Basile P. Catomeris

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Foundations of yoga

· Shows how to enrich your physical Yoga practice by embracing and integrating Hatha Yoga's metaphysical, spiritual and psychological traditions · Explores the energy-focusing movements known as mudras and purification methods that can boost metabolism, reinforce muscles and facilitate advanced sexual practices Foundations of Yoga presents the full and rigorous yogic training of traditional Hatha Yoga as taught by renowned Indian Yoga master the late Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami. Written by his disciple and spiritual heir, the book emphasises metaphysical, spiritual and psychological cultivation in addition to physical practice. It offers Yoga practitioners and teachers a way to enrich and advance their physical Yoga practice through a deeper understanding of physiology, psychology, philosophy and spirituality centred on vedic and tantric principles. As the teachings and life of Sri S. S. Goswami show, by strengthening the body, vital force and mind, one can master all three for a long, healthy, harmonious life. Woven together with stories from Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami's life, the book explains in-depth all of the physical and mental exercises associated with the pratice of Yoga and explores the philosophy of Yoga, sharing meditative exercises for introspection, expanding consciousness and seeking your true divine nature. Inside there are detailed instructions on pratyâhâra (control of the senses), châranâ (yogic bodybuilding), mental concentration exercises, and the energy-focusing and purifying muscular-control movements known as mudras, including the metabolism-boosting mahamudra and advanced pelvic mudras and sexual practices to transcend the ego. The book explores methods of internal purification such as dhauti (cleansing of the stomach with air or water), vasti (intestinal cleansing), neti (nasal cleansing), trâtaka (visual concentration exercises), and kapâlabhâti (diaphragmatic hyperventilation) and shows how these purifications are necessary before beginning the advanced breathing practices of prânayâma to eradicate deep internal impurities and strengthen the immune system.