The Vedanta Philosophy includes the different branches of the Science of Yoga. Four of these have already been treated at length by the Swâmi Vivekananda in his works on "Râja Yoga," "Karma Yoga," "Bhakti Yoga," and "Jnâna Yoga"; but there existed no short and consecutive survey of the science as a whole. It is to meet this need that the present volume has been written. In an introductory chapter are set forth the true province of religion and the full significance of the word "spirituality" as it is understood in India. Next follows a definition of the term "Yoga," with short chapters on each of the five paths to which it is applied, and their respective practices.
A high-profile Ashtanga Yoga teacher introduces an inspirational 30-day program that will “completely overhaul your attitude . . . eliminate negativity . . . while also allowing yoga to transform your body” (PopSugar) “The brave heart of a yogi is defined by actions that make the world a better place.” Live with authenticity. Practice patience. Let go of negativity. These are some of the core tenets of a yoga lifestyle, on and off the mat. Yoga is about much more than twisting yourself into shapes—the heart of this ancient practice is an inner journey, one of reflection, spiritual awakening, and ultimately a calm, clear mind. The Yogi Assignment is a 30-day introduction to these life-affirming and simple—yet revolutionary—principles. Led by master Ashtanga yoga teacher Kino MacGregor, this journey will challenge and uplift your body, mind, and spirit. Each day offers a practice and meditation that will help you confront your emotional, physical, and mental limitations and inspire real change in your life. MacGregor is a fierce, loving guide who encourages you to look deeply within to find your wellspring of inner strength and courage.
The autobiography of Paramahansa Yogananda (1893 - 1952) details his search for a guru, during which he encountered many spiritual leaders and world-renowned scientists. When it was published in 1946 it was the first introduction of many westerners to yoga and meditation. The famous opera singer Amelita Galli-Curci said about the book: "Amazing, true stories of saints and masters of India, blended with priceless superphysical information-much needed to balance the Western material efficiency with Eastern spiritual efficiency-come from the vigorous pen of Paramhansa Yogananda, whose teachings my husband and myself have had the pleasure of studying for twenty years."
See how a life spent largely outdoorsin the wilds of northern Canada, the underwater wonderland of the Caribbean, and throughout the untamed Himalayaspresented the challenges that shaped a timid mothers boy into a confident yogi and ambassador for self-transformation. Through humorous and poignant life stories--attending an all-male boarding school, coming out as a gay man, building a successful yoga career--here Yogi Aaron shares lessons in living with empowerment and authenticity. From the creator of Hot Nude Yoga, a global phenomenon during the early 2000s, a story of struggle and healing found through the practices of Tantric yoga. Today owner and yoga director at Blue Osa Yoga Retreat and Spa in Costa Rica and leader of world-wide retreats through Blue Osa Journeys, Yogi Aaron is known for his humorous yet vastly knowledgeable approach to teaching this centuries-old wisdom. A must-read for aspiring yogis, yoga teachers, world travelers, nudists, gay men, people wanting to manifest positive change in their lives.
Learn how to drive success and balance through adopting the principles of the world’s oldest and most successful fitness regime: Yoga. Yoga has long been embraced by the Western world for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits—combining lifestyle philosophy and rewarding physical exercise with socio-economic practices for internal and external strength, focus, and calm. As yoga has found a home in mainstream society, its frameworks and techniques are proving increasingly relevant to leadership demands of the modern business world. This practical guidebook provides accessible methods for using yoga and Ayurveda as a means to fully unlock the creativity and leadership potential required to achieve career success, while simultaneously finding inner harmony and overall well-being. The authors—a successful California technology entrepreneur turned executive coach and a world-renowned Himalayan yofa master with a PhD—have created a real-world approach to establishing a lasting balanced lifestyle without the need for any prior yoga experience. In this illuminating book, they leverage their understating of the priorities of the busy modern professional to present a simple and accessible system for changing your life through yoga. Filled with physical and mental exercises, personalized guides for diet and lifestyle, and tools such as meditation and breathing exercises, The Business Casual Yogi has an easy-to-follow framework that will help you attain greater happiness, balance, and success. “An excellent book that makes the ancient wisdom tradition of Yoga accessible to a modern audience.” —Gopi Kallayil, Chief Evangelist, Brand Marketing, Google, and author of The Internet to the Inner-net and The Happy Human “The teachings of The Business Casual Yogi have helped me become a better person and leader. We all know the “what” —that yoga is good for us. For an engineer like me, I needed the “why” and the “how.” This book illustrates that and helps create a roadmap to achieve balance between body, mind and career success.” —Tuhin Halder, Vice President of Finance & Operations, Comcast Corporation “For those professionals looking to take their business and their personal lives to the next level, Vish has provided all the necessary tools and ingredients for your journey. Truly a book that personally inspires through introspection and one you will want to continually refer too.” —Jim Schlager, Principal, Moss Adams Wealth Management
DIARY OF A YOGI – A BOOK OF AWAKENING Based on the life of Altair Shyam A mystical tale of revelations and transformation. A book of beauty and presence that transforms the way you love and opens your heart to the miracles of this precious lifetime through the power of pure intention. “This is it. Diary of a Yogi – a True Story is more than a book. It is a journey you take that will profoundly impact your life. This is your chance to go into the forest and emerge transformed.” Jane Tara
A foremost Ashtanga Yoga teacher tells you “everything you ever wanted to know from a yogi” in this guide for beginners and experienced practitioners alike (Huffington Post) Go inside the philosophy, history, and practices of a popular and athletic type of yoga—with step-by-step instructions and gems of wisdom for starting your own journey to self-realization Ashtanga Yoga has become extremely popular in recent years. Here, Kino MacGregor—a disciple of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the great modern guru who developed Ashtanga Yoga—gives a comprehensive view of the practice, demonstrating how Ashtanga is fundamentally a path of spiritual transformation and personal development. MacGregor delves into the history and tradition of Ashtanga Yoga and reveals how its philosophy manifests in contemporary lifestyle and dietary choices. She also explains the essential connection of breath, posture, and gaze that is the core of the practice. Her clear, step-by-step instruction of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series—including standing, seated, backbending, twisting, hip-opening, and closing postures—is a wonderful initiation for those who are new to the practice, and it will motivate experienced yogis toward perfection of the form. Throughout, MacGregor shares her own personal yoga journey and her devotion to yoga as a path of self-realization in a way that will inspire all practitioners.
