Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: Pranayama and Taoist Mastery Of Breath
The Tao Bums > Tao Lounge > Taoist Discussion
Little1
Hello everyone,

Does anyone study Yoga Pranayama or Prananadi?
I wonder if we could make some correlations between Taoist Mastery of the 5 Breaths, thru Qi Gong and Meditation - and... Eastern Indian Theory of the 5 Types of Breath and the Exercises used to master them.

Is anyone interested in such a topic?

Thank you,

Little

smile.gif
sharp-nose
Traditionally, Yoga says that there are five kinds of prana in the body. They are: prana, apana, samana, udana and vyana. There is also the cosmic all pervading prana, which is the source of the five pranas that are confined to the body and have specific functions to animate it.

Of the five pranas in the body, prana and apana are commonly called the most important. Prana is seated in the heart and head and apana is seated at the base of the spine and is known as the "downward breath". Together, prana and apana form the polarity of breath, these to forces are actually what gives us the power to breath. Prana is the solar aspect (masculine) and apana is the lunar aspect (feminine). Of the other pranas, samana is seated in the region of the navel and is known as the "upward breath"; udana is at the throat and moves up and down the whole body; and vyana is defused through out the body holding it all together.3 Throughout this book we will refer to all of the five pranas as prana, when cosmic prana is mentioned it will be stated as such.


thelerner
Silent Grounds has a couple of CD's of guided meditations on breathing techniques. One of them appears to be very boring but is very useful. It just has tones that gradually increase in length. An 8 second tone that goes up 4 second then down. The tones go up to around a 90 second cycled breath. Its nice to have in an MP3 player set to repeat, once a breathing cycle becomes comfortable, you clip it up a notch.

The same CD has a 3 cycle breathing patterns. I think the timing goes 2-8-4. Starting at 4 seconds in, 16 second held, 8 out. The sound rises for inhale, flattens out for holding then goes down for the exhale. That tops out at a near 2 minute breathing pattern.

In Aikido we'd do a long 45 to 60 second breath cycle during meditation. Holding the breath was considered wrong. But many traditions considered it strengthening.

These days I just breath naturally, but because I've worked w/ longer breaths my natural is pretty long. At night when I can't sleep I'll do one breath for every 8 of my sleeping wifes.

What kind of breath cycles do people work with? and from which traditions?

Michael
Adam West

Hey guys,

Interesting question. I have recently been considering the profoundly encyclopedic traditional pranayama and yogic practices of the GitanandaIndian kundalini tantric tradition myself. If you were to seek these kinds of practices there are only a few formal authentic living yogic traditions and linages left, Gitananda's is one; containing something like 120 pranayamas. Here is an article about Swamiji detailing a small reflection of his accomplishments. In this tradition, Siddhis are considered signs along the path, but the true purpose of the tradition is Cosmic Consciousness - the realisation of Self. At the end, I am posting a VERY large syllabus of the official first to mid-level course that documents the seven thousand year old Indian yogic tantric tradition - it is almost overwhelming in its comprehensiveness! The Gitananda tradition is actually a composition of two Indian traditions, of which Dr Ananda is the linage head of both - a South and North Indian stream.

http://www.occultforums.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=8882

Mastering Magical Mantras

by Dr. Jonn Mumford

Some of us are like magnets for attracting the unusual and my theory is you are magnetized this way by a bizarre parental influence.

My own eccentricity is quite understandable in terms of my mother's idiosyncrasies.

She was a very unconventional woman with a distant claim to a hereditary German title of "Baroness". Her family were second cousins to the Von Hindenburg's and had migrated to Canada around the turn of the century. She was passionate about poetry, Egyptology, literature and classical music, and somehow seeded me with an expectation that I would write - considering she had me reading by the time I was five I guess that was predictable.

We lived in Toronto during World War II and I can still remember her outrageous Bohemian parties.

One night, when I was all of age six, she gave me the chore of a lifetime: baby-sitting the crocodile she had rented for the evening from a Toronto Pet shop, while it flopped around in a bathtub full of green Jell-O - much to the consternation of the guests!

Mother's other party stopper was freezing live goldfish in ice cubes and before you realized it you had a live one swimming in your drink!

I wrote my first book, Psychosomatic Yoga, in North India in my very early twenties and at the end of a long list of "drop-outs': I had dropped out of the University of British Columbia, I had 'dropped' out of Portland Chiropractic College, and finally I had' dropped' out of North America.

At that stage of my life the only thing that ever seemed to sustain my interest was the Yogic quest for an alchemical transformation within myself - and I successfully searched for very good Acharya's and my first Guru'!

Someone said "Fortune favors the brave" and I have found it so all my life!

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."

Helen Keller

In the Mid 1950's, I was truly in 'limbo", about to begin my 'drop-out' behavior when a momentous event opened a door.

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."

-Helen Keller, on Happiness

One night I wandered into a lecture hall for an advertised function by a Swami I had never heard of. The lecturer turned out to be the most charismatic person I had ever met and was to become my first Guru. What really shocked me is that the 'Swami' began his lecture with some Sanskrit and a Mantra - perfectly normal for Swami's, as I later discovered - but this was different!

The glass of water on the speaker's podium began to vibrate within seconds of Swami Gitananda's chant. I watched transfixed, rather like a hypnotized rabbit caught in car lights, as the tumbler trembled and bubbles began to rise in the water! Any moment I expected an explosion - shades of Caruso! The good Swami did not notice this event and finished the Mantric invocation just as I anticipated the goblet shattering in a wet shower of fragments. He went on nonchalantly as if nothing had occurred and indeed I believe he didn't even notice. The container of liquid settled down and became as free of agitation as a meditating Yogi!

Many years later I was to visit my beloved Swamiji in South India just months before his transition (1993). After Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri's Mahasamadhi, his wife, Meenakshi Devi, wrote in a memorial volume:

"On Sundays when we performed the elaborate Guru Pujas for the Samadhi Lingam of Sri Kambliswamigal, the brass flower plate I was holding would shake with the immense vibrations produced by Poojya Swamiji's Mantras."

Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri had the most magical command of psychic mantra and he could produce phenomena by chanting Sanskrit that I have never witnessed anywhere in the world. I was very fortunate to have him as my Guru when I was young and he was in his forties. When he was much older he seldom demonstrated his power with mantra.

He would induce profound psychic states in members of the Satsang group through chanting Shakti mantras. One of the most spectacular events I witnessed occurred about 1957 at the Yoga Jivana Center in Vancouver, Canada.

Swamijii had a lovely German disciple he named Rajinda and one night at Satsang he chanted some special mantras with the result that Rajinda went deeply into trance and her body became so rigid that Swamiji picked her up by one hand under her neck while her feet stayed on the floor. He released his hold on the back of her neck when her body was raised about forty-five degrees off the floor and she appeared to remain suspended by the feet, oscillating a few degrees back and forth with every intonation he made. This defiance of gravity went on for several more minutes before he lowered her to the floor.

The shock of witnessing such things and being in his presence when he chose to demonstrate such power is hardly comprehensible or even imaginable, to those who have not experienced it. I stopped trying to communicate the magic of such moments because most Westerners dismiss such an account as a lie at worst, or an illusion, at best

Swamiji had little tolerance for those who, in a less "politically correct" time, would qualify as 'cretins' (now diplomatically termed "Iodine Challenged!" as the director of Ananda Ashram, Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, would say.)

He was still capable of mischievously demonstrating right up to the early 1980s. In a New Age World besoughted with 'channelling' the following account by an American disciple of his, Yogacharya Raju Dev, who studied at the Pondicherry Indian Ashram with him in the 1980s is amusing.

Catching Lightning

"But one evening stands out in my mind above all others. We had a student in the Ashram at the time who fancied herself a psychic and had made a reputation in her home city for being able to lead people into past life experiences.

Swamijii, who of course had no tolerance for this kind of psychological hucksterism, decided that enough was enough and announced one afternoon that the evening Satsangha would be devoted to a "Yogic Séance" where we would explore the past lives of some of the Ashram members.

As his first volunteer he brought a young American girl up to the front of the room and after chanting several mantras started asking her if she could remember anything of her former life as a Chinese fighter pilot being shot down in a dogfight with the Japanese over the East China Sea.

When she said she couldn't, the voice of someone, certainly not Swamiji, suddenly erupted from his body in fluent Mandarin. It was so startling it sent chills up my spine and a young student sitting next to me was so frightened she couldn't stop shaking until much later in the evening!"

Extracted from the Memorial Volume: "Tribute To A Great Guru" 1995, published by ICYER, Kottakuppam, Tamil Nadu, India

The understatement of my life would be to say, "Swamiji taught me a few things about Shakti Mantras". The first time I mastered an anesthetic mantra and skewered myself he gazed at me for a moment and muttered: "I knew you could do it! You have all the qualifications: no sense - no pain!"

Swamiji's ultimate message for me is summed up by his comment:

"To destroy is easy. To create, to construct is heroic. There is only one secret in this Universe. And that is…..THERE IS NO SECRET."

Jai Jai Guruji!


YOGA: STEP – BY – STEP

This is a series of fifty – two lessons on the philosophy and practice of Yoga which includes instructions in Asanas, Kriyas, Mudras, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga relaxation and the science of Pranayama. the first stages of the Antaranga Yoga of Patanjali are dealt with by the author and particularly the early Kriyas of Pratyahara, sense withdrawal and the higher Kriyas and Prakriyas of Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga including the highly respected technique of the Hang Sah Kriya and the original Rishi culture concept and teachings of Chetana Nidra, now popularly called Yoga Nidra, Yoga psychic sleep. These lessons are in sequence and were originally published as a correspondence course in Yoga, but


Then greatly expanded into four volumes entitled:

VOL. I How to Begin a Practice of Yoga
VOL.II Yoga – Intermediate Practices
VOL.III Advanced Yoga Practices
VOL.IV Senior Yoga Practices.

These lessons are intended to be studied lesson by lesson, absorbed and learned before going on to the next lesson. In no sense is this a book to be read for the sake of reading, or to pick out some postures which one wishes to do for the sake of doing some Asanas alone. This author would be happier if you reached for some lesser-known work on Yoga if all you want to do is learn a couple of Yoga exercises—twists and jerks. This course of Yoga tuition offers a step-by-step guidance to anyone who is ready for real Rishiculture Yoga and can be followed up with numerous courses that are also available but only after these courses are studied, step –by-step.



Dedication and Acknowledgement
This author has had serious reservations about publishing any of the material entrusted to him by his Guru as all of this material was passed to him by a mouth – to – ear system, and oral system that is still the only system by which Yoga can be properly learned today. Yoga is not a visual science, and cannot be taught by visual means, no matter how good the teacher or the intentions of the well-meaning instructor. There is no substitute for a Guru and if there were, it would never be a “Kitab Guru …… Book Guru”. I have written this work after seeing so many books virtually insulted the base of real study of Yoga. In some cases, these books virtually insulted the base of Yoga as the SCIENCE OF SCIENCE, the only science of spirituality that can lead a human aspirant to enlightenment and the “At-One-Ment” with the Universal Self. With all humility and with the deepest of respect to my teachers I wish to dedicate this material which has been entrusted to me by that long line of Paramparya or Spiritual Masters without a break, who have made this life such a pleasant Yoga Life… and I hope that these “step-by-step teachings” will add a new dimension to the life of those who take up this Yoga Life step-by-step. Where I have erred may I be Karmically forgiven and where I have added some modern scientific terms it has only been to be able to help the scientifically-minded and those educated along this line. For those needing a philosophical and scientific explanation for the Kriyas and Prakriyas, this single volume will greatly help. For those needing a spiritual insight into the teachings of the way of life in which they have been raised, may this elevate your thinking into Christ Consciousness, the Buddhic splendour…. the Yogic Cosmic Consciousness.

