiation in 1971, and lives in seclusion practicing the yoga of liberation.

(Theory, Practice and Applications)

by N. C. Panda
Paperback (Edition: 2007)


D. K. Printworld (P) Ltd., New Delhi
ISBN 8124603898

Size: 8.3″X 5.3
Pages: 388 (Black & White Illus: 94, Figures: 28)

Back of the Book

The repetition of God’s name or of a mantra containing God’s name, otherwise known as japa, is a religious ritual, generally meant for the emancipation of the self. The present book on japa-yoga has not neglected this aspect. But, it is more comprehensive and a broad-range book. That japa is a branch of yoga, an easily attainable one and simultaneously a very effective one, has been emphasized. The theory and methology of japa in Patanjala Yoga, in the Vedas, in the Vedanta and in the Tantra, in the perspective of knowledge and devotion, have clearly been outlined. The book ha been divided into three Chapters. Chapter 1 expounds the theory of japa based on classical scriptures. Chapter 2 presents the practice of japa in a clearly graspable style, easy to be followed by the practice of japa in a clearly graspable style, easy to be followed by the readers. Chapter 3 deals with the applications of japa for the uplift of human personality and spirituality, for attaining the liberation of the self, for mental peace and tranquility, and for physical health inclusive of the prevention and treatment of diseases, both physical and mental. The last part of this book tries to explain the effects of japa-applications on a scientific footing, a successful attempt made for the first time.

The approach to japa has been holistic – religious, spiritual, scientific, Vedic, Vedantic, Yogic and Tantric.

Nrusingh Charan Panda is the 1929-born scientist Emeritus – having retired from the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, from he post of the Dean of the Veterinary Faculty. He is essentially a versatile personality combining in him the endowment of a scientist, a Sanskritist, a philosopher, a psychologist, a litterateur (novelist, story-writer, poet, essayist) a yogi and a Tantrist. His achievement have been recognized, at different times, with a number of prestigious awards in both science and literature.

Professor Panda is internationally reputed for his scientific interpretations of the Vedas and the allied Vedic literature. He has also authored a number of widely acclaimed books. His approach is truly integral, synthetic and holistic.

Prologue

The yoga of devotion (bhakti-yoga) lays a great deal of importance of the japa (the repeated utterance – silent, whispering or vocal – of the name of God), Which appeals to the religious persons. The Bhagavad-Gita has eulogized the japa. As a matter of fact, all religions hold similar opinions on the benefits obtained from the repeated utterance of God’s name. The philosophy related to bhakti yoga is mostly dualistic in some sense or other.

The yoga of the realization of the Reality (Jnana-yoga) uses the pranava-japa and the pranava-dhyana as a ladder to ascend the steps to reach the summit. Philosophically speaking, the Jnana-yoga is primarily non-dualistic. None the less, the onkara-japa plays a prominent role in the spiritual practices of non-dualism.

The Patanjala-yoga of eight limbs, otherwise known as the Astanga yoga or the raja-yoga, advocates the japa of the pranava, the om that designates Isvara (God). If properly done, the japa becomes dhyana, one of the higher limbs of the eightfold yoga.

Mantra-japa is vitally important in Tantra. Although Tantra-Yoga is an important branch of yoga, a few realize that Tantra has anything to do with yoga. The Kundalini Yoga is an exclusive branch of Tantra. One can hardly separate hatha-yoga and Tantra. Bandhas, mudras and nyasas are the contributions of Tantra-Yoga. A tantrika can hardly achieve anything without the purascarana japa. Notwithstanding these facts, any book on japa rarely deals with any tantrika japa.

It is heartening to note that yoga has been popularized throughout the world. Most yoga schools limit their activities to physical postures (yogasanas), sometimes with a little addition of Pranayama and meditation. Most yoga schools do not give much emphasis on the three higher limbs of the yogic practices, namely, Dharana, dhyana and Samadhi, Yoga practices, for the improvement of physical health and for preventing and curing diseases, are not discredited here. At the same time, it is emphasized that the mental and the spiritual health can hardly be neglected. Further, it is to be noted that the primary goal of Yoga is spiritulization of oneself and that liberation (moksa) is to be sought by making Yoga a means.

We have a conviction that the japa technique of Yoga is comparatively easier than the other ones. In spite of this fact, many yoga schools hardly give any importance to this technique.

We went through the scanty number of yoga books on japa. A few of them are reasonably good and we have been immensely benefited by them. Nevertheless, we have a feeling that a lacuna does exist and it is to be got over. And hence is this attempt to write this book.

