Kakaku：110 saved$1.10
Bookshop
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (REAL Yoga instruction) 『1. Best book on spiritual growth and Yoga I have ever read, by far, out of many dozens. I would give it 20 stars if I could. This book is spot on. Brief, to the point, and powerful. No new Age fru fru stuff in here - this is for someone who really wants to start a disciplined spiritual practice that really will lead them somewhere. Amazing.
2. Those of you who still think putting your foot behind your head and holding perfect mula banda makes you an advanced Yogi need to read this book. Yoga has little to do with postures, and Patanjali, the patron saint of Yoga, makes that clear. Patanjali is to Yoga what Lao Tsu is to Confucianism. There are only two references to asanas in the entire body of sutras (186 of them) and both of those refer only to a sitting position.
3. In India, this book is sold by the Ramakrishna Math as "Patanjali Yoga Sutras" by Swami Prabhavananda, and then it mentions Christopher Isherwood as a co-author. so its unclear to me who actually wrote the commentary.
』
(Simply Excellent) 『The first I heard of Patanjali's aphorisms was through George Harrison's song 'Brainwashed' which captions thoughts on the Soul. Intrigued, I searched this book out and had a beautiful and subtle enhancement to my meditation practices as a result.
I recommend this book, which was co-authored by two Vedanta followers (for more about Vedanta please see http://www.vedanta.org/wiv/overview.html)of quite diverse backgrounds. It is an exceptionally readable text.』
(Excellent introduction to Yoga philosophy and practice) 『The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have here been freely translated, in an understandable way, avoiding too many technicalities often found in translations of Sanskrit works. Terms from Vedanta philosophy, better known to many, have been used, and in the comments other interesting sources are quoted, e.g. 'The Way of a Pilgrim' and Sri Ramakrishna. Highly recommendable.』
(Union with God) 『This book teaches yoga in its true form. Yoga in America is not the same; it is Hatha Yoga that is used solely to have a healthier body. It is godless yoga. The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali reminds us the goal of yoga. How did the Western world forget that yoga means union with God instead of extensive stretching and standing on your head? When people talk to me about yoga, they don't see it as union with God. Yoga is a way of life, and can be applied in all areas. Hatha Yoga is body preparation, Bhakti Yoga is devotion, Karma Yoga is dedicated work, Jnana Yoga is spiritual discrimination, and even though it is not talked about in this book much, Tantra Yoga is using sex to reach this union! As you can see how yoga falls into so many categories and different aspects, of our life, Patanjali has created his own yoga: Raja (or Royal) Yoga, which incorporates all other yogas. When reading this book, you will see how, through yoga, anything can be accomplished. The power of God is omnipotent, ans through this union with Him, you will also have this omnipotence. This book is the manual to true yoga.』
(Yogic Flying) 『"How To Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali" (from my understanding)is required reading for anyone interested in beoming a Sidha and practicing Yogic Flying. The process of Samyama (concentration, meditation, and absorption) creates a clarity of mind that is highly focused. A fascinating study and is an essential reference for anyone who teaches and practices Yoga.』 『The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali is a major work on the practice of yoga and meditation. Through these ancient aphorisms you will learn how to control your mind and achieve inner peace and freedom. Although these methods were taught over 2,000 years ago, they are as alive and effective today as they have ever been. The 2008 edition has been reset and now has an extensive index for reference.』
Kakaku：638 saved$6.38
Princeton Book Company
Usually ships in 24 hours 『
Dozens of simple, yoga-based exercises tailored for daily classroom use fill this educator's resource. Each featured posture or breathing technique can be practiced in as few as three minutes, so that they can be inserted into the regular school day as needed or combined to create longer sequences for physical education classes, playgrounds, athletic/recreation centers, camps, and dance schools. The simple movement exercises develop concentration, improve motor skills, and boost strength, flexibility, and balance as they enhance relationships and inspire a joyful and effective learning process. Additionally, breathing exercises expand lung capacity and increase endurance as they energize and harmonize body and mind. By taking a few moments to stop between activities to lead students in these breathing and stretching exercises, teachers can inspire a calm, harmonious, and centered classroom.