I would be remiss if I failed to offer my life once again to the service of that great Guru in the tradition of the Rishi Brighu, Dr.Swami Kanakananda Bhrigu, to Sri Akanda Paripurna Satchidananda Satguru Srila Sri Kambli Gnana Desiga Swmigal, and Sri La Sri Peedathiapathy Shakaragiri Swamigal, the Gurus to whom I own everything I know, am have, or am able to offer to you, and the long line of Gurus, from which we are descended and to you the reader whose life will surely be blessed by this study and application of Yoga.


YOGA: STEP – BY – STEP
How to Begin a Practice of Yoga – PART 1
A Course in Yoga Tuition with Step – by – Step Guidance in the Preliminary Practices of Hatha Yoga Asanas, Kriyas and Mudras and Beginning Pranayamas that Form a Basis
of Classical Rishi Culture Yoga.
BY YOGAMAHARISHI DR. SWAMI GITANANDA GIRI
It has often been said that Yoga should not be practised except under the direct guidance of a Guru. This is certainly true of more intricate, higher phases of Yoga, but there are certain aspects of Yoga which can be learned through the printed word and by photos and diagrams. Yoga philosophy and psychology, hygiene and diet, instructions in Pranayama and basic Asanas plus encouragement to embark upon the Yogic Path are all areas of learning that can be passed along by the written word. The written word is never a substitute for direct contact with a Yoga Guru and study in his presence, but there are few today who can afford the time and the cost of travel to have the rich blessing of the Guru’s presence or to live in his Ashram. The “Book Guru” has become the means of teaching for millions around the world, and some students are able to gain a good deal of benefit.

Even the student privileged to study at “the feet of the Master” often needs to take copious notes to be reminded of the suggestions made. This note – taking can be a great deterrent to real learning and often the notebook is “ realized “ but the student misses out. Written material, parallel to the teachings of a Guru, therefore can augment the study and practice of Yoga and be source of rich “remembering” of the material earlier presented. It may also clear up any doubts as to techniques which are found difficult to remember at the time. It was with this thought in mind that I embarked upon a simple presentation of some of the material which I teach in my regular Yoga Teachers Training Course presented each year from October 1st through March 31st of the following year.

I once had serious misgivings about putting Yoga down in print, but I have found that many have benefited, particularly those who have been in personal contact with me and find the teachings accurately represent the oral tradition, Parampara, out of which I teach. Many students who have heard me lecture or speak on Yoga write to tell me that they can actually hear me speaking as they read the words of instruction on the various aspects of the course. This intimacy alone justifies the production of such a Yoga model of instruction. I myself learned in a totally different manner. My Guru had the attitude that one must listen and absorb. We were never allowed to ask a question about techniques that we had been taught, although we were encouraged to ask questions in general. If I missed a point and queried that point, he would ask me to sit down and think, “remember”, and see if the material would re-present itself to my mind in memory form. In this way I developed a photographic – cum – photogenic memory that has been the greatest single boon to my life along with the good health that I have. I encourage my own students to “listen”. Modern students “hear” but they don’t listen”, possibly because of the high incidence of sound in the modern world and the modern hang-ups that in clued” not listening to the voice of authority”. I have had students who have wept at my feet because they have lost the ability to “listen” even to the voice of the Guru, and now rue the day they took to an” a – Yogic “ path.

If “ Yoga is skill in action”, as quoted by Sri Krishna in BHAGAVAD GITA, it means we must also become skillful with our senses, our talents and our other mental and physical faculties. If the printed word does help in gaining this skill, then the method is doubly justified. Still, the onus is on the student and every effort must be made to learn as much as possible and gain personal benefits. The book may be the source material, and a place to check and re-check methods and techniques, but it must never replace actual learning and absorbing. This is particularly true if the student wishes later to convey this material through teachings to another. The written word does help make sure that the teaching is conveyed correctly and without error.

I originally began the lessons as a weekly series to cover a year of Yoga learning practice. Presently, fifty –two lessons are available, but it could easily be extended by another fifty –two weeks, and I hope to do this some time in the not – too – distant – future. Many people desired a permanent record of their lessons, so we bound up each series of thirteen lessons into a handsome volume with a dust jacket. Vol. 1, we entitled HOW TO BEGIN A PRACTICE OF YOGA; Volume II was entitled YOGA – INTERMEDIATE PRACTICES; Volume III, ADVANCED YOGA PRACTICES; and Volume IV was entitled SENIOR YOGA PRACTICES.

Volume I, HOW TO BEGIN A PRACTICE OF YOGA, Lesson 1 to 13, was laid out in a simple step – by – step method of learning the simple beginning postures or Asanas of Hatha Yoga and the rudiments of Pranayama. The student was encouraged to go along slowly, perfecting the postures and the breathing techniques before going on to the next lesson. I encouraged the students to avoid a common, popular, modern delusion that they needed to learn a great number of postures and “Yoga things”: In short, to collect a lot of names and material “without the doing”. Yoga is knowledge, but it is more in the doing, in the action. I encouraged the student to let Yoga become a way of life, through a new attitude using Yoga philosophy and psychology and a change in personal hygienic and diet patterns. In this way knowledge could set them free from the bad habits and the conditioning of their earlier lives. I also pointed out that the Intermediate and Advanced Practices to follow required a good foundation that could only be had by perfecting the present material.

When I completed all four volumes (1976) of the YOGA PRACTICE SERIES, I had them bound up into one giant book entitled YOGA: STEP BY STEP. This material I had reserved only for those taking my six – month –long Yoga International Teachers Training Course and the course in Indian Indigenous Medicine on Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy. Successful candidates of the Yoga course can be registered as Yoga teachers on an international basis, while those completing the Yoga Chikitsa Course can join the All- India Yoga Physicians Association. Recommendations for all candidates must come from the parent Yoga Jivana Satsangha, and the President. This actually makes the fifth edition and the present edition is vastly expanded over the previous for editions. I plan to write more as Volumes V to XIV. These volumes will be ready in the near future. (Vol. V, VI and VII are now finished).

In the YOGA – INTERMEDIATE PRACTICES, of Volume II, Lessons 14 to 26 were presented. Again I warned my reader to go slowly, lesson by lesson. Perfect your practices before you move on. I stressed that Yoga is an integrated practice, so that earlier material learned should still be included, and at this stage, as material was still being collected. Yoga content was still important. The “Yoga View of Life” was stressed. The idea of Karma, “action – reaction”, was introduced and ways of overcoming common health disturbances, and facing life and what it had to offer. The postures and Pranayamas in this section were much more difficult and required a good deal of practice to perfect.

The step – by –step approach was continued in Volume III, ADVANCED YOGA PRACTICES, I encouraged review of the earlier 26 lessons. I pointed out that the material in Lessons 27 through 39 was a stepping stone to the Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga Kriyas that were yet to come. Much emphasis was placed onto the relaxation techniques of the Jnana Yoga, and a good deal was said about body pain and tension and the difficult art of being happy. The beautiful Surya Namaskar was introduced in the latter part of this sequence of lessons. It culminated with what I felt to be the need for relaxation in movement, as it expressed a free flow of energy under the command of the mind to the body. Possibly this section of the course is the most important one for students living in a tension –riddled world. In this section I put much more emphasis upon the need for relaxation away from the 3- F Stresses of modern society. These three stresses are ; fear, or fright; flight or fugue; and fight. Anxiety and fear are said to be the source of modern tension, killing millions yearly through various stress disorders. Over half of the population of the modern world is in some sort of fugue, a flight from responsibility and reality, and aggression knows no bounds at the personal, inter-personal, national and international level. The need of the hour is to step back, relax, and see the modern world for what it is, a by – product of anxiety.

In the SENIOR YOGA PRACTICES of Vol. IV, Lessons 40 through Lessons 52, I again stressed the drawback of isolating this material from the previous instructions. I feared that a student of Yoga may not follow each lesson as well as if they had been presented one lesson at a time. I put the extra onus for this attention onto the student, and warned against complacency and slipping behind in conscious Yoga practices. I set out this dictum: “ Each lesson must be thoroughly learned before moving onto the next lesson”. Each section must be perfected, before learning more. Do not leave out any part, thinking it is not important. Otherwise, the continuity is lost. Do not rush ahead too quickly into material which you are not yet ready to absorb. “Learn fully”. If such instructions become a daily thought corresponding to action in reality, then Yoga or Union is a foregone conclusion. This volume, a part of the larger Yoga Course, is intended to give the widest possible appreciation of the study and practice of Yoga, and to meet the requirements of a Yoga teacher or a Yoga physician.

All of the material contained in the first four volumes of my YOGA LIFE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE is contained in this single volume YOGA: STEP – BY- STEP. Each lesson contains a Question Refresher, which should be used us a review by the casual reader or serious student who is studying from this volume alone. I am not in a position to answer these questions for the student who should send these answers to me for that purpose. I confine that service only to the students who are doing a Yoga Correspondence Course with diploma or certificate to be awarded on completion.













How to Begin a Practice of Yoga
CONTENTS
LESSON
I. Yoga: The Science of Living
Pranayama: An Introduction
Vajra Asana, the Thunderbolt Posture
Sukha Pranayama, (Samavritti Pranayama), the Pleasant Breath
Yoga Diet
Eka – Janu Uttana Kriya, Lifting One Knee Action
Dwi – Janu Uttana Kriya, Lifting Both Knees Action
Pada Vajra Kriya, the Foot Thunderbolt Action
Shava Asana, the Corpse Posture
Daily Yoga Practice: Week One

II. The Yoga Life
Ekakin Vajra Asana, Sole – of – the – Foot Thunderbolt Posture
Gulpha Vajra Asana, Ankle Thunderbolt Posture
Purna Vajra Asana, Completed Thunderbolt Action
Utthitha Vajra Asana, the High Sitting Thunderbolt Posture
Paripurna Vajra Asana, Extended Thunderbolt Posture
Pranayama, Anatomy and Physiology
Sukha Purvaka Pranayama (Yoga Pranayama),
the Pleasant Cycle Breath
Loma Pranayama (Visama I), the Converse Breath
Viloma Pranayama (Visama II), the Inverse Breath
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Two

III. Yoga As Four –Fold Awareness
Requirements of Good Pranayama
Vibhaga Pranayama, Sectional Breathing
Adham Pranayama, Inferior or Diaphragmic Breath
Abdominal Breathing Benefits
The Respiratory Centre
Prana Mudras, Pranic Hand Gestures
Chin Mudra, Abdominal Breath Control
Prana Vayus, Vital Airs
Yoga and Diet
Daily Yoga Practice: Week three

IV Awareness as Yoga
Madhyam Pranayama, Middle or Intracostal Breath
Yoga Appreciation Diet
Neuro – Mechanics of Mudras
Chinmaya Mudra, Intracostal Breath Control
Respiratory System
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Four

V Yoga: A Way To Attain Spiritual Unity
Adhyam Pranayama, Clavicular Breathing
AUM in the Scriptures of the World
Adhi Mudra, Clavicular Breath Control
Yoga and Your Diet
Important Dietary Rules
Nerves and Organs of the Body
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Five

VI Kriya Yoga, the Yoga of Right Action
Pranava OM, Mantra of Mantras
Mahat Yoga Pranayama, the Grand Yoga Breath
Apraakasha Mudra, Breathing Centre Control New Dimensions in Diet
Brahma Prana Mudra, Complete Breath Control
New Dimensions in Diet
Brahma Prana Mudra, Complete Breath Control
Shunya Mudra, Vacuum Breath Control
Apraakasha Bindu Mudra, Breath Lock Mudras
Pranayama and Blood Circulation
Pranava OM Pranayama
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Six

VII Prancha Niyama, the Five Evolutionary Observances
Chatus Pada Asana, Four Footed Postures
Vyaghrah Pranayama, Tiger Breathing
OM, the Evolution of All Sounds
Nutritious Substitutes for Milk
Sharabha Asana, the Griffin Posture
Chiri Kriya, the Cricket Action
Kaya Kriya, the Body Action
Daily Yoaga Practice: Week Seven

