classic book list Taoism - T'ai Chi Ch'uan worth reading

Taoism - T'ai Chi Ch'uan
========================

"365 Tao" A Taoist study and meditation for each day of the year
by Deng Ming-Dao
Dharma Communications

"Awakening Healing Light of the Tao"
by Mantak and Maneewan Chia

"Cold Mountain" Taoist/Zen classic
101 Chinese Poems
by Han Shan
translated by Burton Watson
Shambhala Publications

"Cultivating Chi" Meditation, Breathing, Practice
"The Secrets of Energy and Vitality"
translation of the Yang family training manual
available from Pacific Spirit Whole Life Products

"Scholar Warrior" Excellent book on all aspects of practical Taoist
An Introduction to the Tao in Everyday Life spiritual practice
by Deng Ming-Dao
Dharma Communications

"The Wandering Taoist" Training and life of a Taoist Master
by Deng Ming-Dao and Sai Hung Kwan
also two subsequent books

"Chronicles of Tao" The above three books in one volume
The Secret Life of a Taoist Master
by Deng Ming-Dao
Dharma Communications

"Tao Te Ching"
translation by Gia-Fu feng and Jane English
Dharma Communications

"Taoism - the Road to Immortality"
by John Blofeld

classic spiritual books on tantra

Tantra
======

"Introduction to Tantra"
A Vision of Totality
by Lama Yeshe
edited by Jonathan Landaw
Dharma Communications

"Passionate Enlightenment:
Women in Tantric Buddhism"
by Miranda Shaw
Princeton University Press
This thoroughly researched treatise is an excellent book
on the correct, practical aspects of tantric practice.

"Mother of the Universe: -- Ramprasad and Application
Visions of the Goddess and Tantric Hymns of Enlightenment"
by Les Hixson
Quest Books

"Tantra"
by Philup Rawson

"Tantric Mysticsm of Tibet"
by John Blofeld

"Tantric Practices in Nying-Ma"
by Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche

"Yoga, Tantra, and Meditation in Daily Life"
by Swami Janakananda
Pyramid Books

classic tibetan books of old worth reading!

classic tibetan books of old worth reading!

Tibetan
=======

"A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night"
A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
by H.H. the Dalai Lama
DharmaCrafts

"Gesture of Balance"
by Lama Tarthang Tulku
Dharma Publishing

"Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism"
by John Powers
Snow Lion Publications

"Shambhala - Sacred Path of the Warrior"
by Lama Chogyam Trungpa
Shambhala Publishing

"The Practice of Tranquility and Insight" Practical guide
A Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Beginning and advanced
by Khenchen Trangyu
DharmaCrafts

"The Snow Lion's Turquoise Mane"
Wisdom Tales from Tibet
by Surya Das
introduction by the Dalai Lama
foreward by Daniel Goleman

"The Tibetan Book of the Dead" One of the first Tibetan spiritual
The Great Liberation through books ever transalated into English
Hearing in the Bardo
transalated with commentary
by Francesca Freemantle and Lama Chogyam Trungpa
Shambhala Publications

"The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying"
by Sogyal Rinpoche
Snow Lion Publications

"The World of Tibetan Buddhism" Numerous other books
An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice by the Dalai Lama
by Tenzin Gyatzo, The 14th Dalai Lama
Translated, edited, and annotated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa
Wisdom Publications

classic sufi books list worth reading

Sufi
====

"Adventures in Afghanistan" Meeting with the Sufi central
by Louis Palmer organization, the mu'assisa.
ISHK Book Service

"Among the Dervishes"
by Omar Michael Burke
ISHK Book Service

"Journeys with a Sufi Master"
by Bashir M. Dervish
ISHK Book Service

"Tales from the Land of the Sufis"
by Mojdeh Bayat and Mohammad Ali Jamnia
Shambhala Publications

"The Sufis"
"Oriental Magic"
"Tales of the Dervishes"
"The Way of the Sufi"
"Wisdom of the Idiots"
"Sufi Thought and Action"
"Caravan of Dreams"
Various books by Idries Shah
ISHK Book Service

"Way of the Sufi" Multiple Volumes
by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Various books by Pir Vilayat Khan

classic meditation books

Meditation - Practice
=====================

"Art and Science of Meditation"
Himalayan Institute

"How to Raise an Ox"
Zen Practice as Taught in
Zen Master Dogen's Shobogenzo
by Francis Dojun Cook

"Kum Nye" Volumes 1 and 2 Good sections on meditation
by Lama Tarthang Tulku
Dharma Publishing

"The Miracle of Mindfulness" Zen Meditation and Application
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Parallax Press

"Meditation"
Advice to Beginners
by Bokar Rinpoche
DharmaCrafts

"Openness Mind"
by Lama Tarthang Tulku
Dharma Publishing

"Serene Meditation" Complete instruction in meditation
by Roshi Jiyu-Kennet Excellent first book
Shasta Abbey Buddhist Supplies