Kakaku：995 saved$9.95
Red Wheel/Weiser
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Pretty good) 『Practical, the author links excercises with desired effects: Feeling stressed? do A. Feeling listless? do B...and so on...a very quick pranayama fix.』
(Straight forward breathing exercises) 『This little book is an excellent guide for yoga breathing. You don't have to dig through long texts (although interesting as well) about eastern life philosophy and can get straight to work. Several breathing techniques are explained in a couple of pages each and categorized per purpose, e.g. concentration, energy etc. definitely recommendable, especially when you're `a starter' and just want to experience some techniques.』
(Great introduction to pranayama by reviewer who delivers workshops on these types of topics) 『I am a personal growth coach who is educated in biology, biochemistry, biofeedback and psychology. I give workshops on stress management, coach executives on this topic and also do workhshops that combine these techniques with biofeedback. This gives you some background on me and my perspective that I'm writing this review from.
As someone who works with these techniques and sees the results via biofeedback with myself and others, I highly recommend this very inexpensive book as a brief overview and introduction to the topic. The author covers a lot of ground in a small space and the instructions are clear and simple.
If you practice these exercises as they are explained, they will cause effects in your physiology. Regulation of the breath is very tied to the nervous system and to heart rate variability which correlates with resilience. If you buy this book and get serious about a practice, I would pick up some additional material to augment this text such as the SCIENCE OF BREATH and THE LIGHT ON PRANAYAMA. The first of these is a more Western explanation by a respected yoga institute and the second is a classic text with a lot of detail.
I also highly recommend getting a home biofeedback program such as FreezeFramer or Healing Rhythms. You can read the descriptions of each and determine what is best for your needs. However, this additional step will really heighten your awareness and help you to develop more control over your internal states.』
(Excellent.) 『i still need to learn more to understand completely the given material, but a very lucid book and a good source.』
(Valuable Book) 『Instead of wasting money on Iyengar's books, this is safer, simple way of doing PRANAYAMA. This book is worth it's weight in gold.
Alternet Nostril Breathing is the best for weight loss, however Ujjaini works, too, but little slowly.
Following are two techniques: Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anulom Vilom Pranayama with no breath retention) This pranayama (control breathing) is done with alternate breathing from the left and right nostrils for cleansing of Nadis. (energy meridians). Seated in a convenient posture, start off with slow inhalation from the left nostril first by closing the right nostril with the middle of right hand thumb ,and after fully filling the lungs, (not the belly breathing) breathe out slowly from the right nostril by closing the left nostril with the two ( left hand middle and ring) fingers. Now breathe in from the right nostril by closing the left nostril in the above manner and exhale from the left nostril by closing the right nostril with the right thumb. It completes one cycle. Do this for three minutes for two months then gradually increase to 5 minutes.
Do it two hour after eating or drinking. (Do it on empty-stomach) Do not eat for 15 minute after you are done. Better to lie down for five minutes after you are done. If you limit practice to maximum of five minutes, it will be the best.
The very first sign you will experience is lightness in the body and clearer thinking.
The practice of this breathing for a period of three to four months can open up thirty to forty percent of the heart arteries' blockages. This pranayama alleviates all the diseases of the body, leads to the state of joy, enthusiasm for living , fearlessness, peace of mind and deep meditation.
Benefits: -Hair will regrow within two months of practice. -Body will go to it's ideal weight by itself. -Face becomes bright and luminous. -Lost vision will return. -Removes fear/anxiety of any kind. - Aligns both hemisphere of the brain for full brain functionality - Creates a deeper sense of well-being and harmony - Helps alleviate migraines and headaches and frazzled states of being - Works great in situations where you find yourself anxious, board and need grounding -Blockages in the arteries of the heart are removed and the arteries become clean, making circulation unimpeded.