VIII Inner and Outer Yoga
Hathaats and Hathenas, Forcing Techniques
Ushthra Asana, the Camel Posture
Sepurna, Purna and Pararitta Ushthra Asana
Nutritional Malt Foods
Hatha Yoga Relaxation
Tala Kriya, the Palm Tree Action
Dridha Kriya, The Firming Action
Man’s Response to Speeds of Vibration
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Eight

IX The Scope of Yoga
Hatha Yoga, the Yoga of Health
Pranayama Yoga, the Yoga of Breath Control
Jnana Yoga, The Yoga of the Wise
Karma Yoga, the Yoga of Selfless Action
Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion
Shasha Asana, the Hare Posture
Sapurna Shasha Asana, Incompleted Hare Posture
Purna Shasha Asana, Completed Hare Posture
Paripurna Shasha Asana, the Extended Hare Posture
Ashrama – Inner and Outer
Pancha Prana Vayus, Five Vital Pranas
Pancha Kosha, the Five Bodies
Sago Cheese
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Nine

X The Scope of Yoga (Con’t)
Mantra Yoga, the Yoga of Articulate Sound
Japa Yoga, the Yoga of Silent Repetition
Ajapa-Japa Yoga, the Yoga of Silent Repetition of Sound
Likhita Yoga, the Yoga of Mantra Writing
Dhyana Yoga, the Yoga of Meditation
Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Energy Arousal
Laya Yoga, the Yoga of Re-Absorption
Yantra Yoga, (Mudra Yoga), the Yoga of Spiritual Mathematics
Tantra Yoga, Yoga of Power Control
Personality Yoga, the Building of a Yoga Cult
A- Yoga Yoga, Hedonistic Yoga
Matsya Asana, the Fish Posture
The Cure of Kaphic Disorders
Heart Disease and Yoga
Nara: Psychic Disassociation
Daily Yoga Practive: Week Ten

XI The Gita and Yoga
Nikunja Asana, the Flower Bower (Bala Asana, the Baby Posture)
Maha Mudra or Pravaaha Pranayama, Tidal Breath
Sapurna Maha Mudra
Maha Bandha Mudra
Purna Maha Mudra
The Cure of Kaphic Disorders
Unless Ye Become As Little Children
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Eleven

XII Yoga in the Gita
Inner Concentration Techniques
Dharmika Asana, the Devotional Posture
Ardha Shashanga Asana, Invomplete Elbows to the Floor Position
Purna Shashanga Asana, Complete Elbows to the Floor Position
The Cure of Kaphic Disorders
Endocrine Glands and Chakras
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Twelve

XIII Gita Yoga (Con’t)
Spinal Health
Vira Asana, the Hero’s Posture
Shashanga Asana, the Classical Elbows to the Floor Posture
Purna Shashanga Asana, the Completed Elbows to the Floor Posture
The Cure of Kaphic Disorders
The Smoking Habit
Shat Chakra Pranayama, the Six Chakras Breath
Hatha Yoga and the Chakras
Chakra Meditation
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirteen


Intermediate Yoga Practices

Index

LESSON

XIV. Yoga Drishthi – The Yoga View
A Healthy Spine Is A Healthy Body: Supta Vajra Asana
Variations on Classical Spinal Postures
Supta Vajra Asana (Paravritti)
Paryanka Asana, The Saddle Posture
Savitri Pranayama, The Rhythmic Breath
Changes Promoted by the Rhythmic Breath
Variations on Vira Asana, The Hero Posture
Namaskara Vira Asana
Anjali Vira Asana; Aagra Mudra Asana
Variations on the Rhythmic Breath
Yoga Drishthi – The Yoga View
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Fourteen

XV. Rhythmic Actions to the Rhythmic Breath
The Body Battery Charger, The Dog Pant
Yoga and Muscular Man
Viloma Asana, the Bridge Posture
Purna Viloma Asana : The Perfected Bridge Posture
Brahma Mahurta Meditation
Vira Asana Variations – Dhanwan Vira Asana, Hamsa Vira Asana
Deva-Devi Pranama Mudra – Pranama Mudra, Anjali Mudra
The Yoga System of Reverence, Padasparsha Mudra,
Aashirwaad Mudra
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Fifteen

XVI. Yoga Marga : The Yoga Path
Chakra Asana : The Wheel Posture
The Chakras and Yoga
Brahma Mahurta Meditation
Rectified Timetable for Meditation
Surya Nadi Asana and Pranayama
Chandra Nadi Asana and Pranayama
Anjaneya Tapas Asana
Purna Chakra Asana : The Standing Wheel Posture
Raja Kapota Asana, The Royal Pigeon
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Sixteen

XVII. Karma : The Law of Life
The Hazards of Heavy Lifting, General Hints for Lifting
Asanas for the Prevention of Hernias
Dwipada Uttanapada Asana, The Double-Leg Lift Pose
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Seventeen

XVIII. The Law of Karma
The Hazards of Heavy Lifting
The Classical Pranayamas
Ardha Shalabha Asana : The Incomplete Locust Posture
Shalabha Asana : The Locust Posture
Shirsha Utta Eka Pada Shalabha Asana (With arms in front)
Shirsha Utta Eka Pada Shalabha Asana (With arms wide apart)
Sarpa Asana : The Serpent Posture
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Eighteen

XIX. The Source of Karma
Bhastrika Pranayama-The Bellows Breath
The Healing Breath
Variations of Sarpa Asana (Locked hand variation)
Dwi Pada Shalabha Asana, Uttiha Shalabha Asana
Bherunda Asana (Variation), The Lyre Bird Posture
Viparita Shalabha Asana
Sarpa Kriya
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Nineteen

XX. Fate or Free Will
Asanas, Kriyas and Mudras
Shava Asana : The Corpse Posture
Uttana Asana : The Yoga Sit up
Nava Asana : The Boat Posture
Nava Kriya : The Boat Action; Navaka Kriya : The Oar-Lock Action
Mukha Bhastrika, The Cleansing Breath
Vajroli Mudra
Glandular Control
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty

XXI. Beautiful Living
Glandular Stimulators : Sarvanga Asana
Sarvanga Kriya, The Shoulder Stand Action
Purna Sarvanga Asana
Dhauti Pranayama
Anunasika Pranayama : The Atomic Breath; Ear and Eye Cleansing
Nasal Cleansing Yoga Style; Jala Neti, The Water Douche
Bhujanga Asana : The Incomplete Cobra Posture
Variations on Bhujanga Asana
The Cobra Posture (Variations)
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty-One

XXII. Yoga and Diabetes : The Control of Diabetes
Metabolism and Yoga
Viparita Karana, The Topsy-Turvy Action
Diet to Prevent or Cure Diabetes
Smoking and Diabetes
Kokila Asana : The Cuckoo Posture
Unmukha Danda Asana, The Face-Prone Lift
Chaturanga Danda Kriya
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty-Two

XXIII. Control and Cure of Digestive Disturbances
Malaise and Yoga; Upset Spleen
Eka Janu Shirsha Asana, One-Knee-to-the-Head Posture
Liver Disturbances; The Pancreas
Dwi Janu Shirsha Asana, Both-Knees-to-the-Head Posture
General Rules in the Use of Foods; Special Rules for Diabetics
Utkata Asana, The Yoga Squat
Chatus Pada Bhumi Sparsha
Meru Asana, The Mountain Posture
Surya Namaskar, The Sun Adoration
Stomach Stretchers
Breath Sequence For a Simple Surya Namaskar
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty-Three

XXIV. Allergies and Intolerance
Hala Asana – The Plough Posture
Sapurna Hala Asana : Variation 1
Hala Asana : Variation 2
Purna Hala Asana : Variation 3
Recommended Pranayama For Diabetics
Manomaya : Yoga and Post-Metabolic Activity
Ekapada Hala Asana
Karna Peeda Asana
To Take Off Weight; To Put On Weight
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty-Four

XXV. The Bitter and the Sweet
Hatha Peedas and Bandhas
Sethu Bandha Asana, The Bound Bridge Posture
Eka Pada Sethu Bandha Asana
Dwi Pada Sethu Bandha Asana
Uddyana and Nauli Kriya
Hatha Pratipas and Vistris
Dwi-Kurpara Pratipa Asana
Ardha Pratipa-Hala Asana
Pratipa-Hala Asana
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty-Five

XXVI. Facing Facts; Excess Sugar
Excess Fats; The Coffin Nail
The Bow Posture
Ardha Dhanurasana, The Semi Bow Posture
Dhanurasana, The Bow Posture
Dhanu Kriya
Tensions and the Practice of Yoga
Dhanurasana – Variations
Eka Hasta Dhanurasana
Pada Shirsha Dhanurasana
Urdhva Dhanurasana
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty-Six


Advanced Yoga Practices
INDEX
LESSON
XXVII. Now to Serious Practices!
Slow Down – Relax – Unwind
Yoga Relaxation
Shirsha Asana, The Head Stand
Stand on Your Head… Walk on Your Feet
Kapala Asana
Proper Walk Up to the Head Stand
Makara Asana, The Crocodile Posture
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty – Seven

XXVIII Real Relaxation
Vriksha Asana, The Tree Posture
Stava Asana
Tala Asana
Prana Jnana Kriya
Sleep and Relaxation
Tension Relaxation Scale
Variations on Vrikshasana
Vatsyayu Asana, The Horse Posture
Baddha Hasta – Pada Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Twenty – Eight

XXIX. Yoga Relaxation
Garuda Asana, The Eagle Posture
Nadi Jnana Kriya
The Dance of Shiva
Rhythmic Movements and Dynamic Stance
Shiva Mudra
Awareness Technique
The Dancing Shiva
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Twenty – Nine

XXX. Nadi Shoddhana and Nadi Shuddhi
Spinal Twists
Vakra Asana
Ardha Matsyendra Asana
Brahmadanda Asana
Shakti Jnana Kriya – The Tingle
Take Your Health In Your Own Hands
Eka pada Vakra Asana
Purna Matsyendra Asana
Advanced Spinal Twists
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty

XXXI. The World’s Most Common Disease
The Teeth
Diet
Oral Hygiene
Kona Asana, the Angular Posture
Agrimassra Asana, The Forward Angular Posture
Akasha Jnana Kriya
Ardha Chakra Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty – One

XXXII. Oral Hygiene
Brushing, Scraping and Massaging
Professional Care
New Findings
A Word to the Wise
Trikona Asana – The Triangular Posture
Bindu Jnana Kriya
Trikona Asana and Kona Kriya
Padaangusha Asana
Kona Kriya
Eka Hasta Kona Kriya
Dwi Hasta Kona Kriya
Kona Kriya Variations
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty – Two

XXXIII. The Difficult Art of Being Happy
Master Structure
Parshvakona Asana
Marmanasthanam Kriya
The Cause of Stiffness
Shakti Trikona Asana
Shakti Path Asana
Chatushkona Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty – Three

XXXIV. The Body and Tension
Shirsha Janu Asana, The Head to the Knee Posture
Manas Chitra Kriya
Natural Relief of Tension
Kraunch Asana, The Curlew or Heron Posture
Sapurna Kraunch Asana
Kraunch Asana : Variation No.1
Kraunch Asana : Variation No.2
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty – Four

XXXV. The Many Names of a Backache
Paschimottana Asana, The Posterior Stretching Posture
Chittamaya Jnana Kriya, Creative Visualization
Arm Strengthening Postures
Purna Baka Asana
Kaka Asana
Baka Asana
Mayur Asana
Mayuri Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty – Five