"An Introduction to the Accompanying volume to
Tradition of Serene Meditation" "Serene Meditation"
Shasta Abbey Buddhist Supplies

"Taking the Path of Zen"
by Roshi Robert Aiken
North Point Press

"The Eight Gates of Zen" Excellent book on Zen Meditation,
by John Daido Loori training, and applied practice
Dharma Communications

"The Practice of Tranquillity and Insight"
A Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation
by Kenchen Thrangu

"Theory and Practice of Meditation"
by Rudolph Ballentine
Himalayan Institute

"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" Founder of the Zen Center of
by Suziki Roshi San Francisco, a classic
Wisdom Publications

"Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice" Zen Meditation and Practice
by Thich Thien An

"Zen Training" Excellent book on Zen Meditation,
by Katsugi Sekida training, and applied practice
DharmaCrafts

great all round spiritual books list search these religious spiritual books out online

great all round spiritual books list search these religious spiritual books out online, often forgotten books in this list that are worth searching out on google books, amazon, or ebay among others to see if you can re find a old gem to help you in the present time.


Jewish
======

"Kabbalah"
The Way of a Jewish Mystic"
by Perle Epstein
Shambhala Publications Inc.


============================================================================

Meditation - Practice
=====================

Note: Many of the best books on meditation and yoga are
advertised in "Yoga International" Magazine.

Note: Many meditation and yoga books by all publishers
listed here are available from Dharma Communications
or Shambhala Publications. Both have catalogs and do
extensive mail order.

Note: Anyone interested in the practice or study of
Buddhism should obtain the book "550 Books on Buddhism"
from Dharma Publishing.

============================================================================

Introduction To Meditation Books
================================

These are particularly good first books, but not only first
books, on meditation.

"How to Meditate"
A Practical Guide
by Kathleen McDonald
edited by Robina Courtin
Dharma Communications

"Meditation" Kagyu Master
Advice to Beginners
by Bokar Rinpoche
Dharma Communications

"Mindfullness in Plain English" Step by step guide to Insight
by Ven. Henepola Gunaratana Meditation -- Vipassana
Dharma Communications Nondenomonational

"The Experience of Insight" Complete instruction in meditation
by Joseph Goldstein
Shambhala Publishing

"The Practice of Tranquility and Insight" Kagyu Master
A Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation
by Khenchen Thrangu
Dharma Communications

books on traditional christian meditation and spiritual books

books on traditional christian meditation and spiritual books, here is a list of some good spiritual christian books worth looking for online, some of these books might be often forgotten but are mostly very good and worth finding again.


Christian / Applying Traditional Meditation To A Christian Life
================================================================

"Buddhism Made Plain"
An Introduction for Christians and Jews
by Antony Fernando with Leslie Swindler
DharmaCrafts

"Christian Mysticism"
The Art of the Inner Way
by William McNamara, OCD

"Enduring Grace"
Living Portraits of Seven Women Mystics
by Carol Lee Flinders
DharmaCrafts

"Gentling the Heart"
Buddhist Loving-Kindness Practice for Christians
by Mary Jo Meadow
DharmaCrafts

"Lord, Teach Us to Pray"
Christian Zen and the Inner Eye of Love
by William Johnston
DharmaCrafts

"Meditation in Christianity"
Himalayan Institute

"Mystics and Zen Masters" By noted 20th century Trappist monk
by Thomas Merton and Christian Mystic
Dharma Communications

"Open Mind, Open Heart"
"Invitation to Love"
by Father Thomas Keating
DharmaCrafts

"Seven Story Mountain" Autobiography and spiritual journey
by Thomas Merton of Thomas Merton

"The Art of Meditationm" Instruction in meditation
by Joel Goldsmith by an American Christian Mystic
Dharma Communications

"The Ground We Share" by a Zen Master and a Benedictine Monk
Everyday Practice, Buddhist & Christian
by Roshi Robert Aiken and Father David Steindl-Rast
DharmaCrafts

"The Human Adventure" Modern Christian hermit and ascetic
The Art of Contemplative Living
by William McNamara
DharmaCrafts

"The Other Side of Silence" Christian classic
A Guide to Christian Meditation
by Morton T. Kelsey
DharmaCrafts

"The Practice of Zen Meditationm" Instruction in meditation
by Hugo M. Enomiya-Lassalle Excellent first book
Pyramid Books
Note: This is a particularly excellent book for Christians
seeking to learn full formal meditation. Roshi is a Jesuit
who studied for many years with the best Zen Masters in
Japan. He specifically addresses the issues of including
the generic mystic practices of yoga and meditation into a
Christian life.

"Ways of the Christian Mystics" By noted 20th century Trappist
by Thomas Merton monk and Christian Mystic

Various books
by C.S. Lewis

"Zen and the Birds of Appetite" Writings on Zen
by Thomas Merton
Shambhala Publishing

classic yoga books worth searching out online!

here are some classic yoga books tha are worth searching out online!

"A Search in Secret India"
by Paul Brunton

"Autobiography of a Yogi" Founder of SRF, along with
by Swami Paramahansa Yogananda Vivekananda, brought yoga to
DharmaCrafts the West.

