The Alchemy Of Yoga

Spontaneous talks given by the author in Chang Tzu auditorium, Pune, India.

In Yoga: The Science of the Soul, one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the twentieth century presents the history and philosophy of this timeless health practice. Much of what is known as yoga today emphasizes physical postures and exercises to increase flexibility and help relaxation. But in fact, yoga has its roots in centuries of rigorous investigation and research in the East to develop an understanding of human consciousness and its potential. In Yoga, Osho explains the meaning ofsome of the most important Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an early “scientist of the soul” who is credited with being the father of Raja Yoga, or the “royal path” of yoga that uses physical postures and breath primarily as a means to achieve higher states of consciousness. With a fresh translation of these ancient texts, and unique Osho insights into the modern mind and its psychology, Patanjali comes to life on the pages with an approach to using yoga for greaterself-understanding that is absolutely relevant to our times. An invaluable resource for beginning or experienced yoga practitioners, and for anyone who seeks to better understand the intricate and powerful relationshipthat exists between body and mind. Osho challenges readers to examine and break free of the conditioned belief systems and prejudices that limit their capacity to enjoy life in all its richness. He has been described by the Sunday Times of London as one of the “1000 Makers of the 20th Century” and by Sunday Mid-Day (India) as one of the ten people—along with Gandhi, Nehru, and Buddha—who have changed the destiny of India. Since his death in 1990, the influence of his teachings continues to expand, reaching seekers of all ages invirtually every country of the world.

Although born more than four thousand years ago, Patanjali remains contemporary ? Yoga has become part of today's natural healthy lifestyle. His Yoga sutras form the bedrock of the logical approach to human development and his approach appears in therapeutic methods such as Primal Therapy. Patanjali is the first person to apply scientific ideas to the possibility of raising life energy to higher levels. And with the current renaissance of interest in Yoga, his influence continues into the twenty-first century. Making the obscure obvious and the complicated simple, Osho is reintroducing the foundations of Yoga in a way accessible to everyone. ?My commentary on Patanjali is going to be basically different from all the previous commentaries. My commentary will be just as Patanjali himself would have commented.? Osho

This classic text is a comprehensive course in Taoist yoga with instructions by ancient and enlightened masters. Written in a question and answer format, "Taoist Yoga" provides complete instruction and training in a particular type of spiritual alchemy that allows us to achieve the divine state of immorality. This work is the forerunner of many more modern books on the subject, and describes the Taoist methods of stopping the generative force. Instead of only being discharged to procreate off-spring, this vital force can be retained in the body for purification and transmutation into positive vitality, so the spirit can be restored to its original primal state. It teaches us how to handle our sexual energy differently in order to enhance our spiritual growth. The teachings contained herein have been preserved for the last 47 centuries, and although these ancient texts address the male student, both men and women alike can benefit from the techniques of transforming sexual energy into heightened spiritual consciousness. Even if we fail to reach the ultimate goal of immortality, we can enjoy longevity, health and spiritual growth in the present life.

“[A] brilliant disquisition on . . . mostly unpublished texts for three allied systems of tantric thought and praxis (sexual, alchemical, and hatha yogic).” —The Journal of Asian Studies The Alchemical Body excavates and centers within its Indian context the lost tradition of the medieval Siddhas. Working from previously unexplored alchemical sources, David Gordon White demonstrates for the first time that the medieval disciplines of Hindu alchemy and hatha yoga were practiced by one and the same people, and that they can be understood only when viewed together. White opens the way to a new and more comprehensive understanding of medieval Indian mysticism, within the broader context of south Asian Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam. “White proves a skillful guide in disentangling historical and theoretical complexities that have thus far bedeviled the study of these influential aspects of medieval Indian culture.” —Yoga World “Anyone seriously interested in finding out more about authentic tantra, original hatha yoga, embodied liberation . . . sacred sexuality, paranormal abilities, healing, and of course alchemy will find White’s extraordinary book as fascinating as any Tom Clancy thriller.” —Georg Feuerstein, Yoga Journal “Remarkable . . . a study of the language of mystic experience and expression—the multitudinous symbols, rituals, and doctrines of the medieval siddhis, yogis, and alchemists.” —Skeptic Meditations

In 100 Days to Better Health, Good Sex & Long Life, Eric Yudelove provided the foundation course in Taoist practice. Now he takes you to the next level, referred to as "Beginning Internal Alchemy." Gather the energies from the five major internal organs, harmonize them, and change them from negative to positive. It's a process of refining yourself so you can absorb energy from nature and the cosmos, thus becoming a universe in miniature.

In silence, ask the questions. Who am I? Why am I here? Yoga: The Secret of Lifeis a photo-documentary about the spiritual and physical journey of yoga. Through photographs and text this fine art book explores the personal experiences of 108 of today's leading practitioners and how this ancient practice has transformed their mind, body, and spirit. The photographs are taken on glass plates using the wet collodion process, a photographic technique dating back to the 1850s. With the use of a large format wooden camera and antique brass lens, glass plates are hand coated to produce one of a kind ambrotype images. The collodion process transcends us to another place, another time. When light and chemistry collide we enter a mysterious world where art and science meet and the alchemy reveals itself. The photographs take on another dimension with the spoken words that accompany them. The text provides an intimate and enlightening account of each person's personal journey. Beyond the physical posturesYoga: The Secret of Lifedelves deep into the purpose of our existence and how to live a happy and fulfilled life. It explores understanding who we truly are, why we are here, and what our ultimate purpose is on this planet. Included are world renowned yogis Radhanath Swami, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Gurmukh Kaur Khasla, Sri Dharma Mittra, Krishna Das, Tao-Porchon Lynch, Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, Seane Corn and Rodney Yee.