XXXVI. Pain and Yoga
Pavana Mukta Asana
Gas Free Posture
Breath Cycle
The Simple Form of Releasing Rectal Gas
Variations of Pavana Mukta Asana
Eka Pada Pavana Mukta Asana
Antara Jnana Kriya, The Inner Trip
The Gas Relief Postures
Ekakin Vajra Asana, Sole – of-the Foot Thunderbolt Posture
Dwi Janu Pavana Mukta Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty – Six

XXXVII. Surya Namaskar, Sun Adoration
Stava Asana, The Prayer Posture
Pranama Asana, The Greeting Posture
Hasta – Uttana Asana, Arms Lifting Posture
Surya Namaskar Kriya
The Health Benefits of Surya Namaskar
Pada Hasta Asana, Hands to Feet Posture
The History of Surya Namaskar
Ashwasanchalana Asana, The Equestrian Posture
Meru Asana, The Mountain Posture
Kokilasana, The Cuckoo Posture
Ashtanga Namaskar, Prostration of Eight Body Parts
Bhujanga Asana, The Cobra Posture

XXXVIII. Surya Pranayama Mudra
Simplified Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar Part II
Surya Namaskar Part III
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Thirty – Seven, Thirty – Eight,
and Thirty – Nine

XXXIX. Surya Namaskar Mantras
Veerya Surya Namaskar
Bhoomi Sparsha Utkata Asana
Jnana Surya Kriya
Kokila Asana, The Cuckoo Posture
Meru Asana, The Mountain Posture
Janu Shirsha Asana, The Head – To – The – Knee Posture
Ashwasanchalana Asana, The Equestrian Posture
Veera Bhadra Asana, The Posture of Mighty Shiva
Shirsha – Janu – Urkata - Asana, The Head – to – the Knees Sitting Posture
Gulpha Hasta Shirsha Janu Asana
Stava Asana, The Prayer Posture


Senior Yoga Practices
INDEX
LESSON

XXXX. Junk Food Disorders
Cellulite – A Glandular Disorder
Eka Pada Dridha Asana
Dridha Asana
Purna Dridaa Asana
Paravritta Dridha Asana
Dwi Pada Dridha Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Forty

XXXXI. We Are What We Are… Plus!
The Gall Bladder and Its Functions
Side Flank Positions
Uttana Eka Pada Dridha Asana
Ekapada Urdhwa Dridha Asaana
Urdhwa Dridha Asana
Uttana Dridha Asana
Ardha Vashistha Asana
Vashishta Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Forty One

XXXXII. The Spleen and the Lymphatic System
Lymphatic Disorders
The Spleen
The Appendix
The Lymph
Exercise Diet
Some Additional Information on the Spleen
Simple Lymph Exercises
Variations on Yoga Sitting Postures
Samkatha Asana
Sapurna Samkatha Asana
Samkatha Asana (Feet Drawn to Buttocks)
Purna Samkatha Asana
Vrishabha Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Forty Two

XXXXIII. The Story of a Yoga Spine
Vajra Asana
Sukha Asana
Chittrapatanga Asana
Sama Pada Asana
Antaradrishti Kriya
The Kidneys
Baddha Kona Asana and Variations
Purna Baddha Kona Asana
Paripurna Baddha Kona Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Forty Three

XXXXIV. Yoga One Pointedness
Siddha Asana, the Adept’s Posture
Ardha Padma Asana
Padma Asana
Good Health and Posture
Some Valuable Isometric – like Exercises
Utkatha Asana
Utkatha Vakra Asana
Daily Yoga Practice: Week Forty Four

XXXXV. Pratyahara – Yoga Sensory Withdrawal
Shabda Kriya
Shabda Pratyahara
Prana Kriya
Higher Pratyahara
Raashi Kriya – Shock Therapy
Yoga Foot Postures
Prasiddha Siddha Asana
Siddha Asana
Baddha Padma Asana
Yoga Mudra
Swastika Asana
Yoga Asana
Gupta Asana
Prashad Asana
Shakti Chalana Asana
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Forty Five

XXXXVI. Hot Weather Pranayamas
Sitkari Pranayama
Sheetali Pranayama
Kaki Pranayama
Matanga Pranayama
Bhujangi Pranayama
Kavi Pranayama
Cooling Diet
Cool, Cool Water
Rhythmic Breathing
Sama Vritta Pranayama
Asama Vritta Pranayama
Visama Vritta Pranayama
Solar Breath Rhythms
Savitri Pranayama
Effect of Savitri Pranayama
Savitre Pranayama
Savitra Pranayama
Savituh Pranayama
Notes on Rhythmic Breathing

XXXXVII. Yoga Polarity
Loma – Viloma Prakriyas of Pranayama
Loma – Viloma Pranayama
Aloma – Viloma Pranayama
Pratiloma Pranayama
Prana Mudras
Anu – Loma – Viloma Polarity Kriyas
Anu – Loma – Viloma Kriya No. 1
Anu – Loma – Viloma Kriya No. 2
Cosmic Polarity
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Forty Seven

XXXXVIII. Alu – Loma – Viloma Prakriya
Pancha Prana Vayus, Five Major Pranas
Upa Prana Vayus, Minor Vital Airs
Para Prana Vayus, the Psycho Mental Pranas
Alu – Loma – Viloma Prakriya
Alu – Loma – Viloma Prakriya Part I
Alu – Loma – Viloma Prakriya Part II
Alu – Loma – Viloma Prakriya Part III
Alu – Loma – Viloma Prakriya Part IV
Alu – Loma – Viloma Prakriya Part V
Alu – Loma – Viloma (Sitting Variation Diagram)
Some Extra Advice on the Polarity Prakriyas
Daily Yoga Practice : Week Forty Eight

XXXXIX. Hanga Sah Kriya
Sabija Karma
Kriya Yoga
Intense Meditation
Hanga Sah Kriya
Hang Sah Kriya Part I Pelvis
Hang Sah Kriya Part II Heart
Hang Sah Kriya Part III Head
Extra Instructions on the Hang Sah Kriya

L. Yoga Nidraa Sleep, the Sleep of the Yogis
Preparations for Yoga Nidraa
Classical Yoga Nidraa: Psychic Sleep
Yoga Nidraa: No. One
Variations on Yoga Nidraa: No. 1
Yoga Nidraa: No. Two
Variations on Yoga Nidraa: No. Two
How Yoga Nidraa Affects Body, Mind and Psyche
De – Hypnosis with Yoga Nidraa
Tension Relaxation Scale

LI. Reservations about the Use of Yoga Nidraa
Prana Nadis
Advanced Bhastrikas
Nasarga Bhastrika
Kushala Kriya
Chakras and Prana Nadis (Diagram)
Kapalabhati, the Skull Cleanser
Apanic Visualization
Kaya Kalpa
Pranic Visualization
Pancha Sahita Pranayama, the Five Part Ratio Breath
The Five Body Parts Affected by the Pancha
Sahita Pranayama

LII. Yoga and Senses
Extra Care of the Eyes
Gomukha Asana
Vrishabha Asana
The Cow’s Face and Tail
Gopuch’ha Asana
Pranic Poultice
Eye Drills
A Closing Word
Vrious Yoga Routines


Tributes and Testimonials

Generally when one releases a book that has been out in previous editions, they have some eminent scholar write a masterful introduction to the new edition. I could have done the same for YOGA : STEP-BY-STEP but have chosen instead to let a few of my students of the YOGA LIFE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE that in this edition is entitled YOGA : STEP-BY-STEP speak for the quality of this material. I have thousands of letters from grateful students, unsolicited, and sometimes written much after they have completed the course. Those who have signed their testimonials may be contacted if my reader wishes. Many other comments are to be appreciated from my students. They range from “amazing – wonderful – magnificent – superb – masterful – unbelievable – informative – detailed – exact – deep insight – real wisdom.” Many others have echoed – “Just what I have been searching for.” – “Priceless”. – “Your work is filled with love,” –“I feel that abounding grace of the Guru” “Thank you”! “Bless you”.

“Obtaining my Yoga Teacher’s Certificate has been a dream of mine for a long as I can remember. My family responsibilities, plus lack of finances would not permit me to travel to India to accomplish this dream, but it was feasible for me to study via the mail service, by correspondence, which I did. Although I began studying Yoga about fifteen years ago, and have been teaching for almost fourteen, I did not feel in any way adequately prepared for such a responsibility. I did however, receive the confidence and factual information, plus knowledge I needed to continue in my study and teaching of Yoga by completing the Teachers Course. (Needless to say my studying has not ceased) I cannot nor would I want to imagine my life without Yoga. My daily Yoga routine has become an integral part of my life. When I began studying Yoga I was very overweight, and totally toxic, plus lacked any sense of direction in my life. I have worked hard to change these conditions, and with much success. At that time I was leaning heavily on medication and drugs to solve these problems, but to no avail. An old automobile injury left me with a whip lash and reverse curves in my spine, that could only be solved with surgery (So I was told). Fortunately with diligence, patience and some discomfort, years later thee problems are nonexistent for me. I cannot say my life has been devoid of pain, but I cans ay with all sincerity Yoga has offered me many tools with which to survive; for this I shall be eternally grateful. I have learned also to which to survive; for this I shall be eternally grateful. I have learned also to accept the lessons and challenges of life and not try to hide or run from them. This certainly does add to one’s serenity and peace of mind, not to mention the fact that my energies are more wisely spent”.
- Mary Frances Beckman W. 3626 West Drive, Spokane WA, 99204, U.S.A.


Correspondence Course Tributes

A Few Selected Comments from the Hundreds Received
From Students around the World

“I have received the four volumes of the CORRESPONDENCE COURSE and am thrilled! I am anxious to take all of the courses. Your mailing department has been faithful in getting the material to me each month. As the lessons are so well done, and I savour each one, my thoughts go in your direction often and I thank you for the opportunity to do just that.” – Majorie Fishes, 617 Greendale Road, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081, U.S.A.

“One Kriya in particular I am pleased to have made acquaintance with the Hang Sah Kriya. The relaxation I experience after each segment of this Kriya is a treasure to me. No doubt, I was in need of this cleansing Kriya, as I feel so comfortable with its practice. To me, living a Yogic life is like climbing a golden stairway with very shiny, slippery treads. If one does not watch each step, it is easy to slip back, but provided one continually looks up there will always be a hand to help one back up that difficult stairway. The “Self” has a remarkable way of supplying the hand.” – Mrs Eunice Warrne, Yoga Teacher, M.S. 795, Bowenville 4404 Queensland, Australia.

“I am very happy with the YOGA LIFE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE. I plan to continue with Section Five when I have completed the first four section. I really feel the benefits from practicing this Yoga and also find many answers to questions I and previously had but which no one before could give me a satisfying answer I always look forward to receiving the weekly lessons because I feel a real link with you – the Guru!” – Helen Haas. Scheibe 554, Neustift, A-6167, Tirol, Austria, Europe.

“I am greatly enjoying the fifty-two lesson series in Yoga which you present so logically and scientifically. I am interested in continuing the additional lessons and studying through your other publications. Your Yoga disciple” – Dr. S.P. Singh Saini, Medical Physician and Yoga Teacher, 42 Main Road, Longeaton, Nottingham, NG 10 1 QW, England, Great Britain.

“I have studied with every major teacher in America, but I find your teachings and especially your writings the best material anywhere for Yoga study.” – Yours in Yoga, - Sue Miller, Yoga Teacher, Box 18 RD 4 Aber Road, Finleyville, Pa 15332 U.S.A.

“My wife and myself do Asanas and Pranayama every day at home. Through your teachings our enthusiasm has continued. Your Pranayama Techniques have cured me of my sinus trouble for which I am most grateful. I am desirous of obtaining your ongoing courses and books. Om Shanti!” – R.G. Abeyesinghe, 26, Edward Lane, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka.

“We are grateful for the teaching coming through you and other beautiful teachers around the globe. We are continuing to present your Asanas and Pranayamas along with a life generating diet. We often of returning to the Ashram, and enjoying again the great training that you conduct there.” Janaka and Sita Ananda, Yoga Teacher, (James Cox) Po Box 203 North Bonneville. WA 98639 0203.