"Great Swan" Life of Ramakrishna
Meetings with Ramakrishna
by Les Hixon
Shambhala Publishing

"Guru Nanak's Life and Thought" Founder of Sikh spiritual tradition
by Sirdar Kapur Singh
Guru Nanek Dev University

"Living at the Source" One of the first yoga teachers in the West
Yoga Teachings of Vivakanada
Shambhala Publishing

"Living with Kundalini"
by Gopi Krishna
Shambhala Publications

"Living With the Himalayan Masters"
by Swami Rama
Himalayan Institute Publishing

"Mantras"
Words of Power
by Swami Sivananda Radha
DharmaCrafts

"Meetings with Remarkable Men" Also an excellent movie
by Gurdjief available as a video

"On Truth"
by J. Krishnamurti
Shambhala Publications

"Play of Consciousness"
by Swami Muktananda
Siddha Yoga Foundation Publishing

"The Bhagvad Gita"
translation by Christopher Isherwood

"The Bhagvad Gita"
translation by Swami Prabuhad - Hari Krishna Tradition

"The Integral Yoga"
by Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo Association

"The Spiritual Athlete" Biographies of 24 of the world's
A Primer for the Inner Life" mystics
complied and edited by Ray Berry
Dharma Communications

"The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi"
Shambhala Publishing

"The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali"
by Sri Swami Satchidananda
DharmaCrafts

Various books by Yogi Bhajan
3HO - Kundalini Yoga Tradition


Hatha Yoga and Practice Books
=============================

"Breathe! You Are Alive"
Discourse on Full Awareness of Breathing
commentary by Thich Nhat Hanh
DharmaCrafts

"Hatha Yoga"
by Theos Bernard

"Hatha Yoga"
The Hidden Language
by Swami Sivananda Radha
DharmaCrafts

"Hatha Yoga for Meditators"
S.Y.D.A. Foundation -- South Fallsburg, NY

"Hatha Yoga", Volumes 1 and 2
Himalayan Institute -- Honesdale, PA

"Integral Yoga"
by Sri Swami Satchidananda

"Kundalini Yoga for the West"
by Swami Radha -- Kamloops, BC

"Kum Nye" Volumes 1 and 2
by Lama Tarthang Tulku
Dharma Publishing

"Light on Yoga" -- Classsic Hatha Yoga Encyclopedia
by B.K.S. Iyenegar

"Science of Breath"
A Practical Guide
by Swami Rama, Rudolph Ballentine, M.D.
and Alan Hymes, M.D.
DharmaCrafts

"The Book of Life"
by Roshi Jiyu-Kennet and Rev. Daizui Phillamy
Shasta Abbey Buddhist Supplies

"The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga"
by Swami Vishnu Devananda

Various Yoga practice books
by Richard Hittleman

"Yoga International" Magazine -- many excellent books

"550 Books on Buddhism"
Dharma Publishing

"Bodhisattva of Compassion"
by John Blofeld
Shambhala Publications

"Dropping Ashes on the Buddha"
The Teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn
compiled and edited by Stephan Mitchell
DharmaCrafts

"Entering the Stream" Excellent Introduction to Buddhism
An Introduction to the Buddha and His Teachings
by Samuel Burcholz and Sherab Chodzin Kohn
Shambhala Publications

"How to Raise an Ox"
Zen Practice as Taught in
Zen Master Dogen's "Shobogenzo"
DharmaCrafts

"How the Swans Came to the Lake"
A History of Buddhism in America
Dharma Communications

"Nine Headed Dragon River"
by Peter Matheison

"Practice of Chinese Buddhism 1900 - 1950"
by Holmes Welch
Harvard University Press

"The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen"
Shambhala Publications

"The Wild White Goose" Volumes 1 and 2 Training of a Zen Master
by Roshi Jiyu-Kennet
Shasta Abbey Buddhist Supplies

"Three Pillars of Zen"
by Phillup Kapleau

"Ways of Enlightenment" Techniques of Spritual Practice
Buddhist Studies at Nyingma Institute
Dharma Publishing Excellent Introduction to Buddhist Practice

"Zen Flesh, Zen Bones"
by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki
Doubleday Anchor

"Zen in America"
by Helen Tworkov
Dharma Communications

"Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind"
by Shunryu Suzuki
Weatherhill

"Zen Wisdom"
Knowing and Doing
by Dr. Sheng-yen Chinese Ch'an Master
Ch'an Meditation Center Lin-chi and Ts'ao-tung Traditions

Note: Anyone interested in the practice or study of Tibetan
Buddhism should obtain the book catalogs from:
Dharma Publishing
Shambhala Publications Inc.
Snow Lion Publications
Dharma Communications
and "550 Books on Buddhism"

Note: There are many excellent books by The 14th Dalai Lama,
Tenzin Gyatso.