With regard to japa-yoga, our approach has been holistic and synthetic. Essentially, we are non-dualistic and monotheistic in a wider frame, which binds diverse theories of dualism, polytheism and pantheism. We are firm and steadfast about the fact that Being is formless and a single one only. At the same time, we do accept forms and multiplicity by accepting the phenomenon of manifestation from the Unmanifest and also by recognizing the psychological need of forms for avoiding abstractions and for better mental concretization. Thus, we have drawn no line of demarcation. Thus, we have drawn no line of demarcation between yoga and Tantra, Vedic and non-Vedic systems, dualism and non-dualism, form-worship and formless worship, devotion and knowledge, science and spirituality and the sundries.

This book on japa-yoga has systematized japas of diverse systems. It has elaborated the techniques in simplified ways. It focuses on the methods of doing the japa. It is up to the reader to choose one or more of the techniques of japa for his/her adoption out of the cafetaria-presentation.

The japa is usually regarded as a religious activity. We have not denied that. But we have philosophized it and that is the reason for short discourses here and there on different philosophical systems. As a religious activity, it is based on faith. As part of philosophy, it is based on rationality, logicality and analysis. We have leaned more on spirituality than on religion.

It is hard for some people to accept the japa as a science. We do not agree with them. This book on japa-yoga has a lot of science, especially medical science with special reference to the treatment of diseases. Any reader can practise the japa methods and ascertain the benefits obtained. Any medical scientist may do experimentation on the efficacy of the japa-methods for preventing and curing diseases. It is hoped that doctors, in the future, may prescribe the japa-techniques in addition to their medical and/or surgical therapies.

The japa-sadhana is partly subjective and partly objective. Objectivity which is a key-word in scientific experimentation may not wisely exclude this partial subjectivity while evaluating the experimental result.

by Translated By: Pancham Sinh, Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vasu, Romanised and Edited By: Dr. G.P. Bhatt
Paperback (Edition: 2004)


Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
ISBN 812082055X

Size: 8.5″ X 5.4″
Pages: 291

From the Jacket:

This book, which is the collection of three principal sources on the Hathayoga, namely the Hathayoga Pradipika, the Gheranda Samhita and the Siva Samhita, written in the medieval period, is rather the reproduction of the three Sanskrit texts and their revised English translations, originally published by Panini office, Allahabad (1914-15).

The Hathayoga or ‘Forceful Yoga’, which was particularly popularized by Gorakhanatha, a noted thirteenth century yogi, still has many followers in Indian and abroad. The most distinctive element of the Hathayoga is its theory, that the prescribed purifications of the body and physical exercises and practices related with the cakras, nadis, kundalini and so on, eventually, lead to the samadhi or supreme concentration of the mind. Further more, the practitioner may develop supernormal powers to realize the summum bonum of life. This collection of the three texts makes a brilliant exposition of the above theory to compensate the loss of the Gorakhanatha’s original text on the Hathayoga.

About the Author:

Dr. G.P. Bhatt, M.A. Ph.D. has specialized in the epistemology of the school of the great Mimamsaka Kumarila Bhatta and is the author of The Basic Ways of Knowing, a revised edition of the much earlier published Epistemology of the Bhatta School of Purva Mimamsa on the subject. He is currently Academic Consultant to the Publishing House of Motilal Banarsidass.

(An Illustrated Guide to Yoga Practice)

by Yogacharya Janakiraman & Caroline Rosso Cicogna
Paperback (Edition: 2005)


New Age Books
ISBN 8178222477

Size: 8.3″ X 5.4″
Pages: 286 (Illustrated throughout in Black and White)

Back of the Book

This book offers new insights into the age-old discipline of Solar Yoga. It treats a carefully selected number of classical Yoga practices in a novel manner, integrating the use of sound vibrations with that of postures and breathing techniques at the physical, psychic and spiritual levels. Because of its clear and methodical approach, SOLAR YOGA can be enjoyed by everyone. New students will find the book a valuable and well-illustrated guide for their practice. Yoga teachers will be able to use it as a handy reference manual and the general reader will find it a synthesis of the philosophical background to the solar method and a comprehensive description of its application to every day life.

Yogacharya Janakiraman, a long-time devotee of Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba, was a recognized authority on Yoga who, for some years, combined the teaching of this discipline with his profession as an aeronautical engineer in Bangalore, India before moving to Europe. In 1986, he founded the International Aditya Yoga Association with Caroline Rosso Cicogna in Trieste, Italy. An accomplished devotional singer and a Yoga therapist, he trained Yoga teachers who are disseminating his method in Australia, India and Europe.

Caroline Rosso Cicogna, a disciple of Sree Ananda Mayee Ma, is a simultaneous interpreter by profession. She lived many years in India and came in contact with some of the great living Masters of Yoga in India and underwent a thorough training in the disciplines she writes about in this book. In Italy, she taught Yoga with Sri Janakiraman at their centre in Trieste. She is now living in Nice, France where she dedicates her sadhana to Matri Yoga.