“I feel your course has helped me tremendously in many aspects of my life. I begin teaching an evening Yoga class at our local Community College this next week. I look forward to teaching and employing all that you have taught me through the CORRESPONDENCE COURS” – Beverly Pung, Yoga Teacher, 1940 Carl Rd. No. 107, Irving, Texas 75061, U.S.A.

“I am regularly receiving the CORRESPONDENCE COURSE lessons and also YOGA LIFE magazine. Both are really most interesting and I study them with great pleasure. I wish to thank you heartily for spreading to the world your wisdom of this ancient and invaluable science.” – Stefania Redini, Via A. Casotti 6, 16137 Genova, Nervi, Italy, Europe.

“During this year of studying Yoga through these most perfect teachings, I have made an incredible change in my emotions and my mind, but the first important change happened in my body through the new idea of respecting my body. I know this is only a beginning. If eel that Yoga I have discovered the “Real Life”. – Giorgio Cagiari, Yoga Teacher, Mantova, Viale Alfieri 16, Italy.





Although I have not had the pleasure of meeting with you and knowing you personally, I feel in my heart as though I have known you for a life time. It is said that when one is ready to begin to practice Yoga and live a Yoga Life, Yoga will come to you. In my case this is so true. Almost eight years ago, I began to practice Yoga with a teacher named Pat Rickits, of whom you will know Swamiji as she recently completed your correspondence course, and these begins my life. For the first few years, I attended Yoga classes without thought of anything but the sense of physical well being which ensued. I was fortunate indeed to be instructed in the practice of Yoga by a teacher, concerned with not only the physical well being of her students, but who also attended to the needs of their minds. As you are well aware Swamiji not all who claim to be teachers of Yoga are deserving or worthy of the title Yoga teacher, I eventually became aware that there was more to this thing called Yoga, than first meets the eye. After some “gentle persuasion” I was induced to apply to study your correspondence course. And what an informative course! Thus far I have completed up to Lesson Nine, and am looking forward with eager anticipation to the following lessons. It never ceases to amaze me that so much information can be set down in print, yet still retain the feeling of person to person teaching. This personal touch shines through to such an extent, that I can almost hear your voice Swamiji directing me along the right path of Yoga learning. Encouraging me to further research, and leading me to continue along this well trodden path of knowledge and learning. Picking me up, dusting me off and standing me on my feet again, with well deserved criticism if I stumble along the way. Your correspondence course which takes in all facets of Yoga would be nigh impossible to emulate. Through the study of your correspondence course, I am at last able to begin to sow the seeds of Yoga learning into new fields. As the seeds sprout they will be nurtured in the light of your knowledge Swamiji, which you have seen fit to graciously bestow upon me and they will be lovingly tended there after.

There is a particular aspect which is so apparent in the lesson on “Love”. The “Love” you yourself have for your students and the “Love” they in return have for you. The copies of YOGA LIFE magazine are an added bonus to your Correspondence Course and are eagerly scanned by me, page by page for news and information from your Divine Self, Meenakshi Devi, Ananda Balayogi, and other guest writers.
- Verlie Gabrio, Box 234, PO Ingleburn N.S.W. 2562 Australia.

Your Correspondence Course has been an interesting and important adjunct to my life and I see and appreciate its many benefits. As you suggest, I will now reread and go through the whole course again in order to refresh my memory and to discover things missed or not fully understood the first time around.
- Peggy Champin, Cape Town, South Africa.




Yogacharya Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Chairman : Yoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER
Hon General Secretary, Pondicherry Yogasana Association
25, 2nd Cross,Iyyanar Nagar, Pondicherry, South India-605 013
Tel: +91-413 - 2622902 / +91-413 -3203314/+91-413 -2241561
Mobile: 9842311433
Website: www.icyer.com
www.geocities.com/yognat2001/ananda
Little1
prana, apana, samana, udana and vyana

thank you Adam, Learner... SN
this is interesting... i wonder if the four types of prana have specific exercises that are training them...
as i saw, the Breaths are tamed by bandhas and mudras...

is there a set of pranayama exercised that are used to control each of the pranas?
also i am interested in learning about real authentic yoga traditions that still teach these things...
because if i would like to learn them, i sure would need some guidance...

what about AYP, do these guys know anything about this stuff...
you must forgive me, in matter of hindu practice and tradition i am Zero

Little
Little1
i found something

prana: has a sapphire blue colour and takes care of breathing. It also takes care of expansion and contraction (heart and lungs). Its seat is in anahata chakra (heart chakra).

samana: has a milky white colour. Its function is heating (which happens by mixing different pranas). It takes care of the absorption of nutrients, digests food chemically and thus takes care of digestion and the warming of the body. Its seat is in manipura chakra (navel chakra).

apana: has the colour of an evening cloud (violet like). Its function is to excrete waste products. Its movement is downwards and thus takes care of gravity. Its seat is in muladhara chakra (root chakra).

udana: has the colour of fire. Its movement is upwards, and thus works against gravity. It keeps the body upright and supports the body in all its functions. Its seat is in vishuddha chakra (throat chakra).

vyana: has a silvery colour. Its function is the distribution of nutrients and energy throughout the entire body. Its seat is in svadhisthana chakra (sex chakra).

Adam West
Hi Little,

I have studied Indian traditions for a number of years, but I have not studied Gitananda's as of yet. The reason being is it is just SO comprehensive and detailed - a full time job, in the best and most pleasurably consuming sense. I don't have the time for it right now. After completing "Step by Step", one can go study full time at the ashram for six months and there are even more advanced "mouth to ear" traditional teachings also. I am aware of their advanced stuff, yet some of the details allude me, and I am in the process of attempting to track it down. It is very much a social net work thing - students, adepts and masters passing it on - you know how the traditional model goes. The other alternative is this:

YOGA SAMYAMA

A detailed course in the study of Chakras, Mandalas, Bindus, Nadis and the higher aspects of the Raja Yoga Sadhana written by Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri. Designed primarily for senior Yoga Sadhakas, it presents a beautiful system of mind training and spiritual sensitization through Raja Yoga practices. Complete with many photographs, line drawings, charts and esoteric information on structure of the mind as conceived in Hinduism and Classical Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga. Yoga Samyama can also be studied as a Correspondence Course, chapter by chapter, working on the various concentration practices and reporting the experiences back to the Guide. This study is recommended only for those who have under taken in-residence training at ICYER or who have completed the Yoga: Step By Step Correspondence Course. Includes an one-year free subscription to Yoga Life.

This is the advanced stuff of the Tantric tradition, as you can see it assumes a foundation from the Step By Step course. It deals with more the inner teachings that I am personally interested in - the meditative stuff that lead to Samadhi - Cosmic Consciousness - or enlightenment. The other course is more broad based and a wholistic education in yogic science. But I am really not interested in asanas, of which the Step By Step program is a big part.

Additionally, one might consider this:

SIDDHIS AND RIDDHIS

By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda. This is the second edition of Swamiji’s exhaustive study of the phenomenon of Siddhis and Riddhis, psychic accomplishments and psychic prosperities. The author presents a learned exposition of the scope, dangers, and techniques leading to Siddhis and Riddhis as well as the physiological, psychological and spiritual back ground. A listing of the 108 commonly accepted Siddhis, and their description is a highlight. A practical Yoga Sadhana routine to obtain Siddhis is given.

Siddis come from working with psychic states of consciousness and energy work, they are steps along the path to Cosmic Consciousness. Thus, walking the path to Self-Realisation in the yogic tradition results in many cases in siddhis. This book teaches Gitananda's tradition's theories and practices for siddhis as signs of advanced progress along the path of return.

Yogic Samyama is really a course in book form, detailing his tradition's higher teachings, of which the later - Siddhis and Riddhis are a part, so you could skip the foundation course, if you were so inclined, having previous training in other traditions, and go straight there with these two books; or get the two books first, and see what you think of the tradition, then move on to a more comprehensive training in the system through the course. I recommend the later! The Step By Step course is quite expensive at 650 EURO, but it is the best of the best in Indian Yoga, so it is worth its weight in gold - literally. I just don't have time for it now, and I my practice is inclined towards formless meditation, so I am not too interested in hundreds of advanced practices that I won't actually use. I am however interested in one particular set of practices - the most advanced in the tradition - the six Bangali Laya Yoga Kriyas. They are Indian sexual alchemy, for activating the kundalini and achieving cosmic consciousness - they are fire practices in Taoist language, and work well to complement the water practices of formless meditation of Zen and Dzogchen of which I work with. I don't know them, as they are closely guarded - but I have been initiated into other versions from other traditions. Yet, Gitananda's tradition is of such a high standard, I have been seeking them out for some time now, without too much success. In any case, I think I may have moved beyond them with my formless practice, as that fully activates the kundalini and opens to pure-awareness, yet, I still would like to check them out for myself. dry.gif

There are individual practices for each of the pranas. Yogani's stuff is great, and will take you all the way, but I don't think it is quite on the same level as Gitananda’s - it is perhaps like doing a one year diploma as compared to a four year degree - the level of sophistication is quite different. In my opinion, it appears to me Gitananda's is the actual living Yogic tradition itself, of which Yogani's stuff is but a synthesis stepped down an order of magnitude or two.

Here’s something else for you to check out!

International Yoga Teachers Training Course
International Center For Yoga Education and Research

FINAL THESIS


RISHICULTURE ASHTANGA (GITANANDA) YOGA
A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF YOGA






In The Service Of Yoga
By The Grace of My Guru


With Respect And Obeisance For The Paramparai Of
Yogashiromani Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri


Submitted In Partial Fulfillment For The Course Requirements
Of The 35th Annual International Yoga Teacher Training Certification


Prepared For
Yogacharini Yogamani Puduvai Kalaimamani Smt. Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani
and
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani


By
Yogacharya Gowrishankarananda
(Daniel Ross)


“Salutations To My Self, Who Is Infinite.
Salutations To You, The Auspicious Being.
Salutations To God of Gods, To The Supreme Self.”

- Sage Valmiki -Yoga Vasishta 5:4:78

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Gitananda Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga:
A Complete System of Yoga



I. Introduction………………………………….………Page 4.
II. Paramparai……………………….………….………Page 5.
III. Dakshina Marga Tantra……………………. ……..Page 6.
IV. Philosophical Aspects……...…….………………….Page 6.
V. A Complete System Of Yoga………………….……Page 9.
VI. Yoga Chikitsa………………………………………..Page 20.
VII. Kaya Kalpa……………………………………….….Page 21.
VIII. Summary……………………………………………..Page 22.


I. Introduction:

Yoga is arguably more misunderstood today than at any time in history. While the Yoga of the past was shrouded in mystery it was understood to be a mystical path to God realization reserved only for the sincere and privileged few. Aspirants were rare beyond numbers and oftentimes had to prove their worthiness by undergoing extreme austerities. Today in Kali Yuga aspirants have reduced themselves to become mere participants following hungry “Gurus” who promise quick fixes for better buns, flat tummies, and magic sex. The meaning of sincerity has become twisted into how much money one can pay, while “authentic” teachings are marketed for the masses who believe themselves to be among the privileged few. Yoga classes in our modern, civilized world have been diluted and stripped of sacred ritual in an effort to make more palpable to those who are not interested in God realization.
As one will see through this study of one of the few remaining authentic paramparai (lineages) Yoga is a science that becomes a divine art when its elements feed unto each other. Upon understanding this mystic flow from our own unconsciousness to consciousness we see how the process (divine art) was really consciousness to unconsciousness then returning again to consciousness. Yoga practices never exist for or by themselves, so as one moves higher and higher they see more similarities in practices than differences…such is the profound nature of the microcosm of Yogic practices into the macrocosm of Yogic experience. A complete system of Yoga promises union so that the Yogi too ceases to exist for or by themselves, all one as opposed to alone.
Contrary to popular belief Yoga is not a system of exercise. While the various
Schools of Yoga incorporate systems of exercise they are not about the exercises. Yes, the exercises (practices) play a vital part in the pursuit of Yoga but they are not the goal. Many people look to Yoga as a means to sleep better, loose weight or as a cure to any number of ailments, while these goals are practical and are among the many benefits/side effects of Yoga our individual/universal needs will be better served if we study within the framework of an authentic and complete system of Yoga. If we choose to study from a system of Yoga that is about the exercises we will never realize Yoga’s true benefits. Most of today’s “Yoga” (exercise) schools are very disconnected from the true meaning of Yoga. The teachers have developed their own hybrid form of yoga, which demonstrates a lack of understanding from the original lineages fundamentals. There exists a psychic power behind original teachings that these hybrid schools are lacking in. This being said there is nothing to fear as the true teachings and practices along with their subtle meanings cannot be understood by the insincere student. Gitananda Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga is a complete and authentic Yoga path with an unbroken lineage of Gurus and Yogacharyas (Guides) that date back nearly 7000 years to the original Sapta (seven) Rishis.