"Kindness, Clarity, and Insight"
by The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso

"Magic and Mystery in Tibet"
Penguin Book
"Initiations and Initiates in Tibet"
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
by Alexandra David-Neel

"Memoirs of Political Officer's Wife in Tibet, Sikkim, and Bhutan"
by Margret D. Williamson
in collaboration with John Snelling
Wisdom Publications

"Ocean of Wisdom"
by The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso

"Opening of the Wisdom Eye"
by The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso

"Princess in the Land of Snows"
by Jamyang Sakya and Julie Emery
Shambhala Publishing

"Reflections of a Himalayan Pilgrim"
"Way of the White Clouds"
by Lama Anagarika Govinda

"Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up"
A Practical Approach for Modern Life
by B. Alan Wallace
Dharmacrafts

is yoga and buddhism the answer to world problems?

is yoga and buddhism the answer to world problems?

Namaste:



With all the news full of stories about bombings, mass murders,

militias, militant religious extremists of all stripes, spouting hatred

and distrust, and tales of assorted horrors perpetrated by a sweeping

spectrum of kooks, krazies, and bad guys in general, one could be

forgiven for wondering if we should be spending our time standing on our

heads. Maybe we should, I don't know, DO something!







Huh?



Maybe that answer makes more sense if we bear in mind that yoga is really

much broader in its scope than standing on our heads. Although most of

us initially become acquainted with yoga by learning yoga postures

(asanas), the classical approach to the practice of yoga as delineated by

Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra doesn't start with asanas. It begins with

five ethical principles called yama. The first and most important of

these is ahimsa, which is generally translated as nonviolence. Like the

other principles of yama, it is not a commandment: it doesn't say "Dont'

be violent." What the stutra actually says is that when the practitioner

is firmly established in nonviolence, hostility in his presence is

abandoned, which is to say that when we ourselves are nonviolenct,

violence will not take place around us.



As he does throughout the sutras, Patanjali in this sutra has cut

staight to the core of the matter. The problem of violence lies not

soemwhere outside us. It is within us. It is we who are violent. If we

were not, violence would not occur around us if we are to believe the

Yoga Sutra.



Hey! Whoa! Wait a minute. I didn't blow up any buildings. What do I have

to do with that? Looks like it was those weird malitia dudes. But not me.

I sure don't have anything to do with any of those wackos. And besides,

I'm a nonviolent person anyway.



But how many of us are truly nonviolent in the deepest sense, as

Patanjali surely meant it: nonviolent in tought and word as well as

deed? No doubt there are degrees of violence. Blowing up a building is

clearly of another order from shouting at the guy who cuts you off in

traffic, which is obviously different from keepng your mouth shut but

wanting to ram your car into his. Yet if we define violencw in this

broadest sense, although of different degrees, these are all acts of

violence. In that light, I think we'll have to admit that we are not

completely nonviolent people. I suspect such folk are few and far in between.

So, how are we to become nonviolent? How do we "do" nonviolence?

Well, it doesn't seem to me that we CAN do nonviolence; we can

ony BE nonviolent.

Alright then, how do we BE nonviolent?

I don't think it is by trying to not do violent acts or not say

violent words or not think violent thoughts, although each of these is

certainly worthwhile. No doubt we could whittle away alot of the

violence in our lives, in our culture, in the world by so doing. But I

don't think that approach will get to the root of violence. It would be

like pruning the leaves of a creeping vine but leaving the root

untouched. The leaves will eventually grow back.

The root of violence, it seems to me, lies in our inability to

experience our connectedness - to other peole, other creatures, our

environnment, the planet, the cosmos, the Great Spirit. We are much less

likely to do violence to those whom we truly hold in our hearts. I think

if we observe carefully, when we do harm even to those we love, we have,

at least for the moment and for whatever reason, put them out of our hearts.

I was listening to NPR the other day and heard an interview with

the writer, W. D. Snodgrass, about something he wrote called, as I

recollect, the Fuehrer's Bunker. I've treid to find it but have been

unable. I gathered from the discussion however, that it was written from

Hitler's perspective. Snodgrass, in his wonderfully gravelly voice, said

that he had received a tremendous amount of very angry mail.. One person

he recalled has asked how he could "glorify" someone as despicable as

Hitler. He said that he later heard from the same person who expressed

the same sentiment, except that the word "glorify" had been changed to

"humanize" Snodgrass said that that was the point. Hitler WAS human just

as we are humans.

I was reminded of a poem, Please Call Me by My True Names, by

Thich Nhat Hanh, the well-known Vietneamese Zen master. Because of space

considerations I reprint only part of it.



Do not say that I'll depart tomorrow

because even today I still arrive...

I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry,

in order to fear and to hope,

the rhythm of my heart is the birth and death

of all that are alive . . .

I am a frog swimming happily in the clear water of a pond,

and I am the grass-snake, who, approaching

in silence, feeds itself on the frog.

I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones,

my legs as thin as bamboo sticks,

and I am the arms merchant selling deadly

weapons to Uganda

I am the twelve year old girl, refuggee on

a small boat,

who throws herself into the ocean

after being raped by a sea pirate,

and I am the pirate, my heart not yet

capable of seeing and loving . . .