Ujjayi Pranayama
1. You can do this sitting, standing or walking anywhere anytime.
2. Inhale slowly through both nostrils, keeping the throat slightly constricted so as to make a gentle sound that will help you to feel the breath in the throat. The sound will remind you of ocean waves washing up the beach. Concentrate on the feeling of the breath moving in and out through the throat.
3. During inhalation do not allow abdomen to bulge out, let the chest expand.
4. After completing inhalation slowly exhale. (Either by both nostrils or by left nostril) During exhalation chest should go inside and abdomen should remain steady.
Remember :-
1. While doing Ujjiayi air should touch the throat.
2. Breath must be mentally locked in chest area. (Do not do belly breathing)
3. After practicing it for few days, knowing your limitations, keep the ratio between inhalation and exhalation 1 : 2.
4. In easy Ujjiayi Pranayama, inhalation and exhalation can be practiced by both the nostrils.
Benefits: This simple practice has a subtle influence on the whole body. It calms the mind and has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Ujjayi is very useful for people with high blood pressure as it slows down the heartbeat. It has subtle effects on the flow of life force in the astral (energy) body and helps you to be aware of its movement within the sushumna (astral spine).』 『Pranayama, the practice of breath control, is detailed here in an easy-to-understand and even easier-to-practise format. Professional yoga instructor Scott Shaw introduces 16 breathing exercises and shows you how to get the best benefit from each of the forms by training, refining and witnessing your breath. Try one of the calming breaths, Nadi Sudi or the Nerve Purifying Breath. Have a long day ahead with no breaks until after dinner? Allow Ujayi or the Hissing Breath to work its miracles. Here you will learn how to breathe while moving, standing and leaning and how these variations can affect your breathing practice. Use the instruction offered in "The Little Book of Yoga Breathing" to feel more focused and energized.』
Kakaku：478 saved$4.78
Shambhala
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (I don't know the author, yet I love this book) 『I am no expert on the Sutras. I read parts of several versions of the sutras looking for one I could study without constantly questioning the commentary. Other versions add a lot in the commentary that arguably is not meant in the original. For example, a version by Satchidananda mentions "God" after just about every line in the Sutras. I don't know Sanskrit, but the word which is being translated as "God" may mean something more like an impersonal pure awareness, and whatever it means, it does not appear in the text nearly as often as Satchidananda brings it up. Hartranft's was the best translation I for my purposes; his commentary seems to take fewer liberties.』
(Succinct, lucid, palatable) 『I have been studying Hatha Yoga with an Iyengar teacher for a couple of years. Curious about yoga's philosophical underpinnings, I took Hartranft's book out of the library.
I have read the disputes about the authenticity of Hartranft's translation in other reviews on Amazon. I can't split hairs over fine points of translations from Sanskrit, or Hindu philosophy, but as a translator in other languages, I can say without reservation that Hartranft's translation is lucid and beautifully crafted. Also, I find Hartranft's commentaries accessible, palatable, informative, and refreshingly dispassionate. Hartranft frankly, openly, fairly and succinctly addresses the relationship of the Yoga-Sutra to the teachings of other Hindu philosophical systems and of Buddhism, and to modern scientific and historical findings.
I suspect that the breadth of Hartranft's perspective is, in part, what some readers find objectionable. Or maybe it's that he avoids loading down the discussion with references to polytheistic Hinduism. But after all, the Yoga-Sutra is not about that, any more than the writings of Aristotle are about Greek gods.