II. Paramparai:

“A Guru Kula is a place where “learning is by Absorption”
rather than by “Superimposition” of mundane knowledge.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

A Paramparai is a succession of spiritual masters and their teachings. The essence of Parampara is to surrender to the chain of predecessors. To those who follow in the footsteps of the Parampara everything comes of its own by the grace of the Guru (God). Parampara then is not just the lineage it is also the power of the teachings of that lineage.
There are very few authentic Yoga lineages still remaining in existence today. Some 7000 years ago the original Sapta Rishis (seers) delved beyond the human mind and merged with the Divine to discover the true nature of reality. One of the original Seven (Sapta) Rishis “Brighu Rishi” was a great exponent of the science of Yoga as a means to attaining God Realization. The Paramparai of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri and Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga as espoused by Swamiji comes directly from Brighu Rishi. As a child Swamiji was well schooled in the principles, knowledge, and disciplines of the mystic sciences of Yantra, Tantra, and Yoga. Raised in the traditional Indian Guru Kula system where the Chela (student) lives with the Guru and receives the teachings of the paramparai he was nurtured by his Master Swami Kanakananda Brighu Maharaj. At the age of 54 Swamiji became the Mahant (Spiritual successor and Head) of the Paramparai initiating students and transferring the timeless teachings of the Brighu Rishi lineage. The Gitananda Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga that is taught today is a very unique and special paramparai as it carries the full power of two authentic lineages, the North Indian Bengali Tantric lineage as handed down from Brighu Rishi, and the South Indian Saiva lineage as handed down from Sage Agastya Rishi.

North Indian Brighu Tantric lineage South Indian Saiva Siddhanta lineage
BHIGU RISHI PARAMPARAI AGASTHYA RISHI PARAMPARAI
Sri Brighu Rishi Sri Kambaliswamigal
Sri Purnananda Brighu Sri Ambalavana Swamigal
Sri Vivevishananda Brighu Sri Manikka Swamigal
Sri Kanakananda Brighu Sri Shanmuga Swamigal
Sri Gitananda Brighu (Giri) Sri Velu Swamigal
Sri Subramaniya Swamigal
Sri Shankara Giri Swamigal
Sri Gitananda Giri Swamigal


Yogacharya Dr Ananda Bhavanani Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Giri





III. Dakshina Marga Tantra:

Rishiculture Yoga is of the Dakshina Marga Tantric system of Yoga and all of its practices are based on its core fundamental principles of sublimating energy. Dakshina refers to the right hand path of Tantra and is therefore not interested in the occult practices of the Vama Marga Tantrics. Tantra refers to the cultivation and control of energy and the use of all the forces within the 5 bodies of man as well as the forces of nature. Dakshina Marga Tantrics use these energies for evolutionary purposes while the Vama Marga Tantrics use these energies for degenerative purposes of power control. While both systems deal with the cultivation and control of energy The Dakshina Marga System and its Guru’s concern themselves with the Karma, Dharma, and overall best interests of the Chela.

IV. Philosophical Aspects:


To attempt to elucidate with words on the infini-faceted interconnected nature of Yoga is and always has been the greatest feat never to be accomplished. The highest goal and the greatest feat for any human to achieve is to have realized ones “Self”. This achievement although impossible for man alone, is possible with the help of the Divine. Within the Brighu Yoga tradition many great Saints have realized this goal and can attest to the authenticity of the path. There are many techniques and practices offered within the Rishiculture system and all are presented within a solid philosophical framework. While there are many concepts that are important the following nine concepts are “Core” to the Teachings of Swamiji.

1. Inner Guru

“My Salutations To My “Self”
Who is one with all existence,
Who is bereft of change,
The object of which is innermost consciousness”.
- Sage Valmiki - Yoga Vasishta 5:4:70

The most key fundamental and important core teachings of Swamiji is to bring the Sadhak in tune with their inner Guru. Any genuine Guru will focus on the “Self” (Inner Guru) realization of the Chela. There are many Gurus who are dependant upon the Chela for “power” this is a sure sign of an unrealized Guru. It is only through constant questioning, deep introspection and stilling of the mind and its desires and aversions can we truly “know” ourselves. This “Knowing” is the what Swamiji is all about, he did not advocate a style of teaching that asked the Chela to simply believe he pushed his students to go further.



“Believe Nothing. Know Everything.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri
Every student who studied with Swamiji describes being able to do things that where beyond them, things they could not possibly have done while maintaining their puny individual identities. Swamiji was a “no option” Guru as was his Guru before him and the string of Gurus before him. Bringing oneself in tune with the Inner Guru or our true Guru is the primary focus of Rishiculture Yoga, all else is to attain that end.

“Health and happiness are your birthright. Claim them.
Spiritual realization is your goal. Pursue it!”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri


2. Skill in Action -

Many so called “spiritual” people are societal dropouts who are simply trying to escape the world. Swamiji taught us that a spiritual person is not the one who escapes to the Himalayas to die in a cave but rather he gave us the tools to live a spiritual life in the world and be in service to others. As you will find out in the upcoming sections everything is inter-related, the Bhagavad Gita expounds the importance of living skillfully and is directly related to living our Dharma... Let Go, Let God.

3. Lift the Self by the Self

No one will save us and the sooner we take responsibility for our lives and our actions and reactions the faster we will climb the evolutionary ladder. Swamiji often stated that we need to lift the self by the self. We have to pick our selves up by our own bootstraps so to speak and put one foot in front of the other always moving forward.

4. Awareness and Consciousness

“Yoga Is A Scientific System Of Conscious Evolution.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga could be called the Yoga of awareness for every single practice is to be performed with awareness ever single time it is done. This is possibly the single most profound concept within the whole system. This awareness must also be taken into our lives to have moment-to-moment present minded consciousness with every thing we are doing in any given moment.



5. Polarity

Among the most key elements to The Rishiculture system is the concept of polarity in fact all aspects are pervaded with awareness of polarity and re-balancing the bodies energies. Optimum physical, mental, psychic, and spiritual balance requires that we be balanced. Most people today are completely out of balance in fact it has reached epidemic proportions in every culture. Yoga cannot be achieved without nurturing and maintaining polarity. Through the Kriyas, Pranayamas, Asanas, Mudras and Mantras we can maximize the balanced flow of the bodies energy systems.

6. Concentration / Relaxation

There exists in the universe a fundamental law that cannot be escaped and that is of involution and evolution, expansion and contraction, creation and destruction, the universe moves in cycles. We too need to attune our selves to these cycles if we are to attain the highest levels of truth, Satchidananada. Within every class there is a natural process of concentration and contraction to relaxation and expansion. This philosophy allows us to move into our lives in a more balanced and harmonius way.


7. Karma And Dharma

“Dharma is the highest expression of cosmic truth; it is to know the reason for personal existence and to unfold consciously through experience back to the cosmic state”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri


Swamiji taught that we must do the right thing at the right time in the right way for this is the way of Dharma. If we are to live a life of purpose we must pursue our Dharma and only through fulfilling our Dharma can we attain spiritual liberation. All the practices and teachings are limited in power and the power derived is directly proportional to the level of Karmic and Dharmic evolution that we have attained and adhered to. The way we live, the work we do and how we do it is vital to the teachings of Swamiji. In this day and age of spiritual fantasy and escapism many people have become societal dropouts and in reality spiritual failures. Swamiji stated “the physical purpose of man is work, and the highest form of work is Nishkama Karma or selfless service” sometimes referred to as Seva. Spirituality is in reality very practical and requires that we live fully, contributing to society and fulfilling our Swadharma.




8. Way Of Life

“Yoga Is A Way Of Life.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Yoga is a way of life, it cannot be practiced for one hour in the morning 3 times a week for Yoga is an experience of life that requires our full participation. Swamiji recommended a “Wholistic” approach to yoga that pervaded ones whole lifestyle. The following recommendations were taught to help unify the life experience.
1. Right Mental Attitude.
2. Right Morals and Right Ethics
3. Right Diet
4. Right Exercise
5. Right breathing
6. Inner and Outer cleanliness
7. Serenity
8. Maturity and Growth Goals
9. Attainment of a Spiritual Ideal

9. Service

The most practical of Swamijis teachings is to take our spirituality into life through our work and attitude to others. To do our work with an attitude of service or Seva (Selfless Service) is one of the most yogically advanced and spiritual practices anyone can do.

V. A Complete System of Yoga:

Gitananda Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga is described as being a “complete System of Yoga” due to it integrating all aspects of Yoga. The following 9 systems are covered as the “Core” systems that we Adhere to.

1. Hatha Yoga:

YOGASH CHITTA VRITTI NIRODHAH
“Yoga is the cessation of the whirlpools of the mind.”
Sage Maharishi Patanjali - Yoga Sutras 1:2

Many people equate Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga as a physical system of exercise; upon a deeper understanding we can see that it is so much more. Hatha Yoga refers to the balancing of energies, Ha meaning Sun and Tha meaning Moon, Hatha the bringing together of both energies. Simply put Yoga is the stilling of the whirlpools of the mind as stated by Maharishi Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. The techniques and practices are tools to achieve that end. Swamiji taught the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali as a no option Yoga meaning that all aspects must be followed to attain Yoga.

“We cannot solve our problems. But the practice of Yoga techniques will help us
“dis-solve” the problems. We never “correct” our flaws, rather we “outgrow” them.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Ashtanga Yoga is a vital part of the Rishiculture system and is inculcated at every level. Included below are the various limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and their branches.