Please call me by my true names,

So I can hear all my cries and laughs at once,

So I can see that my joy and pain are one.

Please call me by my true names

So I can wake up and so the door of my heart can be left open

The door of compassion.



When we deomonize others, try to make them something other than

human, other than us, in so doing we deny a part of ourselves, We not

only disconnect from them, we disconnect from parts of ourselves. We do

it with words lke "kooks" and "wackos", "thugs" and "fundamentalists",

"good guys" and "bad guys". We do it by closing our eyes and our hearts

to the pain and suffering of those near to us and not so near. We do it

because to be related is painful. But to be related is also to be

joyful. To feel unrelated, disconnected is a deeper pain: there is no joy

in it anywhere only a living death.

To try to turn another person or group of people into monsters or

demons is to demonize ourselves. To declare that they are not a part of

us is to try to cut off a part of ourselves. To put them out of our

hearts is to deaden another little piece of our own hearts. This is the

root of violence.

We are not unrelated. We are not separated. We are part of a

vast jigsaw puzzle made up of countless pieces of varying sizes, shapes

and colors. Yet in spite of those differences, by all being peices of

the same puzzle, we are connected.

When we say "Namaste" to you at the end of class, that's our way

of acknowledging and honoring that place where we are connected, unified,

where when you're in yours and I'm in mine and we're in the same place,

we are One. That's yoga. That's why to the question of violence, to

whatever the question . . . the answer is . . . more yoga.



Namaste

ancient yoga teachings hatha yoga learn important information

ancient yoga teachings hatha yoga learn important information, this short instruction is very important to learn and understand if you are partake of the discipline of yoga.


The Hatha Yoga Pradipika
of
SVATMARAMA

Raja Yoga

The Yoga of Light

Translation of the ancient Sanskrit
The Pradipika is divided into four parts. The first explains yamas (restraints on behavior), niyamus (observances), asanas (posture) and food. The second describes pranayama (control or restraint of energy), and the shatrurmas (internal cleansing practices). The third deals with mudras (seals), bandhas (locks), the nadis (channels of energy through which prana flows) and the kundalini power. The fourth expounds pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). In all, the text contains 390 verses (slokas). Out of these, about forty deal with asanas, approximately one hundred and ten with pranayama, one hundred and fifty with mudras, bandhas and Shatkarmas and the rest with pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

The following translation contains the text of the first of these four parts comprising the first 67 of these slokas which deal with the broad evolution of the whole human organism through asanas.

Asanas

The text begins with asanas as the first step in hatha yoga. For this reason it has been referred to as six-limbed yoga (sadanga yoga) as opposed to the eight-limbed patanjala yoga (astanga yoga) which includes, as its foundation, the first two limbs, yama and niyama. However, hatha yoga does not overlook the yamas and niyamas. Possibly, in Svatmarama's time, the ethical disciplines were taken for granted, so he does not explain them at length.
He does speak of non-violence, truthfulness, non-covetousness, continence, forbearance, fortitude, compassion, straightforwardness, moderation in food and cleanliness as yama, and zeal in yoga, contentment, faith, charity, worship of God, study of spiritual scriptures, modesty, discriminative power of mind, prayers and rituals as niyama. (The ethical disciplines of what to do and what not to do are given in the text. Asanas, pranayamas, bandhas, rnudras and shotkarmas are illustrated by examples to assist aspirants with their practice. Dharana, dhyana and samadhi cannot be explained, but only experienced, when the earlier stages have been mastered.)


1 Reverance to Siva the Lord of Yoga, who taught [his wife] Parvati
hatha wisdom as the first step to the pinnacle of Raja Yoga

2 Having thus solemnly saluted his master, Yogi Svatmarama
now presents hatha vidya [vidya = wisdom] solely and exclusively
for the attainment of raja yoga.


3. For those who wander in the darkness of conflicting creeds
[and philosophies], unable to reach the heights of raja yoga
[self knowledge and cosmic consciousness] the merciful Yogi
Svatmarama has lit the torch of hatha wisdom.

4-9. Goraksha and Matsyendra were masters of hathya vidya,
and by their grace Yogi Svatmaram learned it. Sive, Matsyendra,
Shabara, Anandabhairava, Chaurangi, and many other great Sidhhas
who have conquered time are still roaming thru this world.

10 [Therefore] hatha yoga is a refuge for all those who are scorched
by the three fires*. To those who practice yoga, hatha yoga
is like the tortoise that supports the world.


11 A yogi who is desirous of developing siddhis should keep hatha
yoga strictly secret, for only then will he have success.
All his efforts will be in vain if he reveals everything without
discrimination.


12 The student of hatha yoga should practice in a solitary place,
in a temple or hermitage, an arrow shot away from rocks, water,
and fire. The land should be fertile and well governed.