Preface

Salutations and adorations to surya Narayana, the Sun God. The sun is a visible manifestation of the Divine. It is the sustainer of life. It is the giver of life. There wouldn’t be any form of life on this earth planet without the sun. The sun is the source of all forms of life on this earth.

My salutations to Lord Shiva, the all auspicious one who is the expounder of Surya Yoga.

Every man or woman in this world wants happiness. Nobody wants pain. No one needs to teach anyone to seek happiness. It is the innate, inherent Svabhava (nature) of everyone to seek happiness. Ananda (Bliss) is the embodiment of one’s own nature.

Fulfilment of desires cannot bring true peace of mind. Just as fuel when poured over the fire aggravates it, so also worldly enjoyment intensifies desires and makes the mind all the more restless. Fulfilment of desires will only bring disappointment. Disappointment comes because the object of one’s imagination, when obtained, always falls short of all possible expectations.

Yoga teaches the way to withdraw the mind from the objects of the world and to remove desire from the mind. But, before commencing the higher practices of Yoga, it is very important that one should have a sound body and mind. Without health, one cannot achieve anything in this world. Therefore, health is an essential factor for all achievements in this world whether they are secular or spiritual.

The book SOLAR YOGA is the combined effort of Yogacharya Janakiraman and Sister Caroline. The book is divided in three sections. The first section contains a complete description of the essence, the history and the practices of Solar Yoga. The second section offers a detailed study of twenty-five classical Asanas or Yoga postures. The third section presents a thorough discussion of the practice of Pranayama or the art of breathing.

Each subject is dealt with in great detail. It is a handbook for every Yoga seeker. The entire book makes very interesting study. The explanations are given in such a way that even a lay student can easily understand and practice on his own.

Seekers in the West who are interested in Yogic practices naturally start reading every type of book on Hatha Yoga and similar subjects. Sometimes these books are confusing and can even be unintelligible. More often, they have been written by persons whose aim would be only to show off their learning rather than teach real Yoga. At times, some of the books have nothing to do with Yoga.

The difference between such books and SOLAR YOGA is that its authors, Sri Janakiraman and Sister Caroline are themselves first-rate seekers. Whatever they have dealt with in their book is the result of their years of practice of Yoga and application in teaching. They themselves found immense benefit and they were not content to have the benefit for themselves alone. They sought to share their experience and knowledge with fellow seekers. It is with this aim that this book has been written.

In it, Sister Caroline has taken great care in giving detailed and illustrated instructions regarding the technique of the postures so that the reader may follow them with great ease.

I have known Sister Caroline for many years. She herself is a genuine seeker in the path of Yoga. She came in contact with great saints and sages of India and is spiritually bound to Sree Ananda Mayee Ma of sacred and hallowed memory. I am sure that many will be benefited by the study of this book and I hope that it will enjoy a wide circulation.

May God bless you all with radiant health, long life, happiness and contentment.

Foreword

First, some thoughts on Religion and Science.

As a practicing Muslim, I believe in the spiritual message of the Holy Koran. As a scientist, I believe in the truth of the manifestations of nature. The Holy Koran emphasizes the necessity for reflection on the laws of nature, with examples drawn from cosmology, physics and biology. I recall the words of Einstein, the most famous scientist of our century. The most beautiful experience we can have is of the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion, which stands at the cradle of true science. Whoever does not know it, and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed. It was the experience of mystery, even if mixed with fear, that engendered relgion.:

The Abrahamic religions claim to provide a meaning to the mystery of life and death. These religions speak of a Lord, who not only created natural law and the universe in His glory, but also created us, the human beings in His own image, endowing them not only with speech but also with spiritual life and spiritual longings. The second aspect is of the Lord who answers prayers, when one turns to Him in distress. The third is of the Lord who, in the eyes of the mystic and the Sufi, personifies eternal beauty and is to be adored for this. The fourth is of the Lord who endows some humans, the prophets, and His chosen saints, with divinely inspired knowledge through revelations. The sages and mystics had revelations of the divine truths.

Second, some thoughts about the authors of this book whom I know personally.

Sri Janakiraman is known to me not only as a person with a scientific and technological background, but also as a spiritua being who has excelled in the art of teaching Yoga in a true spirit of sharing his knowledge with ardent seekers. And, his soul finds an even more intense expression when he can dedicate himself to devotional singing in praise of the divine.

Caroline Rosso Cicogna, who has created the Aditya International Yoga Center along with Sri Janakiraman in Trieste, is a freelance simultaneous interpreter at the United Nations. She is a knowledgeable and sensitive Yoga teacher who has spent many years of her life in India, studying the cultural and philosophical background of the yogic practices.

I give my hearty and sincere good wishes to the authors and to their Aditya Yoga Center.