I)Yamas
“Virtue is its own reward”.
Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

1) Ahimsa
2) Satya
3) Asteya
4) Brahmacharya
5) Aparigraha

ii) Niyamas

“Yama and Niyama is simply enlarging the space between stimulus and response”
- Yogacharini Yogamani Smt. Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani

1) Saucha
2) Santosha
3) Tapas
4) Swadyaya
5) Ishwara Pranidhana
iii) Asana

“There can be no Yoga when the mind wanders, when there is no awareness or consciousness. The most perfect Asana becomes nothing more than a gymnastic, if the consciousness and awareness are not fully present in the bodies postures.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Gitananda Rishiculture Yoga utilizes Asanas in a very concise and practical manner, there are;
1. 108 Total Groups
2. 9 Core Groups
ii) Sama Stithi
iii) Hathenas
iv) Loma Viloma
v) Pada Asanas
vi) Digestive
vii) Oli Group
viii) Shirsha
ix) Twists
x) Pelvic Openers

3. 9 Foundational Asanas
a. Padmasana
b. Sarvangasana
c. Shirshasana
d. Bhujangasana
e. Shalabhasana
f. Dhanurasana
g. Halasana
h. Paschittmottanasana
i. Navasana

4. 18 Basic Asanas
a. Vajrasana
b. Dharmikasana
c. Padmasana
d. Sarvangasana
e. Supta Vajrasana
f. Siddhasana
g. Shirshasana
h. Bhujangasana
i. Shalabhasana
j. Dhanurasana
k. Matsyasana
l. Trikonasana
m. Halasana
n. Paschittmottanasana
o. Matsendrasana
p. Shavasana
q. Navasana
r. Chakrasana

5. 9 Foundational Asanas
a. Padmasana
b. Sarvangasana
c. Shirshasana
d. Bhujangasana
e. Shalabhasana
f. Dhanurasana
g. Halasana
h. Paschittmottanasana
i. Navasana

6. 384 Total Asanas




iv) Pranayama

“Pranayama (breath control) is the key to life – that is, a Yogic life.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

In the Rishiculture system of Yoga, Pranayama is taken to mean, “control of Prana”. Swamiji taught that in the beginning, rough stages of practice, it involves learning to move the breath according to “space, duration or time, and enumeration” By “space” Swamiji taught using all the various spaces within the lungs, as well as the outer and inner space. By “Time”, he meant the different rations and numbers used to guide and measure the inhalation, exhalation, and the held in and held out. By “Number” Swamiji taught us the effectiveness of various Garshanas, or rounds. Swamiji facilitated the awareness and control of the complete breathing apparatus through a set of practices known as The “Hathenas” which form the “A and B and C” of all Rishiculture Pranayama and in essence are “Vital” and inseparable to the complete system of Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga.

“watch the breath until you become the breath”
Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

1) 3 Classifications Of Pranayama
Within the framework of Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga there are three distinct classifications of Pranayamas.
1. The Adhamas are those, which are used for cleansing and purification of the physical body, the nerves, organs and also as a means to build health, skill endurance and other necessary qualities in Sadhana. They are the basic foundation for all Pranayama practice as taught in the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga System.
2. The Madhyamas are those, which were aids in meditation and concentration, that is, those that were directly beneficial to mind control. They are further used as an introspective means to gain sensory withdrawal.
3. The Uttanas are those used in Kundalini arousal and Shakti awareness and control. The actual Practices taught that are used to arouse Kundalini are not revealed in a casual manner and are reserved only for the most pure, dedicated and serious seeker.

Pranayama is generally divided into Prana Yama, the restraint, or Yama of breathe on a held in or held out breath and Prana Ayama, the conscious control over the entire breathing mechanism and the distribution of Prana throughout the various physical, emotional, mental, and psychical systems of the being.

2) 12 Sub-Divisions
Our Rishis further sub-divided Prana into 12 divisions;
2 – Para Pranas
5 – Major Pranas
5 – Minor Pranas
Each of these sub-divisions of Prana relate to all aspects of our life and control over these leads to mastery over our lives.

3) 120 Pranayamas
Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga is considered one of the most advanced if not the most advanced Paramparai in the world for its study and practice of Pranayama.

v) Pratyahara

The Yogi does not believe that the senses must be dulled, but rather, sharpened so as to be the best of all senses, and then brought under control of that part of the mind, which properly maintains that control. In this paramparai we believe that it is not necessary as kill the senses or slay the mind, rather it is necessary to bring them under our control.

vi) Dharana

“If there are any distractions, either outer or inner,
then concentration cannot be undertaken”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

There are many types of concentration practices and exercises and in fact the Gitananda system of Yoga is a highly internalized school where all of the practices can be performed as an act of Dharana. In the higher Raja Yoga concentration is of a particular type called Adhyatmika Dharana or Atman Dharana where concentration is on the indwelling Self. Specific forms of Adhyatmika Dharana are on the Chakra centers of the higher and lower bodies, Mandala Dharana, Bija Dharana that is also a form of Mantra Dharana. External objects of concentration such as Trataka or the various drishti Dharanas are very beneficial but not to be confused with the Raja Yoga Dharanas. Indeed one could easily say that every Yogic practice and technique requires an element of Dharana.

vii) Dhyana
Dhyana is in today’s world of confused spiritual seekers a very mis-understood concept. The state of meditation is the actual union with the divine where there ceases to exist any separation. Many people state that they are meditating which is in actuality an impossibility for in meditation there is no one left to say I am meditating. Dhyana is the state that is closely linked to Samadhi and occurs from many years of Sadhana and a unique combination of Karmic circumstances.

viii) Samadhi
“ …When the mind burns like a lamp in a windless place”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Samadhi or cosmic consciousness is the highest state of consciousness that man can attain to. It is as though mind has been transcended and mental state of the usual type no longer exist. Samadhi is that “Self” same state of ecstatic Union that Yoga strives for and transcends all of existence. In the Yoga Sutras Maharishi Patanjali two stages of Samadhi the first being Sabija (with Seed) Samadhi and the second as Nirbija (Seedless).







2. Jnana Yoga:


Right Knowledge is based on:
1. Direct Cognition
2. Inference
3. Testimony from Authority
Sage Patanjali - Yoga Sutras 1:7

By definition Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of knowledge or more precisely wisdom. In Jnana Yoga we use the power of the mind to transcend the mind. Jnana Yoga is ideally suited for people with strong intellects and who seek reasons for what happens. In Jnana Yoga we wish to know the secrets of the universe with our minds. To quote Kahlil Gibran the famous Lebanese poet we seek to know in words our hearts desire”. Jnana Yogis seek God with the faculty of the mind. Within the Rishiculture Yoga tradition we use the mind to study the scriptures and to gain correct knowledge from valid sources such as the Rishis, and of course Swamiji. With the knowledge we gain we use the mind to transcend the mind.


3. Gita Yoga

Thy concern is with Action alone, never with results.
Let not the fruit of action be thy motive,
nor let thy attachment be for inaction.
Krishna - Bhagavad Gita 2:47

“Each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is a Yoga, teaching some particular aspect of divine play in the world of Maya or phenomenal existence. Krishna (the Superconscious Mind) tells Arjuna that the message he brings to him is one of imperishable Yoga, the way to unified existence that has been taught from the earliest times. The teachings exalt Dharma, doing ones duty and fulfilling obligations through Karma or right actions.
The Gita teaches that this is the Panacea for moral and ethical decay.
Living the teachings of the Gita overcomes unrighteousness and evil in our nature by re-establishing righteousness or right-use-ness”.
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

“That which can not be followed in day to day living should not rightly be called religion. Life is to be practical, simple, uncluttered, efficient, rewarding and enlightening. Anything in ones life that tends to confuse, distort or derange, should be shunned as ones mental and mortal enemy. These are the real teachings of the Gita.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

“The Gita is a medical textbook on a very high level, where in eighteen chapters each one containing a specific Yoga, the eighteen human senses are dealt with. “
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Below are listed the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, each chapter is a Yoga unto itself and are taught as a vital inseparable component of Rishiculture Yoga.

1. The Yoga of the despondency of Arjuna
2. The Yoga Of Knowledge
3. The Yoga of Action
4. The Yoga of division of wisdom
5. The Yoga of Renunciation of action
6. The Yoga of Meditation
7. The Yoga of Wisdom and realization
8. The Yoga of the imperishable Brahman
9. The Yoga of the Kingly science and the Kingly secret
10. The Yoga of divine Glories
11. The Yoga of the vision of the divine form
12. The Yoga of devotion
13. The Yoga of the distinction between the field and the knower of the field
14. The Yoga of the three Gunas
15. The Yoga of the supreme spirit
16. The Yoga of the division between the divine and the demonical
17. The Yoga of the division of the three fold faith
18. The Yoga of liberation by renunciation

Do not depend on anything outside of your own self. Yoga is the original science of self help. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita says “by the self is the Self realized”.
If you lean on someone else, and he moves, then you will certainly fall.
Always balance yourself on your own two feet.
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri


4. Karma Yoga – Bhakti Yoga:

“When in doubt……ACT…..don’t think. If you are right, you will succeed.
If you are wrong you will soon discover it, and the consequences of the
action will burn out the karma of your error”.
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

The Bhakti Marga or path is for the Yogi who is filled with emotional sentiments, this is the path of devotional surrender. Ultimately Karma Yoga is that which removes the Ahamkara or ego.

“On account of devotion, (that is) through a particular love, (Bhakti) (towards him), the lord inclines (toward the Yogin) and favours him alone by reason of his dispassion only, the Yogin draws near to the attainment of ecstasy (Samadhi) and the fruit of ecstasy, (which is) liberation”
- Yoga Bhashya – 1:23


5. Kriya Yoga


Kriya Yoga is for the spiritual aspirant who seeks to discipline and gain control of the body, emotions and mind. Many people believe Kriya Yoga to be a shortcut to Kundalini arousal Swamiji stated, “There are no shortcuts to Spirituality, the evolutionary journey is a long one”. Sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras states Kriya Yoga to be the last three Niyamas, specifically Swadyaya (self study), Tapas (Austerities), and Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion to a personal deity). Ishwara Pranidhana is of particular interest as without it we are little more than demons searching for power. Swamiji preferred to term Ishvara Pranidhana as Atman Prasadanum, as there exists a two way street that relates rewards as being directly proportional to effort and purity. Sage Patanjali stated that Kriya Yoga will in itself , produce Samadhi, Cosmic consciousness, and the state of enlightenment. Kriya Yoga is taking the last three Niyamas to their highest level.

6. MudraYoga:

“Verily the Mudra is the Devi, even the Supreme Adept Himself…
Devi is Shakti, but the Mudra controls Her…
So Mudra is also the Supreme Shakti
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri


In studying the various Mudras presented by many Yoga teachers today it seems at first glance that this ancient and “secret” science has been discovered and opened to all. Upon further investigation and a deeper study of these esoteric “gestures” we discover that the hidden aspects of Mudras are still quite safe from the uninitiated and insincere. The absolute best description of Mudras comes from Swamijis Book entitled “Mudras”; the following excerpt gives us a clearer understanding of this sublime science.

“The traditional meaning ascribed to the Sanskrit term “Mudra” is as a seal, a gesture or a secret practice of Yogins. The Kularnava describes Mudra as coming from “Mud”, meaning “delight, or pleasure” and “Dravay” the causal form of “Dru”, to draw forth. In Hinduism, Nyasa is also included in the science of Mudra. Ancient authorities agree that the Mudra has four distinct aspects or powers. First the Mudra gives delight to the deity being worshipped or evoked. Secondly, it draws the compassion of the evoked deity. Thirdly, “melting the mind of the deity” the worshiper gains control over that force; and lastly, for the mystic, the Mudra gives control over the powerful forces of the deity manifesting through psyche, mind, and body”. “One ancient Tantric work states that “Mudra” is the mystical symbol for the number or numeral “18”. In Yantra, Hindu mystic symbology and semasiology, it is stated that Mudra is the secret meaning behind the art of writing and reading.”

The higher practice of Mudras gives the Yogin a powerful “key” into the sublime. After having developed a level of proficiency in the Bahiranga practices of Hatha Yoga as a sincere Sadhak and successfully living a “Yogic lifestyle” Rishiculture Students are initiated into appropriate Mudras according to their proficiency. So as we can see Mudras are much more than “additional” practices that can help us, they are in actuality a Yoganga or independent and complete branch of Yoga.

“In Yantra, Mudra Yoga is a classical school of practice, where hands, feet, body, emotions and mind are all used in actual or symbolical gestures. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika also states the Mudra to be a Yoganga, while the Shiva Samhita classifies ten Mudras, and the Gheranda Samhita describes twenty five.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Within the practices of Tantra and Yantra, we will find that there are 729 classical Mudras, this is not surprising since Tantra and Yantra are the Yogas of energy sublimation par excellence.


