MANY books have been written on yoga, but either they are too elementary, or deal with limited aspects, or they are too technical, abstract and overloaded with details of traditional yoga to be understood by the common man. Nowadays a holistic approach to yoga in health care is gaining acceptance not only by the general public but also by many medical institutions and specialists.
This book states the reasons for doing yoga as it is not any mumbo jumbo but a developed science for a happy and long life, based on a deep inner study of the human body, intense self-expression and practices of ancient Hindu rishis. Unlike other exercise regimens, yoga works not only on our skeletal muscles or bones but goes deep into our glands, nerves and nadis. The stretches, twists and bends of bodily postures or asanas, muscular locks or bandhas, attitudinal gestures or mudras, controlled breathing or pranayama, relaxation and mediation influence the various systems of our body.
Though many tall claims and empty promises are made of what yoga can do but there must be some truth in it for Swami Sivananada, founder of Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, says about yoga that “an ounce of practice is better than a ton of theory.” He adds that yoga, if practiced sincerely and regularly, becomes a way of life.
Swami Nirnajananda of the Bihar School of Yoga says, “At this stage there is identification with and expression of nature, which is balanced, positive and optimistic and one attains physical health, mental health and spiritual wealth.”
The authors explain the various yoga techniques in a manner that satisfies the reader’s scientific and reasoning mind, motivating him to adopt yoga as a way of life. Secondly it helps to dispel a common misconception that yoga is only for sadhus and spiritual seekers or ascetics who have lost interest in the materialistic world.
This book suggests yogic cleaning techniques and diet control too.- MG
(Macmillan Publishers Pvt Ltd, 2/10 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110 002.)