How to Be a Yogi by Swami Abhedananda: A practical guide to yoga and meditation, "How to Be a Yogi" provides valuable insights into the art and science of spiritual growth and self-discovery. Abhedananda's work draws on traditional Hindu and Buddhist teachings to offer a comprehensive and practical understanding of the yogic path. Key Aspects of the Book "How to Be a Yogi": Practical Guide to Yoga and Meditation: The book provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the art and science of spiritual growth and self-discovery through yoga and meditation. Traditional Hindu and Buddhist Teachings: Abhedananda's work draws on the rich and complex traditions of Hindu and Buddhist teachings, enriching its insights with a deep understanding of these spiritual paths. Perspective on Spiritual Growth: The book offers valuable perspectives on spiritual growth, exploring the ways in which yoga and meditation can enhance and enrich our understanding of the human experience. Swami Abhedananda was an Indian philosopher, yogi, and teacher who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works on yoga, meditation, and spiritual growth have contributed significantly to the fields of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Spirituality does not depend upon the reading of Scriptures, or upon learned interpretations of Sacred Books, or upon fine theological discussions, but upon the realization of unchangeable Truth. In India a man is called truly spiritual or religious not because he has written some book, not because he possesses the gift of oratory and can preach eloquent sermons, but because he expresses divine powers through his words and deeds. A thoroughly illiterate man can attain to the highest state of spiritual perfection without going to any school or university, and without reading any Scripture, if he can conquer his animal nature by realizing his true Self and its relation to the universal Spirit; or, in other words, if he can attain to the knowledge of that Truth which dwells within him, and which is the same as the Infinite Source of existence, intelligence, and bliss. He who has mastered all the Scriptures, philosophies, and sciences, may be regarded by society as an intellectual giant; yet he cannot be equal to that unlettered man who, having realized the eternal Truth, has become one with it, who sees God everywhere, and who lives on this earth as an embodiment of Divinity. The writer had the good fortune to be acquainted with such a divine man in India. His name was Râmakrishna. He never went to any school, neither had he read any of the Scriptures, philosophies, or scientific treatises of the world, yet he had reached perfection by realizing God through the practice of Yoga. These powers begin to manifest in the soul that is awakened to the ultimate Reality of the universe. It is then that the sixth sense of direct perception of higher truths develops and frees it from dependence upon the sense powers. This sixth sense or spiritual eye is latent in each individual, but it opens in a few only among millions, and they are known as Yogis. With the vast majority it is in a rudimentary state, covered by a thick veil. When, however, through the practice of Yoga it unfolds in a man, he becomes conscious of the higher invisible realms and of everything that exists on the soul plane. Whatever he says harmonizes with the sayings and writings of all the great Seers of Truth of every age and clime. He does not study books; he has no need to do so, for he knows all that the human intellect can conceive. He can grasp the purport of a book without reading its text; he also understands how much the human mind can express through words, and he is familiar with that which is beyond thoughts and which consequently can never be expressed by words.
Before he was one of the most well-known yoga teachers in North America and an international hip hop artist, MC YOGI was a juvenile delinquent who was kicked out of three schools, sent to live at a group home for at-risk youth, arrested for vandalism, and caught up in a world of drugs, chaos and carelessness. At eighteen, fate brought him to his first yoga class. After discovering yoga, MC YOGI devoted himself to the practice. From traveling to India to study with gurus to living and learning with many American yoga masters, MC YOGI soaked in the knowledge that would revolutionize his entire life and put him on the path to healing, wholeness, and peace. Through technicolor stories of graffiti and guns, mystics and musicians, love, loss, and finding his soul’s purpose, MC YOGI’s journey is saturated in spiritual wisdom, illuminating the potential for transformation within us all.
