Yoga and Meditation:
Their Real Purpose and How to Get Started
By Stephen Knapp
Yoga is a nonsectarian spiritual science that has been practiced and developed by the sages and rishis of India over thousands of years. The benefits of yoga are numerous. On the mental level it strengthens concentration, determination, and builds a stronger character that can more easily sustain various tensions in our lives for peace of mind. The assortment of asanas or postures also provide stronger health and keeps various diseases in check. They improve physical strength, endurance and flexibility. These are a few of the goals of yoga. Its ultimate purpose, however, is to purify and raise our consciousness to a level in which we can directly perceive our real identity and the spiritual dimension. Then we can have our own spiritual experiences. This is what many people seem to forget or remain unaware of it. The point is that the more spiritual we become, the more we can perceive that which is spiritual. That is the real goal of yoga. As we develop and grow in this way through yoga, the questions about spiritual life are no longer a mystery to solve, but become a reality to experience. It becomes a practical part of our lives. This book will show you how to do that. Some of the topics include:
· * Benefits of yoga
· * The real purpose of yoga
* The types of yoga, such as Hatha yoga, Karma yoga, Raja and Astanga yogas, Kundalini yoga, Mudra yoga, Bhakti yoga, Mantra yoga, and others.
* The Chakras and Koshas
· * Asanas and postures, and the Surya Namaskar
* Pranayama and breathing techniques for inner changes
· * Deep meditation and how to proceed
· * The methods for using mantras, such as Om and the Hare Krishna mantra
· * Attaining spiritual enlightenment, and much more
Contents
CHAPTER ONE—THE REAL PURPOSE OF YOGA
CHAPTER TWO—BENEFITS OF YOGA
CHAPTER THREE—TYPES OF YOGA
Hatha Yoga * Karma-Yoga * Jnana Yoga * Deeper Aspects of Jnana Yoga * The Eightfold Path of Raja Yoga * Further Instructions on Raja Yoga From Bhagavad-Gita * Difficulties to Reach Spiritual Perfection in Raja Yoga * Mystic Powers
CHAPTER FOUR—OTHER FORMS OF YOGA
Kundalini Yoga * The Chakras and Koshas * Laya Yoga * Kriya Yoga * Mantra Yoga * Mudra Yoga
CHAPTER FIVE—STARTING THE PRACTICE OF YOGA
Asanas * A Good Asana Routine * Meditation
CHAPTER SIX—THE SURYA NAMASKAR, SALUTATION TO THE SUN
CHAPTER SEVEN—PRANAYAMA
Preparation in Breathing * The Ujjayi Pranayama Technique * The Kapalabhati Breathing Technique * The Anuloma Breathing Technique * The Brahmari, Sitkari and Sithali Breathing Techniques
CHAPTER EIGHT—THE PURPOSE OF MEDITATION
Two Types of Meditation * Problems in the Meditation Process * Mantra Meditation * Starting the Process
CHAPTER NINE—PREPARATION FOR MEDITATION
When to Meditate * Directions for Meditation * Overcoming the Impediments * Basic Elements of the Practice
CHAPTER TEN—THE MEDITATION PROCESS
Meditation Technique Based on Our Breath * Ending Your Meditation * Deep Meditation * Instructions on Meditation in the Bhagavata Purana * Leaving the Body Through Yoga: The Ultimate Perfection * The Story of Narada Muni
CHAPTER ELEVEN–BHAKTI YOGA
The Grace of God
CHAPTER TWELVE—USING MANTRAS
The OM Mantra Meditation * OM Meditation Techniques
CHAPTER THIRTEEN—THE HARE KRISHNA MANTRA
The Importance of Chanting the Maha-Mantra * How to Chant the Maha-Mantra
CHAPTER FOURTEEN–WHAT IS SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT
CONCLUSION—THE GREATEST ADVENTURE
GLOSSARY / REFERENCES / INDEX / ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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