The following list comprises of suggested background texts for the yoga teacher training course with YOGA SATSANGA ASHRAM:

Transcription

1 Lots of free articles on: click on: -publications -knowledge base -yoga papers by Dr Ananda The following list comprises of suggested background texts for the yoga teacher training course with YOGA SATSANGA ASHRAM: Yoga Mala by Pattabhi Jois The serpent power by Arthur Avalon The anatomy coloring work book by Edward Alcamo Ashtanga Yoga by David Swenson Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar Bringing Yoga to Life by Donna Farhi Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahamsa Yogananda A search in Secret India by Paul Brunton Learn to Meditate by David Fontana The science of yoga by Taimini Bhagavadgita Gita Press Yoga Vashista various translations available Yoga and Christianity by Paramahamsa Yogananda Below is a summary of some of the key text in the Gitananda tradition all of which are highly recommended and purchased via: (there are also many more books and DVDs from the ashram available via this link)

2 YOGA: STEP-BY-STEP This correspondence course is the best basic training in Classical Yoga through the written word now available. The Yoga: Step-By-Step Correspondence Course study is one of the requirements for those desiring to participate in the Six Month International Yoga Teacher s Training Course held each year at ICYER from October 2 through March 25th. Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda developed this course in 1971 and the fifty-two weekly lessons are well illustrated with photographs and line drawings. It contains a practical, systematic step-by-step instruction in the integral practice of Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga. Students answer the weekly lesson-questionnaire and submit their papers to ICYER - Ananda Ashram for evaluation. Correspondence with the Guide Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani is encouraged. The Guru carefully goes through all papers and establishes a personal rapport with the students, through regular correspondence guiding each one through problems and difficulties. A Certificate of proficiency is awarded upon successful completion of the course. Included, as a bonus is a free three-year subscription to the monthly journal Yoga Life. YOGA SAMYAMA A detailed course in the study of Chakras, Mandalas, Bindus, Nadis and the higher aspects of the Raja Yoga Sadhana written by Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri. Designed primarily for senior Yoga Sadhakas, it presents a beautiful system of mind training and spiritual sensitization through Raja Yoga practices. Complete with many photographs, line drawings, charts and esoteric information on structure of the mind as conceived in Hinduism and Classical Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga. Yoga Samyama can also be studied as a Correspondence Course, chapter by chapter, working on the various concentration practices and reporting the experiences back to the Guide. This study is recommended only for those who have under taken inresidence training at ICYER or who have completed the Yoga: Step By Step Correspondence Course. Includes an one-year free subscription to Yoga Life. YOGA LIFE: MONTHLY JOURNAL Edited and published by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani This International monthly journal in English was founded in Yoga Life is edited by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani and is dedicated to expounding the teachings of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda and articles by him on practical aspects of Ashtanga Yoga, as well as scholarly and philosophical aspects of various

3 Yogic topics appear in each issue. Articles by Yogamani Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi on various Yogic ideas, as well as Yogic poetry, short fiction and essays are published. Yogacharya, son and successor of Swami Gitananda, regularly presents scientifically based Yogic essays. Leading figures in the world of Yoga regularly submit articles for publication and news of happenings in the world Yogic community is also reported. The magazine provides a good link with India, the home of Yoga, expounding the science from within its cultural background. YOGA LIFE ANNUAL Edited and published by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani Bound form of Ananda Ashram s international monthly journal Yoga Life from the years 1990 through Each annual volume containing twelve issues that are beautifully bound. Perfect addition to any Yoga library and a must for all students of Swami Gitananda Giri as it offers an opportunity to read articles penned by the Guru decades ago. The perfect gift for a loved one on any special occasion. YOGA WORLD WIDE DIRECTORY 1992 and Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani (Editors) This is a Directory of internationally known Yoga Teachers, Swamijis, Yogacharyas and their centres in India an and around the world compiled for the Third decennial Convocation of Vishwa Yoga Samaj, Pondicherry, India in Many articles on debates, workshops and presentations at that memorable international conference along with hundreds of photographs including the First International Yoga Asana Competition is also documented with rare photos of the most esoteric and difficult Asanas. Articles by well-known Yoga teachers and presentations are also contained. A real contribution to any Yoga library and a must for Yoga teachers and Yoga enthusiasts who wish to expand their contacts in the modern Yoga world. Useful for persons planning International Conferences and a good guide for travelers seeking respectable Yoga centres and Ashrams. SIDDHIS AND RIDDHIS This is the second edition of Swamiji s exhaustive study of the phenomenon of Siddhis and Riddhis, psychic accomplishments and psychic prosperities. The remark presents a learned exposition of the scope, dangers, and techniques leading to Siddhis and Riddhis as well as the physiological, psychological and spiritual back ground. A