If you are looking to cloak yourself in devotional yoga culture, look elsewhere. But for a clear and concise introduction to the Yoga-Sutra, or to guide your way in a yoga practice, I highly recommend this book.』
(Misleading--Commentary purely Buddhist, not Yoga) 『If you want to learn about Buddhism and in particular vipassana meditation there are plenty of books out there that are great. But the Yoga Sutras are about Yoga and though there are some strong overlaps, in the final analysis the Yogic philosophy is about union with God whereas Buddhist is not. This commentator intentionally ignores this "elephant in the room" so he can promote Buddhism using a Yogic text. He explains the difference away with a wave of his hand by saying the Patanjali's Ishvara (the ultimate godhead) is impersonal. My reaction is that this is gross over simplification and even if it were so, Buddhism strictly denies any godhead, personal or impersonal. Since the point of the Yoga Sutras is to teach union with the transcendent godhead through stilling the mind and the purpose of Buddhist meditation is to achieve total equanimity through stilling the mind, the 2 overlap but are not the same thing. The fact that the commentator (Chip Hartranft), with every good intention, glosses over this makes this particular version more about Chip Hartranft's ideas that Patanjali's. You encounter this a lot in translations of Yogic texts, the most egregious example being "The Bhagavad Gita As it Is" which is nothing more than a distorted tract to indoctrinate the reader into the Hare Krishna movement and has little to do with accuracy. Having spent years as a vispassana meditator and now as a yogi, I can affirm that there are definite overlaps but one strong difference. The Yogi seeks God within himself, the Buddhist has nothing to do with such a quest. If you want a book on vipassa (Buddhist) meditation, try S.N. Goenka's book on Vipassana or perhaps on of the books by Joseph Goldstein. If you want an accurate commentary of the Yoga Sutra's, try Satchidananda's or Iyengar's. This book, though beautiful in it's explaination of Buddhism, is simply misleading because it does not address yoga acurately.』
(A consistent translation) 『If I may clear up any confusion...translations of ancient Indian languages (Sanskrit and Pali) are works in progress. It is my understanding that there is no direct translation of Sanskrit or Pali. I have seen citta translated as mind, consciousness, of the heart, and thought. It largely depends on the context of the entire passage and whether or not there is consistency throughout the text. This is why it is important to have a translator who possesses transcendental knowledge into what he or she is translating.
Here, the translator uses consciousness for citta which is the mind in general. One could use mind if one feels more comfortable...consciousness and mind are synonyms.
』
(Brilliant, lucid and concise) 『I found this guide to the Yoga Sutra to be highly coherent, logical and easy to follow. The author's commentary "rings true" with my own experience as a meditator, and it is in practice that the worth of the translation is to be found. A particularly interesting implication of the translator is that the awakened state frees the meditator to leave behind the emotional baggage that obstructs a rational, clear view of life and the universe; to me, this is the Universe waking up to itself, a way for existence to know itself, a path for dropping the masks we wear through the sheer inertia of habitual living. This is the beginning of a logical, rational life, and meditation is the path that opens the way to the ideals that such thinkers as Zeno the Stoic conceived. This book is an invaluable resoure for anyone who seriously wishes to explore the fully-awakened life. If the student of meditation wishes to discover the basis of logical, compassionate living, this book is a useful guide.』 『In just 196 short aphorisms, this classic work of Indian philosophy spells out succinctly how the mind works, and how it is possible to use the mind to attain liberation. Compiled in the second or third century CE, theYoga-Sutrais a road map of human consciousness—and a particularly helpful guide to the mind states one encounters in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices. It expresses the truths of the human condition with great eloquence: how we know what we know, why we suffer, and how we can discover the way out of suffering. Chip Hartranft's fresh translation and extensive, lucid commentary bring the text beautifully to life. He also provides useful auxiliary materials, including an afterword on the legacy of theYoga-Sutraand its relevance for us today.』
Kakaku：478 saved$4.78
Hunter House
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Good book) 『This is an excellent book to use when working with elementary special education students. I use many of the activities in my therapy program with my students.』
(Not a Yoga Person) 『"The Yoga Adventure for Children" by Helen Purperhart
I thought this book would help me get some new ideas of movement to do with kids. I am not a "yoga" person. It is not my cup of tea (herbal or black!) So the sections on the five abstinences, five precepts, and which chakra the movement works on were lost on me.