13 The hermitage should have a small door and no windows.
It should be level with the ground and have no holes in the walls.
[It should be] neither too high nor too long, and clean and free
from insects. It should be laid daily with cow dung. Outside there
should be a raised platform with an elevated seat and a water
tank. The whole should be surrounded by a wall. There are the
characteristics of a yoga hermitage as described by the siddhas,
the masters of hatha yoga.

14 Seated in such a place, the yogi should free his mind from all
distracting thoughts and practice yoga as instructed by his guru.

15 The yoga forces are dissipated by too much eating, heavy physical
labor, too much talk, the observances of [ascetic] vows, [promiscous]
company, and a growling stomach [too much fasting].

16 Success depends on a cheerful disposition, perserverance, courage,
self knowledge, unshakable faith in the word of the guru, and
the avoidance of all superflous company.

17a Not to cause suffering to any living being; to speak the truth;
not to take what belongs to others; to practice continence;
to develop compassion and fortitude; to be merciful to all and
honest; to be moderate in eating and pure in heart. These are
the first prerequisites of yoga [the yamas]. Self limitation,
[tapas, austerities], cheerfullness, religious faith, charity,
contemplation, listening to sacred scriptures, modesty, a clean mind,
recitation of mantras, and observance of rules, these are the second
requirements of yoga.

17b Asanas* are spoken of first, being the first stage of hatha
yoga. So one should practice the asanas, which give [the yogi]
strength, keep him in good health, and make his limbs subtle.

* Seated postures remembered in the genetic material of man.


18 I shall now proceed to impart some of the asanas that where adopted
by such wise men as Vasitha, and practised by yogis like
Matsyendra.

19 Sitting straight on level ground, squeeze both feet between calves
and thighs [of the opposite legs]. This is svastikasana.

20 Place the right foot under the left buttock and the left foot
under the right buttock. This is gomukhasana, and looks like the
mouth of a cow.

21 Place one foot upon the other thigh and the other foot below the
opposite thigh. This is virasana.

22 Press the anus firmly with crossed feet and sit thus. But do it
with care. This is kurmasana.

23 Assuming the lotus posture, insert the hands between the thighs
and calves. Put the hands firmly on the ground and raise the
body up. this is kukkutasana.

24 Assuming the above mentioned kukkutasana posture, put both arms
around your neck and remain raised like a tortoise [with the back
touching the ground]. This is uttana kurmasana.

25 Grasp both toes with the opposite hands, keep one leg straight
and draw the other to the ear as you would a bow. This is dhanurasana.

26 Place your right foot on the outside of the left hip joint and
the left foot outside the right knee [which is flat on the floor].
Grasp the left foot with the right hand [passing the arm to the left
side of the knee] and the right one with the left hand. Turn the
head all the way over to the left. This is matsyendrasana.

27 This matsyendrasana increases the appetite by fanning the gastric
fire and destroys physical ailments. Kundalini is awaked and
the moon made steady.

28 Stretch our both legs and, taking hold of the toes, lay your
head upon the knees. This is paccumasana.

29 This most excellent of all asanas causes the breath to flow
through the sushumna, fans the fire of appetite, makes the loins
supple and removes all ailments.


30 Press your hands firmly upon the ground and balance your body
by pressing the elbows against your loins. Raise your legs
straight in the air till your feet are level with your head.
This is mayurasana.


31 This asana heals various diseases of the spleen and dropsy,
and removes all illnesses caused by excess of vata, pitta, or kapha.
It digests an overabundance of food, and even destroys the poison
halahala.

32 Lying full length on the back like a corpse is called Savasana.
With this asana tiredness caused by other asanas is eliminated;
it also promotes calmness of mind.

33-34 The asanas taught by Siva* are 84 in number. Of these I
will describe four of the most important ones. They are
siddhasana, padmasana, simhasana, and bhadrasana. Of these,
siddhasana is the best and most comfortable posture.


35 Press one heel into the place below the sex organs and
put the other heel over your pubic bone. Press the chin
upon the chest, sit up straight, with controlled organs,
and fasten the eyes between the eyebrows. This is siddhasana,
where by all obstacles on the path to perfection are
removed.


36 Place the right heel above the sex organ and the left heel
over the right. This too is siddhasana.


37 Some call this siddhasana; others say it is vajrasana, or muktasana,
or guptasana.

38 The Siddhas say; Just as among the yamas the most important is to
do no harm to anyone, and that among the niyamas moderation, so is
siddhasana the cheif of all asanas.

40 The yogi who meditates on the atman and eats moderately acheives
the yoga siddhas after he has practiced siddhasana for 12 years.


41 If siddhasana is perfected and the breath is carefully restrained in
kevala khumbhaka*, what need for all the other asanas?

* The practice of folding the tongue back so it closes of the breath
canal.

42 When siddhasana is accomplished, we can enjoy the ecstasy of the
meditative state (unmani avastha*), the moon and the three bandhas
follow without effort naturally.

* Samadhi, the state of being entirely absorbed into the pure state of
no-mind. The three bandhas are three major emotional blockage points.
The moon is the source of illusion. It is lighted by the sun, the real
centre of the being.