4 listing of the 108 commonly accepted Siddhis, and their description is a highlight. A practical Yoga Sadhana routine to obtain Siddhis is given. YOGA - ONE WOMAN S VIEW Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani A collection of essays, poetry and short stories by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani. She deals with a modern woman s experience as a result of her practice of Yoga. Well illustrated with photographs and drawings. Special section on The Yoga of Motherhood. An ideal gift for any woman traveling the Yoga path. Especially useful for expectant and young mothers. YOGA AND SPORTS and Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani A pioneering effort to bring benefits of Yogic thinking and physical disciplines to the modern sporting arena. The book gives a systematic guide to Yoga practices particularly useful for sportsmen as well as three complete routines outlined fully with photos. A syllabus to follow in teaching and practice is also given. A rational for the use of Yogic techniques with sports persons is presented. A philosophical and rational argument for including Yoga Asanas as an Olympic sport is also presented with pros and cons. Rare photos of highly difficult and complicated Asanas as photographed at the First International Olympic Standard Yoga Asana Competition in Pondicherry, India, in 1989 is a highlight. This book is a boon to sportsmen, both young and old, as well as a basic guide to good routines for Yoga practice with youth and persons desiring basic workouts in Yoga. Yoga sports, competition in Yoga Asanas, is a fast growing youth activity world wide. This book gives a rationale for this dynamic activity. A must for any Yoga teacher s library. More than 100 photos. SURYA NAMASKAR An excellent book on this modern addition to the Yoga repertoire by Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri. Very useful for those wanting to learn more about the origin as well as the many different types of Surya Namaskar. The forms of Vedic Surya Namaskar and Rishikesh Surya Namaskar are well illustrated as also a brief look at the newer Chandra Namaskar.

5 YANTRA The Mystic Science of Number, Name and Form by Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri is a most unusual presentation of the deep meaning behind numbers, names and Mandalas geometric forms. A thorough discussion of individual biorhythms and how too chart them. The influence of name on personality is also discussed in depth, A must for senior students of Yoga. TRIBUTE TO A GREAT GURU Various authors Memorial volume to Yogamaharishi containing more than 100 photographs of one of the greatest Gurus of the 20th century in various stages of his spiritual evolution. The Memorial Volume contains biographical data of the Guru, tributes and reminiscences by his students and articles by the Guru expressing his unique Yogic worldview are also presented. A must for the library of any serious student of Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga and disciples of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri. A HEART THAT IS DISTANT Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani A Collection of Poetry by Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani. This fine volume contains the prize-winning spiritual poetry of Kalaimamani Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani. A perfect gift for lovers of the spiritual life. FRANKLY SPEAKING Dr Swami Gitananda answers questions from students on every topic under the sun, ranging from health problems, mental unrest, technical questions on Yoga practices, spiritual queries and metaphysical quests. Compiled by Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi

6 Bhavanani from thirty years of question and answer articles as well as from Satsanghas with the Master. The book creates an intimate relationship with the Guru. THE ASHTANGA YOGA OF PATANJALI A masterly exposition of the eight limbs of Patanjala Yoga is delivered by Yogamaharishi. Swami Gitananda delves deeply into the inner meaning of each of the eight stages, as well as giving valuable hints for Sadhana. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are each discussed in great detail in the context of the concentrated search for Truth. A YOGIC APPROACH TO STRESS An excellent treatise on the Pathophysiology of stress, its prevention and relief through various practices based on Gitananda Yoga Teachings in the Tradition of Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga. Various Yoga techniques of Asanas, Pranayamas and relaxation practices are given in detail with easy to follow line drawings. YOGA AND MODERN MAN A Humorous Journey through the Art and Science of Yoga as well as the Modern Yoga World. Various cartoons are used to help the seeker visualize various Yogic concepts and laugh at the modern world of Yoga. A PRIMER OF YOGA THEORY (NEW EDITION) A detailed study of the art and science of Yoga in the form of question and answers. A very useful guide for all levels of Yoga teachers and students and especially useful in preparation for theory examinations at Yogasana competitions and academic Yoga studies.

7 CORRECTION OF BREATHING DIFFICULTIES THROUGH RISHICULTURE ASHTANGA Yoga (NEW EDITION), The original book by Dr Swami Gitananda Giri has been revised and edited by Yogacharya. It deals with causes of breathing difficulties and Yogic answers to them. The Hathenas, a series of forcing techniques unique to the Gitananda Yoga tradition are explained as also many Pranayamas and relaxation techniques. An Ideal book for patients of breathing difficulties as well as Yoga therapists and Sadhakas of all levels. YOGA : 1 TO 10 Concepts of Yoga explained in easy terms with reference to their relation ton the numbers. Especially useful for those wanting to learn Yoga theory in an enjoyable manner and a great gift for children. It also contains an excellent introduction to the concepts of Yantra. PRANAYAMA IN THE TRADITION OF RISHICULTURE ASHTANGA YOGA:, Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani and Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Various essays on Pranayama in the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga tradition have been condensed into this book. It offers a study of not only the classical eight Pranayamas but also gives a brief understanding of the 120 Pranayamas as taught by Dr Swami Gitananda Giri. A must for any sincere student of wanting to expand their knowledge of Pranayama. YOGA FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION One of the major health challenges facing us in the modern age is that of Obesity or excessive weight gain. Obesity occurs as the result of an imbalance between the food

8 energy intake and the energy expenditure of the body. when the food energy intake is more than the energy expenditure of the body there results the slow but steady accumulation of fat leading to weight gain and ultimately a state of obesity. Yoga helps to reduce weight tough the adoption of a healthy life style that includes aspects of dietary control along with the various Yoga techniques that are designed to burn up the excess calories and redistribute body fat in a healthy manner. Yoga also helps correct the numerous psychological conditions that may be causing the excessive weight gain such as depression. The Yoga practices outlined here can help reduce the appetite, improve the digestion, speed up the metabolism and produce psychosomatic relaxation. All of his contributes towards a healthy weight loss giving us a sense of well being and bringing about an improvement in our quality of life. YOGA FOR HEALTH AND HEALING In the modern world Yoga is almost universally pursued as a discipline for fitness and health and has proven to be highly effective as such. The majority of people pursuing Yoga today do so with a sincere expectation of some health related benefits to improve their life and function. Yoga is not merely a physical or psychological therapy though it surely contains a therapeutic element. It is a tradition of psychospiritual growth leading to inner peace and freedom. Yoga's comprehensive methodology includes many techniques that serve the popular goals of enhancing or restoring fitness and health. It is a unique psycho-spiritual discipline that also contains a therapeutic component which offers an unusual comprehensive and practical perspective for modern medical care. This book takes a look at a few representative Yoga practices that can benefit those suffering from various health related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders like hypertension, respiratory disorders like asthma, metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal disorders like low back and neck pain and digestive disorders. It also provides a few Yoga practices for the general health of women and in particular the important period of every woman's life, that of pregnancy. CHAKRAS: THE PSYCHIC CENTRES OF YOGA AND TANTRA According to the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga tradition codified by Yogamaharishi Dr Swami Gitananda Giri, there are six lower and six higher Chakras making a total of twelve Chakras. The lower Chakras known as the Pinda Chakras are related to the physical body while the higher six Chakras, the Anda Chakras are related to the Cosmos. Chakras vibrate at very high speeds of vibration and at their highest speeds of vibration are related to the cosmos. Each of the lower six Chakras has various