What I did like was the easy to read and understanding Icons at the top of each page telling the reader what age group the movement was good for, size of group needed, and if a large space or props were needed. I also liked the simple drawings that illustrated the moves for me (as a non-yoga person this was really appreciated.) As someone that works with kids, I loved the imitating animals and adventures in the forest sections the most. My kids enjoyed the new movements, role playing and experiencing something new.
I think this would be a great book for someone that loves yoga and wants to know how they can share that love with their children. I know it is a good book for people who are NOT into yoga and still want to share new concepts and movements with young children. 』
(After Barbar) 『Barbar's Yoga For Elephants is great fun, but The Yoga Adventure for Children offers much more. Many more poses carefully described, advice for teachers and parents, and activities designed to engage children. Many poses are given animal names - lion, eagle, crab, penguin. My five year old granddaughter immediately grabbed the book and followed the illustrations.』
(Yoga can be a springboard for self-discovery) 『Physical activity is natural to children and vital for their healthy development. But in today's mechanized society--with TV, computer games and competitive sports--it is becoming difficult for some children to get the exercise they need in a natural, healthy, and enjoyable way. Being that I enjoy yoga so much there are times when my kids would join in and quickly become frustrated and strain ness with some of the positions that they put themselves. So this little book have made there little lives a whole lot easier.
Beside this, Can you think of an activity that promotes concentration, motor skill development and self-confidence for kids? And, is fun and healthy for kids and adults to enjoy together? It's "Yoga Adventure," Why do I feel like (I'm in a infomercial) you can learn how to get kids interested and started in yoga, teach them how to stretch, concentrate and express creativity using their mind and body. This book is full of various stretching exercises, poses and activities for adults and kids to enjoy together or individually. Kids will love to use their imagination to pose as a tree, a camel, from caterpillar to butterfly and many others! "Yoga Adventure" provides simple exercises and games you and your children can do together that can help your kids.
The poses emphasize coordination, flexibility, strength, and good posture, while increasing concentration and body awareness. Yoga promotes self-esteem and the development of inner joy and peace for all children, but especially those with physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. Parents, childcare workers, and healthcare workers will find this book perfect for introducing a fun new form of fitness to children as well as a meaningful group activity.
These exercises are suitable for kids from age four and up--no matter what their physical abilities are, Yoga adventure is a safe, healthy, and fun way for families to exercise, play, and grow together. My own kids learned the positions fairly easily. They are 6 and 8 years old. My daughter enjoys doing the cobra, shark, owl, elephant and the flower meditation. And my son takes well with the circles, teddy breathing, eagle, walk in the woods and balloon meditation. They really enjoy imitating animals through out the whole session which is a great way to not only stretch but also reflect. Highly recommended.
』
(Helps me relax) 『Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 10) for Reader Views (8/07)
Have you ever practiced yoga? Yoga has been around for many years. Many grownups have practiced yoga to calm their emotions and increase physical strength. Helen Purpehart has created a book which focuses on children doing yoga as a way to gain self-confidence, coordination and flexibility.
"The Yoga Adventure for Children" is a valuable resource. There are many pages of yoga exercises for kids to try. Each exercise is illustrated with step-by-step instructions. There are many child-friendly stories included to help the older children with the concepts presented. Kids of all ages will enjoy the many yoga exercises in this book. Teachers may even use this as a manual to assist them in introducing yoga to their classrooms.
I found many of these exercises to relax me. I tend to get nervous when taking tests. Maybe I will be able to use some of the techniques presented in this book to calm me down and receive a better grade. There are so many games in this book both for small groups and larger ones. There are also many stretching exercises which can help me become more flexible before competing as part of a sports team at school.
Note from Brianne's mother: Brianne loved "The Yoga Adventure for Children." She is always looking for new ways to play and new ways to relax in stressful situations. I could see her using this book both for herself now and throughout her growing into adult years.
』 『
The Yoga Adventure for Childrenis an illustrated manual for teachers at primary schools and yoga teachers who wish to create children's classes. Featuring 80 drawings of poses, the book playfully acquaints children with yoga stretches and postures and the philosophy behind the practice. Blending yoga, play, dance, music, drama, and drawing,the book requires very little preparation before use. Parents too can shareThe Yoga Adventure for Childrenwith their child at home. Practicing yoga together offers an opportunity to both parents and the child to laugh, play, and have fun together.
Many yoga positions are inspired by animals and stimulate suppleness and strength, and all aspects of yoga are included in the games: relaxation, breathing, concentration, meditation, self-awareness, and visualization. Concepts like karma, chakra, and the elements are explained and developed without too much confusing detail. The games in this book can also be used to increase children's concentration and self-esteem, and to stimulate them to express more creativity, imagination, and better social skills.
IPhone 3G used's review (An often overlooked benefit to yoga) 『Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol, morphine or idealism. (Carl Jung)
Cunningham notes that addicts have a history of mistreating their bodies and yoga is a practice to counteract those episodes of unhealthy damage. Yoga is a calming excercise that helps still the mind and body. While addiction is often akin to octane-fueld intense frenzie, yoga facilitates the opposite. A common understanding of the pathology of addiction is that it is a negative pattern that a person indulges in in a compulsive manner so as to escape from intense emotional pain. Various schools of yoga advocate the practice as a method of getting connected to the self while addiction promotes an escape from the self. The purpose here is to heal that need to escape by embracing an act that is about honoring our bodies and eventually ourselves. 』 『
This comprehensive wellness program includes a yoga program using dynamic affirmations, relaxation techniques, nutrition and lifestyle suggestions, aerobic activities, and journal writing.
Kakaku：638 saved$6.38
Princeton University Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (An Incredibly Intense Read) 『I found this book an incredibly intense book to read. There's nothing simple about it. I had hoped for both clarity and understanding and received neither. I kept reading...hoping upon hope that Shamdasani's words would hold me spellbound and captivated.
I seek truth in its simplest form, but did not find it here. While I am certain that Shamdasani's intent was to provide the reader with an intelligent read, his need for intellectual diatribes created, in stead, an emotional abyss; I found that I could not connect with his analysis without great intensity of focus. Frankly, I didn't have either the time or the inclination to work that hard to grasp the connections.
Had Shamdasani employed simplicity of thought and content as his guides, the average reader might actually benefit from his wisdom and intellect.』
(Worth reading both for Jung and for Shamdasani) 『Jung's ideas on Kundalini are brilliant, but reveal more about Jungian psychology than Kundalini. As with all of Shamdasani's writing, his introduction provides a historical context that both enriches Jung's interpretation and tells us much of the era in which his ideas emerged』
(Although Jung didn't understand kundalini phenomenon...) 『...or what we now refer to as Spiritual Emergence, he amplifies the chakra symbols with such interesting illustrations that the book is well worth the price paid for it.』 『
"Kundalini yoga presented Jung with a model of something that was almost completely lacking in Western psychology--an account of the development phases of higher consciousness.... Jung's insistence on the psychogenic and symbolic significance of such states is even more timely now than then. As R. D. Laing stated... 'It was Jung who broke the ground here, but few followed him.'"--From the introduction by Sonu Shamdasani
Jung's seminar on Kundalini yoga, presented to the Psychological Club in Zurich in 1932, has been widely regarded as a milestone in the psychological understanding of Eastern thought and of the symbolic transformations of inner experience. Kundalini yoga presented Jung with a model for the developmental phases of higher consciousness, and he interpreted its symbols in terms of the process of individuation. With sensitivity toward a new generation's interest in alternative religions and psychological exploration, Sonu Shamdasani has brought together the lectures and discussions from this seminar. In this volume, he re-creates for today's reader the fascination with which many intellectuals of prewar Europe regarded Eastern spirituality as they discovered more and more of its resources, from yoga to tantric texts. Reconstructing this seminar through new documentation, Shamdasani explains, in his introduction, why Jung thought that the comprehension of Eastern thought was essential if Western psychology was to develop. He goes on to orient today's audience toward an appreciation of some of the questions that stirred the minds of Jung and his seminar group: What is the relation between Eastern schools of liberation and Western psychotherapy? What connection is there between esoteric religious traditions and spontaneous individual experience? What light do the symbols of Kundalini yoga shed on conditions diagnosed as psychotic? Not only were these questions important to analysts in the 1930s but, as Shamdasani stresses, they continue to have psychological relevance for readers on the threshold of the twenty-first century. This volume also offers newly translated material from Jung's German language seminars, a seminar by the indologist Wilhelm Hauer presented in conjunction with that of Jung, illustrations of the cakras, and Sir John Woodroffe's classic translation of the tantric text, theSat-cakra Nirupana.
