Science of Yoga – A Comprehensive Approach

Book excerpt: Yoga is an ancient science and traced to Indus – Saraswathy Civilization of 5000 years and more. The rudiments of yoga were in practice for long in the Indian soil. Sage Patanjali’s ‘Yoga Sutra’ and ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’ by Yogi Swatmarama are veritable sources of knowledge and wisdom enshrined in Yoga philosophy. Thirumoolar’s ‘Thirumandhiram’ is one another rich source on Astanga Yoga. These treatises cover the entire gamut of Yoga. The subjects specified by Patanjali in Astanga Yoga are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhayana and Samadhi. The same was the case with Thirumoolar. ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’ listed Asanas, Breath, Mind, Kumbhaka, Mudras, Samadhi, Laya and Nada. Apart from the Sages and Yogins of Indian origin, many researchers from West and East delved deep in this fathomless ocean and interpreted the wisdom and knowledge to benefit humanity’s health, happiness and ever-lasting peace. With the dedication of International Day of Yoga (21st day of June every year) It is now globally recognised that yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being of world population. A comprehensive coverage of the subjects outlined in the earliest treatises, their further interpretations and adoptions are being made in the book.