9 neuro-endocrine correlates and is associated with one of the five Jnanendriyas and Karmendriyas as also different psychological qualities. This book deals with the Chakras in a detailed manner with magnificent images that were conceptualized by Pujya Swamiji more than 50 years ago. Asanas related to each Chakra and their specific Mandala Pranayamas are elaborated in detail. The unique practices of Chakra Mediation and Mandala Dharana are also added bonuses in this book. MUDRAS (NEW EDITION) This is a completely revised and upgraded edition of the original book by the great Yogamaharishi. A good deal of material is available to the modern student on the subject of Hatha Yoga Asanas, Shat Karmas and a bit on Pranayama. Little is however found when searching for information on Mudras that represent some of the deeper practices of the Yoga system. Mudra is the ancient Yogic art and science of gesturing and sealing vital Pranic energies in the human body for health, well being and spiritual evolution. These are advanced techniques designed to improve neuromuscular coordination, culture human emotions and still the restless mind. In Yoga and Tantra, Mudras are used with the most evolutionary knowledge available to the serious student about the relationship between energy flows in the tissues, nerve channels and organs of the body as well as their correlation to higher flows of Prana in the subtle and causal bodies. In the higher practices of Yoga, Mudras are used to gesture the mind, Prana and the lower and higher Shaktis through the Nadis, or subtle nerve channels of the Pancha Kosha, the Five Bodies of Man. A short practice of the Prana Mudras will soon convince even the most skeptical student of their value. The Oli Mudras are amongst the most valuable techniques to be undertaken by a serious student of Yoga. The Shakti Mudras represent the highest form of sublimation of lower energy drives into the bountiful Ojas and Tejas, the higher forces produced in the human body by the Yogis. Hatha Yoga Practices of the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga Tradition This book by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is intended for the intelligent, philosophically-minded Sadhaka or Seeker of Truth who is not only seeking excellence in his/her or her profession, but is also seeking to live a full well-rounded, humane and elevated life. It is clearly laid out with instruction given in basic Asanas, Kriyas, Mudras and Pranayama of Gitananda Yoga (Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga), along with explanations of their benefits and uses. A syllabus of instruction for 30 graded lessons is also provided at the end to enable the fuller understanding for both the teacher and student alike. Comments are also made on the role of healthy diet and

