I took my time going over this book. I actually bought it when I was 14 years old and just starting walking again after 7 years after not walking due to chronic pain condition called RSD. I shelved it and recently picked it back up... Yoga has helped me regain muscle and relearn to connect with my body. This book was very informative about the history and background of yoga and it really breaks down different yoga poses and even breathing excersizes for all levels of yoga practitioners. Great book. I utilize a lot of things I have learned in this book in my daily practice of yoga.
An introductory section of this 1936 book (apparently written by Helena Roerich) states, “Entering upon labor, let us beware of weakening in action. Through ignorance it is possible to be filled with thoughts which enfeeble and impede the broadening of consciousness. But let us remind ourselves about the Fundamental Force. Let us reiterate the principles of the Source of advancement and tirelessness. The All-bestowing Principle is often forgotten, therefore let us summon all our attentiveness in order to become acquainted with the Fundamental Force.”
It states, “When you ponder deeply, you will perceive Our path… We grieve when We see that people, not having reached the line of salvation, as madmen cast themselves into the abyss… Yet often the madmen dare to assault the highest while they are still enveloped by darkness… The most savage assault is shattered against the rock of the unconquerable spirit. The boasting of the dark forces only indicates their madness. All-powerful Aum will overcome the most insane and violent attack.” (#6, pg. 9-10)
It says, “a thought from out in the Infinite is carried through all the worlds. Aum is the power of Grace. Already in remote antiquity people realized Divine Omniscience as an all-pervading energy. Is not then a thought from Infinity a great miracle!” (#13, pg. 14)
It explains “Why say ‘Aum,’ when it is possible to say ‘prayer’? In substance they are the same, but because of its antiquity and refinement the sound ‘Aum’ will be the stronger in its vibration.” (#25, pg. 18) It adds, “Prayer may be likened to a magnet. The action of prayer makes the heart tense and attracts from space the best thoughts… The antithesis of prayer is profanity. It defiles and disturbs space…” (#37-38, pg. 24)
It advises, “There can be no truce with Satan. Near Satan there is only slavery. To mollify Satan is impossible… Thus, let us charge upon Satan.” (#39, pg. 25)
It says, “Through prayer healings are often accomplished. It is not difficult to understand that the bond with the Higher World aids the heart, and carries along the nerves a salutary Benefaction. It is not difficult to understand this even from the conventional scientific viewpoint.” (#63, pg. 34-35)
It states, “With whom may one fortify one’s thoughts? Only with the Guru. He is as a rock, near which it is possible to be sheltered from the storm. Reverence for the Guru is the path to the Higher World.” (#74, pg. 38-39)
It observes, “prayer can be a great scientific experiment and proof. When I say ‘Aum,’ I have in mind benefit to the world.” (#90, pg. 47)
It asserts, “Alteration of karma appears unthinkable to many, but they err, forgetting about heavenly Justice. It is possible to experience instantaneously the highest realizations… Not only is it difficult to assimilate the law of karma, it is still more difficult to perceive the elementary law of incarnation. Yet the Scriptures of the most ancient times often spoke of such a change of life… For whole ages reincarnations have been acknowledged, but later they were again forgotten and it was even forbidden to think about them… One should not deny the statements of children about their past lives… Especially nowadays there often will be rapid reincarnations…” (#96-97, pg. 50-51)
It explains, “One of the reasons why Samadhi occurs so rarely is because people do no know how to deal with such an exalted state. They endeavor to interpret the beginning of each unusual condition…” (#113, pg. 59)
It recommends, “I always advise writing down various observations; from them, in time, a valuable chronicle may be compiled. Such writings are helpful in the study of the history of evolution.” (#230, pg. 111)
It says, “One may ask, ‘What is the connection between Aum and useful institutions?’ Both are expressions of Harmony; thus, lofty concepts cannot be separated. Only prejudice is so blind as not to see the paths to unity.” (#317, pg. 155)
It says, “The wisdom of all the ages enjoins---'Know thyself!’ In this counsel attention is turned to the most secret, which has been ordained to become revealed.” (#371, pg. 182)
It notes, “It may be asked, ‘Is a new epoch beginning?’ Verily it has begun, because the realization of great energies is entering into life, and science if rising to new heights.” (#397, pg. 196)
It states, “Many concepts need clarifying: among them, mysticism must be defined. If it denotes exact knowledge, then this conception may be retained. But if the aim is not knowledge but hazy structures, then the word ‘mysticism’ should be withdrawn from circulation. We propose knowledge beneficial for the progress of mankind.” (#458, pg. 224)
It observes, “It has long been established that criminality is a psychic disease. Sadism, cruelty, and violence likewise result from the same psychic epidemic. It is impossible to rescue humanity from such scourges if it does not turn its attention to the conditions of psychic energy---it is growing in pressure… it presents the danger of an explosion.” (#513, pg. 250)
It says, “Humanity already recognizes the subtle energy. People do not know how to study it and apply it to life, yet the concept is unquestionably manifested in different fields of science. A multitude of proofs are coming in from all sides. Already quite a few skeptics do not dare to object and ridicule…” (#598, pg. 289)
It concludes, “Thus the path has been opened and the traveler is welcome. The symbol of the combination of the higher energies is AUM.” (#599-600, pg. 291)
This book may interest some Westerners interested in semi-Eastern religious thought (more along the lines of Theosophy, than of actual Eastern religions).
I picked this one up at Half Price books, thinking I might use it to supplement some of my yoga videos. The books is actually pretty good with a lot of pictures and step by step instructions. However, I found some of the poses pretty much impossible for me (that may be no fault of the book...I kinda suck at yoga).
Wonderful book that introduces yoga to those who are new and/or curious. I like the metal coil binding because it makes the book lay flat. The print is very small and hard to read.
Fantastic book. Christiana Brown wrote several yoga books.
I was planning to attend some yoga classes with my friends when I bought this book. BUT, we all changed our plans and decided to kick it hardcore with Muay Thai. Anyway, this book is good!!
Another wonderful discovery at Powell Books in Portland. A comprehensive source of the practice of yoga supported with colour pictures and historical and philosophical rationale behind the practice, and the therapeutic merits of each pose. Great reference book to have on hand.