Yoga Illustrated

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Yoga is one of the great achievements of Indian civilisation which has spread its influence far and wide, throughout the world. The word itself means to join, and at the most fundamental level, it involves joining the individual soul with the all pervasive divinity, or, in Hindu terms, the Atman with the Brahman. This process of spiritual realisation is a major factor in all the multiple aspects of Indian religions.

Broadly, Yoga can be put into four categories: Gyan Yoga-the way of wisdom; Bhakti Yoga the way of emotional rapport; Karma Yoga the way of dedicated works and Raja Yoga-the way of spiritual practices. What is popularly known as Yoga in the West is called Hatha Yoga and involves physical disciplines including various postures (Asanas) which are conducive to healthy life and a strong body. Yoga is now practiced throughout the world, and there are many institutions which teach various aspects of this great science. There are also a number of books on Yoga written by Yoga practitioners in India and abroad.

Shri Dharmavirsingh Mahida has prepared an illustrated manual of Yoga which introduces the exercises in a graded fashion, using items that are available in every household. Living as we are in an age of great stress and turbulence, the regular practice of Yoga can go a long way in furthering our physical and spiritual development. It should be kept in mind that the physical Yoga, in fact provides a foundation for a deeper enquiry into the working of the human mind, the most intricate mechanism in the cosmos. As the Vedas say: Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam-the body alone is the basis of all other achievements. We must teach the younger generation to develop their bodies to optimum capacity, and not to poison them through tobacco, alcohol or drugs. What is needed in fact is a National Fitness Campaign, and Yoga will certainly be an important element in this.

I have pleasure in commending Shri Mahida's book to the interested public in India and abroad. I am sure it will be of real help in enhancing the quality of life for those who practice Yoga.

Yoga and Pranayam have always been an integral part of life in India, right from ancient times. It formed a part of daily ritual along with Ayurvedic principles, for spiritual, mental and physical well being. Through this book, effort has been made to impart this ancient and well proven wisdom to suit present day lifestyle, which has unfortunately become too sedentary. The advent of new media like Television, Internet etc. has made Yoga practice not only popular, but also safe from otherwise physical or mental disabilities. Celebrating World Yoga Day and it's overwhelming acceptance by the United Nations, is a living proof of this wonderful art and science to uplift human race.

This Yoga Illustrated" was first published in the year 1995 and it's reprint is a welcome decision by the Publications Division, Govt. of India. In the past 26 years, it has reached out to many Institutions and Individuals alike in India and abroad.

This revised edition now comes to you with a fresh flavour, attractive layout design and lucid presentation. I once again express my gratitude to Dr. Karan Singhji for his inspiring foreward. Thanks are due to those who contributed by posing for the photographs, along with me Maj. Gen. (Retd.) A. Kaul, Smt. Gauri Sundaresan and Ms. Nivedita Mahida. Thanks are also due to Shri Arun Sundaresan and Shri Hari Sundaresan for taking photographs and for type setting and to Photo Division, Govt. of India. For this renewed edition, my special thanks are due to Shri Prakhar Verma of Yoga Vidya Samsthan Gayatri Shakti Peeth, Bihar, for presenting new photographs with various colour photographs.

The publication of this revised book, is dedicated to all readers with a humble request to accept Yogasan and Pranayam in daily life and thereby giving a better meaning to life.