Table of Contents
Preface
What is Yoga?
Who is a Practitioner
Benefits and Aim of Yoga
Synopsis of the Text
Acknowledgements
Key to Transliteration
Ashtanga Yoga -- An Introduction
Yama (External Discipline)
Niyama (Internal Discipline) or Injunction
Asana (Postures)
Pranayama (Breathing Practice)
Pratyahara (Introversion)
Dharana (Fixation)
Dhyana (Meditation)
Samadhi (Engrossment)
Part - I
Purification of Physical Body
(Sharirika Shuddhi Vijnana)
1. Science of Physical Body (Sharirika Vijnana)
Introduction
Nervous System
Glandular System
Respiratory System
Blood Circulation System
Digestive System
Excretory System
2. Science of Body Cleansing (Shatkarma Vijnana)
Introduction
Neti (Nasal Cleaning)
Dhauti (Wash)
Nauli (Abdominal Isolation)
Basti (Intestinal Wash – Cleansing of Colon)
Kapalabhati (Brain Cleaning)
Trataka (Staring — Constant Gazing)
3. Science of Postures (Asana Vijnana)
Introduction
Precautions in Yoga
Preparative Postures
Pavanamuktasana — Part I (Non-Rheumatizing Postures)
Pavanamuktasana — Part II (For Expelling Gas)
Pavanamuktasana — Part III (Non-Rheumatic Eye Postures)
Shaktibandha Asanas (Energy Lock Postures)
Meditative Postures (Dhyanasana)
Postures Done in Seated Position
Standing Posture Series
Postures, Performed Lying on Stomach
Postures, Performed by Lying on the Back
Postures, Performed by Resting on Head
4. Science of Breathing (Pranayama Vijnana)
Introduction
Some Important Guidelines for Pranayama
Preperatory Practices of Pranayama
The Pranayama Practices
5. Science of Gestures and Locks (Mudra and Bandha Vijnana)
Mudra (Gesture)
Ordinary Mudras (Gestures)
Yogic Mudras (Yogic Gestures)
Bandha (Yogic Locks)
Part II
Purification of Mind
(Cittashuddhi Vijnana)
6. Science of Desireless Actions (Nishkama Karma Yoga Vijnana)
7. Science of Balanced Diet (Yuktahara Vijnana)
Santosha
Abhyasa Vairagya
Maitryadi
Yuktahara
8. Science of Yogic Trance (Yoga Nidra Vijnana)
Introduction
Procedure
Benefits
9. Science of Introversion (Pratyahara Vijnana)
What is Mind
Influence of Sattva
Power of Rajas
Sway of Tamas
Atmanivaidana or Prarthana Vijnana (Science of Surrender or Prayer)
Smarta Prarthana
Laukika Prarthana
Japa-Yoga (Science of Chanting)
Rules for the Chanting of Mantras
Ajapa-Japa (Non-Stop Eternal Chanting)
Precautions and Guidelines
10. Science of Concentration (Trataka Vijnana)
Benefits
Precautions
11. Science of Fixation (Dharana Vijnana)
Introduction
Cidakasha Dharasha
Anta -- Darshana (Inner Visualization)
Cidakasha Darshana (Cerebral or Conscious Visualization)
Antarmauna (Inner Silence)
Yogic and Tantric Dharana
Upanishadic Dharana
12. Science of Meditation (Dhyana Vijnana)
Introduction
Dainandini Dhyana (Concentration on Daily Routine)
Vicara Dhyana (Concentration on the Thoughts)
Mantra Dhyana (Sylable Meditation)
Shvasa Dhyana (Concentration on Breathing)
Sahaja Dhyana (Natural Meditation)
Nada Dhyana (Yoga of Subtle Sound)