Philosophy of Hatha Yoga

A newly revised and expanded version of a popular and unique work, this extraordinarily valuable introductory discussion of the philosophy of hatha yoga is indispensable to any student of yoga. This clear and easy to follow exposition views hatha within the framework of raja yoga, the yoga of eight complements, as promulgated by Patanjali, the author of Yoga Sutras, the most authoritative text on the science of yoga. Hatha should not be merely a system of physical exercises: this work emphasized the paramount role that the mind plays in hatha yoga, and demonstrates how to elevate the practices of hatha to an inner spiritual experience. This study outlines how the practices of hatha yoga can serve as a means to understand the subtler essence of mind and prana and to prepare for meditation and the awakening of the kundalini force.