7. Mantra Yoga:

Mantra Yoga is one of the most powerful forms of Yoga. It originates before time and can transport us to the timeless state of reality. Mantras are articulate sounds, which unite the sub-consciousness, consciousness, and super-consciousness. The ancient Rishis discovered the nature of reality and the Divine through the persistent use of Mantra. Not only is the Universe constantly reverberating its sacred Mantra we can attune to it by repeating it. The most powerful Mantras that are taught within this Paramparai include the practices of;
1. Japa Mantra
2. Ajapa Mantra
3. Pranava AUM
4. The Gayatri Mantras
5. Mantra Laya
6. Nada (Cosmic Listening)

Chanting the name of the Divine has been advocated by all of the great Rishis and sages as a direct path to Self Realization.


8. Yantra Yoga:

“India has revealed to the world three Sacred Sciences: Yoga, Tantra, and Yantra. Yoga is the Practical Path to oneness with life, Tantra is the mystical control of power and energy, while Yantra is the science of Being hidden behind form.”
- Ram Gopal Mujumdhar (Swami Kanakananda)

Yantra Yoga is a Yoga where the understanding of basic geometrical forms produces an appreciation of what is called “spiritual mathematics”. A complete system of yoga involves all aspects of the esoteric practices of Yoga, Tantra, Yantra, Mantra, and Mudra. Rishiculture Yoga is a classical example how all the classical teachings feed unto each other. As you may have already noticed as we study the teachings of this Paramparai there exists a mystical formulation where the teachings manifest into series of 3’s, 6’s, or 9’s. all numbers of practices can be reduced to these common numbers. For example 384 Asanas when added together equal 6 (3+8+4 = 15 / 1+5=6). It is upon further study of the mystical and esoteric meanings of these numbers that we begin to see the universe and all its manifestations in complete harmony.

“Ordo Ab Chao” – “There Is Order In Chaos”
-Is an ancient axiom appropriate to the universe as well
as the study leading to a knowledge of this same universe”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Very little can be said to the uninitiated about the higher teachings of Yantra as without a firm grounding in the Ashtanga Yoga system the true meaning will be lost. Much emphasis is placed by the Yogacharyas of this Paramparai to teach people where they are at and be responsible to both the student and the teachings. It makes no sense to teach a baby to run or jump when it can barely crawl. Like this the appropriate teachings are passed on at the appropriate time to the appropriate students.

“Mudra and Yantra are concerned with Self Realization through
development of the intuitive, psychic faculties of man in the most
positive manner, allowing self control and mastery.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

As you can see there exists a framework within all of the teachings that feed unto each other. Within the framework of Yantra there are again 9 specific schools of Yoga that are espoused for various individuals from a Yantric viewpoint of Dharma.

1. Hatha Yoga
2. Jnana Yoga
3. Pranayama
4. Karma Yoga
5. Raja Yoga
6. Yantra Yoga
7. Mantra Yoga
8. Laya Yoga
9. Bhakti Yoga

9. Raja - Laya Yoga:

Hatha Yoga is a ladder for ascending to the heights of Raja Yoga
Yogi Swatmarama Suri – Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Laya means to re-absorb and as a Yoga means to re-absorb all the energies and forces normally dissipated in daily living. Tejas and Ojas (higher forces) are produced through these practices and the highest of all emotional-mental ecstasies are created by these techniques. Laya Yoga is open to the most advanced Students in the world, this Yoga deals with the psychic forces including Kundalini Shakti, its arousal and control with Agni Yoga, Atma Yoga, and Shakti Yoga. This Paramparai identifies 12 Chakras, 6 lower, and 6 higher. The 6 lower Chakras are associated with the 6 major Nerve plexuses of the Body.


The 6 higher Chakras are associated with our higher Self, with the 6 lower Chakras are merely a material reflection of the 6 higher Chakras. Advanced studies of Raja Yoga include the study of the various 108 Siddhis and Riddhis. As taught by Swamiji there exists 3 types of Siddhis (psychic accomplishments) and are of 12 origins while Riddhis is a state of Psychic prosperity. Raja Yoga is the highest stages of Ashtanga Hatha Yoga where the practices are dealt with at the subtlest levels of energy.

VI Yoga Chikitsa:

By fully embracing a complete system that incorporates many Yogic practices we can in actuality heal the root of our dis-eases. Swamiji was the world’s foremost authority on Psychic Neurology and its correlation to Yoga Chikitsa. Swamiji discusses nine factors or the Nau Dhushyas in the practice of this Paramparai’s Yoga Chikitsa that are of a physical nature and an additional 3 Non-physical factors to make up the twelve systems of the body or Dwadasha Kramas.


Yoga Chikitsa as taught in this Paramparai does not let the patient become a passive participant but rather actively involves the Patient/student to empower themselves and truly heal the real issues surrounding their dis-ease. Without actively healing thyself one will Karmically re-create the dis-ease this is why Yoga Chikitsa cannot and should not be disconnected from a regular Sadhana and a Yogic lifestyle which includes following the Yamas and Niyamas as well as a balanced vegetarian diet. Yoga Chikitsa is dealt with through all the bodies of man and the nine dimensional world in which he lives.







The Yogi Lives in a nine –dimensional world represented by:
1. First Dimension Line
2. Second Dimension Surface or Plane
3. Third Dimension Depth
4. Fourth Dimension Space
5. Fifth Dimension Time
6. Sixth Dimension Mind
7. Seventh Dimension Astral Memory
8. Eighth Dimension Intellect
9. Ninth Dimension Spiritual Liberation











IX. Kaya Kalpa:


“Yoga is the mother of all sciences
Yoga is the mother of all religions”
- Maharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

Kaya Kalpa is India’s ancient science of rejuvenation and involves cleansing and break down followed by build up and regeneration. If the anabolic process of metabolism is accentuated to a greater degree than the catabolic destructive processes of metabolism then we remain young, youthful and energetic. Aging has little to do with chronological passing of time. Many teenagers today have the bodies of 80-year-old senile degenerates, having mis-used their bodies so early in life. Kaya Kalpa is a process that requires that the patient/student retreat to an ashram or health center to live in a nutritive environment with a restricted and disciplined lifestyle including Diet, exercise, and cleansing followed by building practices. The cleansing practices include;
1. Fasting
2. Shanka Prakshalana
3. Eka Dasi
The fasting process varies from person to person and is followed by the Shanka Prakshalana techniques unique to this Paramparai. Eka Dasi is an 11-day physical, mental and psychic cleansing practice that breaks down traumas and cleanses them at a cellular level. After the breaking down phase the build up phase consists primarily of the 45 day Pancha Sahita Pranayama. Kaya Kalpa is extremely powerful and is often thrown around haphazardly in today’s discussions of health and healing, make no mistake Kaya Kalpa is a life changing process.

X. Summary:

“I am everywhere” and “I am nothing”
This kind of vision embraces the real existence,
…there is no other way of realization.
Yoga Vasishta 5:6:67

In Summary we see that there are many systems of Yoga with many names and various practices that leave aspirants confused as to which path to follow. In the Rishiculture System as espoused by Swamiji we use many practices to maximize the benefits of Yoga and help us on our path. Many schools will say that on path is for one type of person while another path is for another type of person this type of generality cannot be applied to the multifaceted nature of any human being. 100 years ago Yoga was Yoga, today there are hundreds if not thousands of yoga schools with names that leave seekers confused as to the meaning of certain Sanskrit names. For example Ashtanga in the western world has come to mean a type of power yoga that is a dynamic exercise, indeed some people don’t even know that Yoga is more than exercise. Swamiji Named this system of Yoga after the ancient Rishis or original seers who the origins of Yoga can be traced back to. Many ignorant people have become Yoga fundamentalists and they don’t even know how the ancient Rishis lived. Living in a balanced way in harmony with the universe was the foundation for Yogic Life. The Rishis lived in the world, they raised families and contributed to society; The Rishi way of life or culture was the real teachings of Yoga and is the essence of Rishiculture Yoga. Ashtanga is simply the foundational limbs of Sage Patanjali as set out in his Yoga Sutras; Rishi Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga system which is far more than a system of exercise is a core part of the Rishiculture system.

“Everything is there for your use. Nothing is there for your misuse.”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri

After Swamiji achieved Samadhi on December 29th 1993, the Worldwide community began calling the Rishiculture system as Rishiculture Ashtanga (Gitananda) Yoga. Hundreds of thousand Sadhaks worldwide have benefited from the immense body of Knowledge that Swamiji passed to us especially for his practical message to live life fully and consciously in the same evolutionary way that the Rishis expounded to us nearly 7000 years ago. Today, in Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, South India at the International Center for Education and Research in Ananda Ashram, The Rishiculture Ashtanga (Gitananda) Yoga system as taught by Swamiji is continuing, as it has been, for 35 years producing a maximum of a dozen highly qualified Yogacharyas (guides) per year to propagate the true meaning of a productive Yogic life by living by example.

“Therefore, Rama, let the enlightened person engage in worldly tasks,
ignore whatever gets lost and accept whatever that comes his way.”
- Yoga Vasishta 4:4:102

References.

“There is only one secret in this universe and that is ……There Is No Secret!”
- Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri


The Author claims no original thought in the compilation of this material other than the inspiration to codify it within the inseparable Yantric framework that it exists in. The majority of the text used in this thesis is directly or indirectly quoted or paraphrased from the various books and printed material distributed by Ananda Ashram and the International Center for Yoga Education And Research (ICYER) the international head quarters of Gitananda Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga. Introductory statements and clarification have been given to allow concepts to flow in a thesis format. This thesis was written with the intent to establish a framework that accurately describes the teachings as delivered by Swami Gitananda Giri Guru maharaj to the uninitiated and to inspire a further more complete codification in a full book format.



OM SAHANA VAVATHU
SAHA NAU BHUNAKTHU
SAHA VIRYAMKARAVAVAHAI
TEJASVI NAVADHITAM ASTHU
MA VIDVISHAVAHAI
OM SHANTHI, SHANTHI, SHANTHI OM

May we both be protected together. May we both be nourished together. May we both work together with great energy. May our study be fruitful and enlightening. May we not quarrel, nor hate each other. Om peace, peace, and peace, Om…

THE END


In kind regards,

Adam.
Little1
read em and weap laugh.gif i hope i will find the time laugh.gif thank you Adam
KoHsuan
these books are about pranayama from taoism point

http://morelight.net/originalbooks/
rex
These are good informative reads:

Path of Fire and Light Vol. 1: Advanced Practices of Yoga

Pranayama: The Yoga of Breathing

Kumbhaka is the key to getting the internal winds to abide in the central channel but without formal instruction it is dangerous to hold the breath for more than two minutes.
Little1
regarding taoist breathing mastery some say embryonic breathing and empty force are the most important to understand. the empty force being a tool by which you seal the hui yin gates, and can condense the dan tian

regarding the sealing of hui yin, there are some yoga practices i found interesting, they deal with... apana, the downward current... mula bandha and vajroli mudra...

there are also practices that focus on developing a strong suction power in the lower abdomen

basically i am interested in how do the yoga mudras and bandhas control each type of prana

i asked for your help as i know there are tons of materials on the web, in the libraries, and as i said im not very good with hindu tradition... also i dont know any yoga master or instructor that can guide me in understanding these...

thank you
Little1
oh i remembered something...

was it Sean that had that cool video about Taoist Practice of the Feces?

i think that was a taoist variant of apana breath controlling, no?

BTW, how did it went with that vid, Sean?

to whomever might wonder, whats gotten into Little, why is he so interested in breath control and bodily control... i dont think its a lower level, the fact that we are here, in the jing material world is a hint that all the great acheivements would be based on mastering the jing/material level...

the eight openings of the body, and the energies that control them, i think they are important...
in order to dig out things that are inside the stuff im currently doing, i usually check out other methods and systems, and when i come back, i see so many links and the deeper the understanding, the deeper de practice becomes, thats my way, so... i keep on going...

thank everyone who has been kind enough to offer some suggestion, all of the hints are explored


Little
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2009 Invision Power Services, Inc.