Foundations of Yoga

A guide to the complete yogic teachings of Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami by his disciple and spiritual heir <p/>- Shows how to enrich your physical Yoga practice by embracing and integrating Hatha Yoga's metaphysical spiritual and psychological traditions <p/>- Explores the energy-focusing movements known as mudras and purification methods that can boost metabolism reinforce muscles and facilitate advanced sexual practices <p/><i>Foundations of Yoga</i> presents the full and rigorous yogic training of traditional Hatha Yoga as taught by renowned Indian Yoga master the late Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami. Written by his disciple and spiritual heir the book emphasizes metaphysical spiritual and psychological cultivation in addition to physical practice. It offers Yoga practitioners and teachers a way to enrich and advance their physical Yoga practice through a deeper understanding of physiology psychology philosophy and spirituality centered on vedic and tantric principles. <p/>Woven together with stories from Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami's life the book explains <i>pratyâhâra</i> (control of the senses) <i>châranâ</i> (yogic bodybuilding) mental concentration exercises and the energy-focusing and purifying muscular-control movements known as mudras including the metabolism-boosting <i>mahamudra</i> and advanced pelvic mudras and sexual practices to transcend the ego. The book explores methods of internal purification such as <i>dhauti</i> (cleansing of the stomach with air or water) <i>vasti</i> (intestinal cleansing) <i>neti</i> (nasal cleansing) <i>trâtaka</i> (visual concentration exercises) and <i>kapâlabhâti</i> (diaphragmatic hyperventilation) and shows how these purifications are necessary before beginning the advanced breathing practices of <i>prânayâma</i> to eradicate deep internal impurities and strengthen the immune system. Exploring the philosophy of Yoga the book shares meditative exercises for introspection expanding consciousness and seeking your true divine nature. <p/>As the teachings and life of Sri S. S. Goswami show by strengthening the body vital force and mind one can master all three for a long healthy harmonious life.