Complete Book of Yoga

Yoga is a science as well as a method that allows man to live a harmonious life while favouring his spiritual progress through the control of mind and body. The Asanas (Yogic postures) and Pranayama (breath control), better known as Hatha-Yoga, are a practice which not only help one acquire perfect health, stay young and live longer, but is designed to develop the inner force that enables us to overcome our failings and withstand stressful situations with serenity. It prepares the body for higher stages of yogic practice — such as concentration and meditation. Hatha-Yoga thus complements Raja-Yoga, whose supreme goal is the attainment of the state of Super-consciousness.

The great yogis tell us that those who know how to combine yogic postures (Asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama), and the control of the mind or concentration (Dharana) may attain a state of perfection. The object of the Asanas and Pranayamas is the improvement of the physical body, while the control of the mind, i.e., the constructive power of the consciousness, is beneficial to the inner force, developing a positive, optimistic outlook on life; it eliminates the fear of premature old-age and death, bringing with it a state of serenity.

The object of Yoga is to enable us to reach a better knowledge of ourselves. It lays the foundations for a higher level of self-development and a deeper self-awareness. Above all, Yoga teaches us self-discipline, for very little can be achieved without it.

This book provides an explanation of what Yoga is and indications to the method and practice of Asanas and Pranayama. It is based on the practical experience of the great Indian Yogis and Sages, plus original Sanskrit writings on therapeutic yogic practices.