43 There is no asana like siddhasana, no kumbhaka like kevala, no mudra
like khecari, and no laya equals nada [anahat nada].

44 Place the right heel upon the base of the left thigh and the left
upon the right thigh. Cross the arms behind the back and grasp the
toes, the right ones with the right hand and the left with the left.
Press the chin on the breast* and look at the tip of your nose. This
is called padmasana and cures all diseases.

* there should be a space of four inches between breast and chin.

45-47 Place your feet firmly on the opposite thighs and place
your hands firmly in the middle, one upon the other [in your
lap], fasten your eyes on the tip of the nose and touch the back
of the upper teeth with your tongue. Press the chin on the chest
and raise the air [apana vayu] slowly up while contracting the
anus muscle. This is padmasana that destroys all diseases. [But]
this can be acheived by only a few very intelligent persons.

48 Having assumed the padmasana posture, with the hands one upon
the other, and the chin firmly pressed upon the chest, meditate
on Brahma, frequently contracting the anus muscle to raise apana.
Similiarly, by contracting the throat, force prana down. Thus
with the aid of kundalini [which is aroused by this practice]
we acheive highest knowledge.

49 When the yogi remains in padmasana and thus retains the breath
drawn in through the nadi gates [nostrils] he reaches liberation.
There is no doubt about it.

50 Place your ankles in the region of the sex organs [between anus
and scrotum]: the right ankle to the right and the left to the
left side.

51 Place the palms upon the knees with fingers spread out and
eyes upon the tip of the nose [and breathe] with open mouth
and concentrated mind.

52 This is simhasana, held in great esteem by the highest yogis.
This asana facilitates the three bandhas.

53-55 Place the ankles under the buttocks, right below right,
left below left. Then wind your hands around the thighs. This is
bhadrasana and cures all diseases. The siddhas and yogis call it
gorakshasana. The yogi should practice this until he feels no more
pain or tiredness.

56 Then he should cleanse the nadis by practicining pranayama,
as well as mudras and kumbhakas of various kinds.


57 Then follows the concentration on the inner sound [nada].
The Brahmacharin* who, observing moderate diet, renouncing
the fruits of his (good) actions, practices [hath] yoga
will become a siddha in the span of one year.

* one who practices complete celibacy.
Economy of forces, not repression of nature.

58 Moderate diet means pleasant, sweet food, leaving free
one fourth of the stomach. The act of eating is dedicated
to Siva.

59-61 The following are considered as not being salutory: sour,
pungent, and hot food;mustard, alcohol, fish, meat, curds, butter-
milk, chick peas, fruit of the jujub, linseed cakes, asafetida,
and garlic. It is also advisable to avoid: reheated food,
an excess of salt or acid, foods that are hard to digest or
are woody. Goraksha teaches that in the beginning the yogi
should avoid bad company, proximity to fire, sexual relations,
long trips, cold baths in the early morning, fasting, and heavy
physical work.

62 The following items can be used without hesitation: wheat
products [bread etc.] rice, milk, fats, rock candy, honey, dried
ginger, cucumbers, vegetables, and fresh water.

63 The yogi should eat nourishing, sweet foods mixed with milk.
They should benefit the senses and stimulate the functions.

64 Anyone who actively practices yoga, be he young, old, or
even very old, sickly and weak, can become a siddha.

65 Anyone who practices can acquire siddhis, but not he who
is lazy. Yoga siddhis are not obtained by merely reading
textbooks.

66 Nor are they reached by wearing yoga garments or by conversation
about yoga, but only through tireless practice. This is the
secret of success. There is no doubt about it.

67 The various asanas, kumbhakas, and mudras of hatha yoga
should be practiced as long as raja yoga has not been
attained.

hindu indian yoga cultural events year 2000 look back america

hindu indian yoga cultural events year 2000 look back america, not sure if any of these events still run though.

NORTH AMERICAN CALENDAR

Canada

Deadline: Submission for Desh Pardesh Intra National Festival/Conference is an exploration of new and challenging issues faced by South Asian artists and activists both locally and internationally. Desh Pardesh, 401 Richmond St W Ste 450, Toronto. Feb 5. (416) 340-0485.

Transmission Meditation Also on Tuesdays and Fridays. Edmonton Venue to be announced. Feb 7, Sundays, 7 p.m. Free. (403) 433-3342, (403) 426-6103, (403) 433-1064.

Northeast

Jesuits and the Grand Mogul Renaissance Art at the Imperial Court of India, an exhibition of 22 paintings, engravings, manuscripts and sculptures in ivory, crystal and stone. Arthur Sackler Glry Smithsonian Institution, 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington. Feb 1-Apr 4. (202) 357-4880.

Behind the Himalayas Paintings of Mustang, an axhibition of 19 watercolors documenting the stunning traditional architecture of the Himalayan region. This high, wind-swept desert is politically part of the kingdom of Nepal, but geographically and culturally part of Tibet. Sackler Gllry Smithsonian Institution, 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington. Feb 1-Sep 26, 7 p.m. (202) 357-3200.

