Lectures on Yoga

by Swami Rama

Published for The Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

Swami Rama, the first Himalayan yoga master to work closely with the scientific community, now outlines a fascinating study of yoga science for modern man.

Introduced in 1970 to researchers at the Menninger Clinic, he participated in experiments which revolutionized medical theories of the relationship between body and mind. Monitored on a battery of laboratory instruments, Swami Rama demonstrated his ability to stop his heart from pumping blood for seventeen seconds and voluntarily maintained his production of various brain waves, among other accomplishments of yogic control.

'Lectures on Yoga' is a systematic, easy to understand presentation of effective self-training programs to expand one's physical, mental and spiritual horizons. East and West are united to give readers a practical method to self-understanding; all ages will benefit from this lucid presentation of time-honored wisdom.

What is Yoga? - Yama and Niyama - Asanas and Their Therapeutic Value - Pranayama - A Few Glimpses of Concentration - Mind and Its Analysis - What is Meditation? - Samadhi.

Includes Glossary.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Swāmī Rāma was born Brij Kiśore Dhasmana or Brij Kiśore Kumar,to a northern Indian Brahmin family in a small village called Toli in the Garhwal Himalayas. From an early age he was raised in the Himalayas by his master Bengali Baba and, under the guidance of his master, traveled from temple to temple and studied with a variety of Himalayan saints and sages, including his grandmaster, who was living in a remote region of Tibet. From 1949 to 1952 he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham in South India. After returning to his master in 1952 and practising further for many years in the Himalayan caves, Swami Rama was encouraged by his teacher to go to the West, where he spent a considerable portion of his life teaching, specifically in the United States and Europe.
He is especially notable as one of the first yogis to allow himself to be studied by Western scientists.
Swami Rama authored several books in which he describes the path he took to becoming a yogi and lays out the philosophy and benefits behind practices such as meditation. One of the common themes expressed in such books as "Enlightenment Without God" and "Living with the Himalayan Masters" is the ability of any person to achieve peace without the need for a structured religion. He was critical of the tendency for yogis to use supernatural feats to demonstrate their enlightenment, arguing that these only demonstrated the ability to perform a feat.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not just a book on yoga. It probably deals more with meditation than yoga, with a cosmic dash of energetic feels thrown about. Gives a bit of a different perspective on yoga than modern ones. Considering this book was first published in 1971, this shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Religion and spirituality has to change a lot in four decades to keep up with modern times.

Overall, it approached yoga from the Indian philosophy and religious viewpoints. It's all about union with the universal soul. But, on the physical level, postures aim at physical well-being and control over the body. A healthy body is a prerequisite for a healthy and controlled mind. You don't hear too many new age folk talking about control or perfection these days. But the teaching was there in the 70's. All forms of yoga "lead to the state of perfection, wisdom, and bliss."

Oh, and can't forget the string and cloth cleansing recommendations. Gajakarani and dhauti, respectively. Crazy fuckers in the 70's, man.