Kakaku：848 saved$8.48
Sounds True, Incorporated
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (So pleasantly surprised) 『My son sent this after a heart attack and I was afraid it would be too overwhelming. With a little adjustment I would not miss my 20 minutes every day with this wonderful addition to my life. It has raised my consciouness immensely. I consider Yoga Breathing and my son a true blessing. Thank you Richard Freeman with the absolutely heavenly voice.』
(the inner art of breathing and living) 『Only after listening 15 minutes something inside seemed to shift, a peacefull stilness came naturally...the instrucions are so profound...probably the best on pranayama available...after CD 1 my posture found a natural new balance. Even after 10 years of experience with Qi Gong,Tao , mindfulness meditation, yoga and Mind/Body Medicine I feel as a beginner with the depth of this CD. What I really like is the mindfulness approach: not forcing anything but rather creating space through listening: listening to the breath ( allowing it s true nature to unfold) as a first step to also listen to the sensations and feelings ( connected with patterns of thought and images in the mind)that arise...it is about giving space and freedom to what is there and yourself; exploring and allowing the essence of yourself to open... I highly recommended it...』 『Yoga Breathing: A foundation course on yoga’s most essential practice
Breathing is so basic to yoga that some instruction is offered in nearly every beginner’s class. Yet, the precise fundamentals of yogic breathwork – and its potential to take us into the depths of yoga – are seldom taught to Western students. With "Yoga Breathing," Richard Freeman responds to this need.
Yogic breathwork, also known as pranayama, literally means "to release life energy from its bounds." When practiced correctly, pranayama has the ability to attune us to the intricate web of our thoughts, physiology, and energetic patterns– to quiet the mind and heighten receptivity – and to open us to "the intrinsic radiance of being fully present."
On "Yoga Breathing," listeners learn the essential principles and techniques of this tradition, including: The fundamentals of yogic breathwork• Finding the thread of the "internal breath" • Sushumna, the body’s central energetic axis • Ujjayi breathing practice • Dristi gazing/breathing • Opening the tree of breath • Lying and seated pranayama • Breathing and postures, and more
At his acclaimed Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado, Richard Freeman considers breathwork so important that he often devotes more than half of his class time to the practice. "Yoga Breathing" distills this master instructor’s rich insights and careful guidance into one complete two-session course, making them available to listeners everywhere.』
Kakaku：510 saved$5.10
McGraw-Hill
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Nicely laid out format - easy to follow) 『Good general information on what is accessible in each trimester. Many girls of course come to yoga only when they are pregnant and possibly with back aches and lack of vitality etc.. This book should give them a nice boost and gentle encouragement to get on with some yoga and feel the difference in the body at least, if not the mind also. The breathing section could prove useful, especially if insomnia is a problem. The monkey mind is a direct result of the uneven breathing pattern we adopt and Wendy explaind nadi shodhana and bramhari in a simple fashion making it easy to follow. The salute to the earth is the sequence my students seem to like and is good into third trimester, tho'the student may think it has to be practiced only in the second as it appears in the second trimester section. This is the rub when sectioning off asanas per trimester. Supine twists are suggested in the second trimester and I personally think it is too deep a visceral twist at this stage in the pregnancy. Much better to sit in an elevated cross legged position, lengthen the spine and look to the right. The spine will be stable and neutral in the lower back yet the thorasic and cervical areas can get some release.(rpt to left)CamellaNair R.Y.T author "Aqua Kriya Yoga"』
(Great exercises , very good for pregnancy and labor) 『I love the exercises in this book. It does help if you have done yoga before but even if not, they are easy to follow. My pelvis feels stronger after doing them. The breathing exercises are good too and I love the kegel visualisations. Sometimes I wish it had photos instead of drawings but the drawings are actually very nice. Spiral binding would really help though, I like to keep my book open next to my yog mat.』
(Great for teachers) 『This is a great book for teachers. It has wonderful meditations, beautiful flow series and good medical info too. It is a well rounded book and a great addition to my prenatal library.』
(Covers prenatal yoga and provides lots of general info, too!) 『As a prenatal yoga instructor, I find this book to be very user-friendly, full of photos and illustrations, some original stuff that you won't find in every book on yoga for pregnancy. It contains not only programs suitable for the three trimesters, but also yogic breathing practices, simple ways to incorporate kegels, pelvic floor visualizations, a guided relaxation, very basic info on the chakras, nutritional information, tips for relieving backache and performing daily activities with optimal alignment. The Teasdill book is very pleasing to the eye, enjoyable and easy to read. I just love the "Salute to the earth - growing into gravity" series of poses. This series alone contains some positions useful during labor and delivery as well as in preparation for the big day. There is also a page of positions specifically useful for labor. There are other visualizations and meditation techniques suggested for use leading up to and during the birthing process, general info on the stages of labor and reminders of what may serve you during each stage. There is also a chapter on life after birth which includes yoga postures for recovery as well as general info on breastfeeding, nutrition, what to expect emotionally. This book does include a bit of yoga philosophy. The last lines of the book state, "Yoga is not just a system of stretching and meditation: yoga is awareness, yoga is living in the present, yoga is union, synthesis and integrity. Yoga is life." Preparing for birth requires more than just physical preparation. A lot of birthing is mental, being able to stay present for each contraction and rest between rather than creating more tension and pain in the body in anticipation of what may come, "complaining mind." The mindfulness and awareness of body and mind that come from the meditative aspects of performing the poses or sitting in meditation are valuable beyond the physical preparation. If natural birth interests you, you might want to check out Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Natural Childbirth. Another good book on prenatal yoga is Janet Balaskas' Preparing for Birth with Yoga. Wendy Teasdill's book has a more informal, conversational feel to it than the Balaskas book, if that is of interest. Makes is very easy and fun to read!』
(Well-organized, useful text ... a must for pregnant practice) 『Even as a yoga instructor, I found myself at a loss when trying to structure pregnancy practices. I picked up this book and found that it is very well put-together. It describes poses well and tells you when it is appropriate to do them, trimester-wise.
The book does allude to some yogic philosophy (NOT religion; yoga is a science, not a religion), but for a serious practitioner of yoga this is actually good -- so many yoga books and videos don't even bother to acknowledge yoga's long-standing history!』
『Yoga calms the mind, bringing a sense of peace, relaxation, and well-being as well as optimizing physical health, agility, adn strength.Step-by-Step Yoga for Pregnancyis an essential guide to the best exercises for each stage of pregnancy and the resources you need for a harmonious pregnancy, birth, and recovery.Step-by-Step Yoga for Pregnancyis:
a beautifully illustrated yoga handbook for all three trimesters and the weeks following delivery