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Olsson's Books, 1200 F Street NW, Washington. Feb 2, 7 p.m.

Thyagaraja Aradhana Day with music recitals by adults and children. Main vocal concert by Rajeswari satish at 4pm. Organized by North Jersey Music Lovers. Community Church, 354 Rock Rd, Glen Rock. Feb 6, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. (201) 666-6811.

The Early Masters rare paintings of the Bengal Renaissance.The Bengal School of painting was a visceral reaction to the artistic corollary of British imperialism in India known as Company School painting. In this school of painting, generations of Indian artists and craftsmen were subjected to indentured servitude by being forced to illustrate the occupation and oppession of their motherland by the British East India Company. It is only as a response to the Company School painting that the art of the Bengal renaissance can be correctly interpreted. Bose Pacia Modern, 580 Broadway #202, SoHo. Feb 6-Mar 27, 6 p.m. (212) 966-3224.

Bharata Natyam Dance by Lakshmi daughter and disciple of the legendary T. Balasaraswati, she carries on the family's artistic traditions. She is one of the few artists today who can perform bharata natyam, as it was structured and codified at the Tanjavur Court in the early 19th century. Her dance is celebrated for the beauty of its abstract movements and the rhythmic complexity of its footwork, and its elaborate mime. lakshmi is accompanied by T. Viswanathan (flute), S. Vidya (vocal, dance conductor), Aniruddha Knight (dance) and Douglas Knight (mridangam). Organized by World Music Institute. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway & 95th St, New York. Feb 6, 8 p.m. (212) 545-7536.

Sister of My Heart a book reading by author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni from her latest novel. Organized by AAWW. Asian American Writers' Wkshp, 37 Saint Marks Pl #B, New York. Feb 11, 7 p.m. $5. (212) 228-6718.

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Barnes & Noble, 675 Sixth Ave, New York. Feb 12, 7:30 p.m.

Readings by Vikram Chandra, Vikas Menon, Prageeta Sharma Fresh Ink series continues with Vikram Chandra (Love and Longing in Bombay, Red Earth and Pouring Rain) reads with Prageeta Sharma (Bliss to Fill) and Vikas Menon (contributor, TriQuarterly '98 and Brooklyn Review 13). Organized by AAWW. Asian American Writers' Wkshp, 37 Saint Marks Pl #B, New York. Feb 26, 7 p.m. $5. (212) 228-6718.

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St, Boston. Mar 10, 7 p.m.

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Borders Books, 1727 Walnut St, Philadelphia. Mar 11, 7:30 p.m.

Midwest

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Borders Books, 612 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor. Feb 3, 7 p.m. (212) 782-9787.

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Prairie Lights Books, 15 S Dubuque St, Iowa City. Feb 4, 7 p.m. (319) 337-2681.

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Canterbury Books, 315 W Gorham, Madison. Feb 5, 7 p.m.

Ajax a gripping production of Sophocles, adapted by Luu Pham and Meena Natarajan. Power, pride, human failings, war, politics - the tragic downfall of a great leader. Pangea's diverse ensemble sculpts a human tragedy of virtue and vice out of a story that could be right of today's headlines. Directed by Dipankar Mukherjee. Organized by Pangea World Theater. Dance Alliance Studio, 528 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis. Feb 5-21, 7:30 p.m. (612) 335-3200.

South

Transmission Meditation Friends House, 3012 Washington Square, Austin. Feb 3, Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (512) 912-5719.

Mountain

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Tattered Cover, 1628 16th St, Denver. Mar 2, 7:30 p.m.

Pacific

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Elliot Bay Books, 101 South Main St, Seattle. Mar 3, 8 p.m.

Reading by Chitra Divakaruni best selling author reads from her latest novel "Sister of My Heart.". Powell's, 1005 W Burnside, Portland. Mar 4, 7:30 p.m.

Northern California

Hindustani Music Concert Features Naim Khan (Patiala gayaki) accompanied by Asif Mahmood (tabla). Indian music afficianados here may not know that there has always been interest and patronage of Hindustani classical music in Afghanistan. Leading musicians from India used to perform regularly in Afghanistan. Dislocation caused by war and political upheaval has taken a toll on the practice of Hindustani classical music in Afghanistan. Naim Khan is one of the few remaining practitioners of classical music from Afghanistan. He has been a disciple of two of the most prominent names in Patiala gayaki - the late Mohammad Hussain Sarhang who was a leading vocalist from Afghanistan and Fateh Ali Khan from Pakistan. Asif Mahmood belongs to the Punjab gharana of tabla players. He learnt from his brother Hashim Khan who was a student of the famous Kader Baksh. This is chance to experience Hindustani music from a different perspective. Organized by Basant Bahar. Hindu Temple & Cultural Center, 3676 Delaware Dr, Fremont. Feb 6, 6 p.m. $15 general, $10 students, members free. (510) 651-6386, (650) 494-0588.