10 relaxation in the well-rounded life. Interesting insights are offered into the body s glandular system, and the role of Yoga practice in its stimulation. This book is a useful practical instruction manual for Yoga teachers in educational institutions and can provide guidelines for Physical Education teachers desirous of adding Yoga practices to their curriculum. The material in this book is useful to seekers from all walks of life as it provides a clear and basic, step-by-step instruction to elementary Hatha Yoga concepts and practices of Gitananda Yoga. This book contains a few of the sets or routines that have been systematized in the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga tradition to produce particular results. The first set or routine detailed is the Samasthiti Series that is a set of Asanas designed to produce strength, flexibility, endurance, balance and stamina of the whole body. The second set or routine described in detail are the Hathenas that are designed to produce a powerful respiratory system preventing and controlling many respiratory disorders that are common in today s world. The third set of practices is of those belonging to the Loma Viloma Series that are designed to relieve neurasthenia and restore vital energy to a debilitated nervous system. They provide balanced energy flows for a debilitated nervous system thus energizing the whole being as well as providing a gentle stimulus to the spine, the digestive system, and all organs of the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Meditation - The Inner Yoga This book by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani deals with the hot topic of Dhyana or meditation. Meditation is a way of uniting with our Supreme Nature and may be described as fixing the mind on the Supreme with devotion and discipline. Dhyana or meditation is the seventh of the eight steps in the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali and is part of the Antaranga or inner steps of Yoga, the path leading to self-realisation. It is preceded by Dharana or one pointed concentration that helps us to flow into meditation. The final step in the three, free flowing higher states of consciousness is Samadhi or Union with the Divine Nature in the ULTIMATE UNIVERSAL UNIFICATION. Maharishi Patanjali defines Dharana or concentration as Desha Bandhah Chittasya Dharana meaning thereby that concentration is the process of binding the consciousness to a point, place, region or object. This implies a duality between the SEER and the SEEN. He further defines Dhyana or meditation as Tatra Pratyaya Ekatanata Dhyanam meaning thereby that meditation is a STATE in which there is a steady and continuous flow of attention and concentration on a point, place, region or object. There ceases to be a duality between the SEER and the SEEN.Meditation is the fruit of long and arduous effort. The mind is so trained in its focus that it naturally flows into the object of contemplation. A deep, vibrant quietness is the characteristic of meditation which infuses the entire life style with calmness and control. Meditation becomes a quality of mind that manifests in all aspects of our daily life. The mind develops the capacity to delve into every experience, thought, emotion and situation that arises, and this focused awareness produces Yogic skill in living.

11 Surya Namaskar - An expression of gratitude to life The oldest form of worship on this planet would have to be the worship of the core of our natural existence, the sun, the great star that centres our galaxy. Therefore the term Surya Namaskara in its deepest meaning indicates that the practitioner offers his solemn, reverential respects to the sun as a symbol of the Divine essence of the Universe that guides all sentient beings through the process of their evolution. In more modern times, this ancient ritualistic worship has crystallized into a balanced pattern of movements which has found its way into the Hatha Yoga system. The original book on Surya Namaskar by Dr Swami Gitananda Giri has been revised and edited by Yogacharya and will be useful for those wanting to learn more about the origin, benefits as well as the different types of Surya Namaskar. A detailed analysis is given of the Surya Mantras, Aditya Hrudayam and illustrated versions of six different Surya Namaskars are given in detail. There is also a brief overview of the Chandra Namaskar that also found place in the previous edition.the Kshatrian Kriya borrowed from the warrior traditions of India is included as it has many movements similar to the Surya Namaksar. The Surya Prana Mudra an excellent Pranayama and Mudra based practice is described as another form of contemplative sun worship while the Jnana Surya Kriya and excellent relaxation practices is described to induce a sense of deep relaxtion through the universal solar energy form of the Divine. THE HISTORY OF YOGA FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN TIMES Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani This amazing encyclopedic compilation gives a thorough look into the history of Yoga from its origin in timeless, pre-vedic ages, through the Vedic period and the medieval era, down to present times. The study also traces the role of Asana is Yogic lore, and how this concept has evolved and changed, through the ages. Various Yogic scriptures are examined and the spread of Yogic thought to the West is also discussed in detail as well as its effect on modern philosophers. Gurus in modern times are also studied with their impact on Yogic concepts. Written in an easy to understand language, this book will give a sincere Sadhaka a wonderful overview of both Yoga as past as well as its present. It may well be Amma s magnum opus. YOGA FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND OTHERS Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani

12 Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani presents this guide for women who wish to make their pregnancy a Yogic experience. Instruction in basic practical Pranayamas, Asanas and relaxation exercises especially pertinent for the pregnant woman, as well as advice on diet, psychological considerations, spiritual insights etc. UNDERSTANDING THE YOGA DARSHAN (An exploration of the Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patanjali) Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani