Preface

      “Yoga” (to be pronounced as ‘yog’) is predominantly thought of as physical exercise only and the ‘aasan’ (written as ‘aasana’) meaning ‘posture’, have gained wide-spread popularity in recent decades. ‘yog- aasans’ are in fact the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.

      Yog does not mean standing on your head or holding your breath. or getting into difficult postures requiring the flexibility of a body or a gymnast. Yog can be considered as a science to understand the essential nature of life, its creation and how life can be taken to its ultimate possibility. The science of yog is the ancient spiritual science, offering a direct means of stilling the natural turbulence of thoughts and restlessness of body which prevent us from knowing what we really are. Often considered as a religious Hindu practice, the Bible also says: “Be still and know that I am God.” In these few words lies the key to the science of yog. The word ‘yog’ means ‘Union’ of the individual consciousness or the Soul with the Universal Consciousness or the ‘spirit’.

      Ordinarily our awareness and energies are directed outward, to the things of this world, which we perceive through the limited instruments of our five senses. Because human reason has to rely upon the partial and often deceptive data supplied by the physical senses, we must learn to tap deeper and more subtle levels of awareness if we wish to solve the enigmas of like — Who am I? Why am I here? How do I realize the Truth? Yog is a simple process of reversing the ordinary outward flow of energy and consciousness so that the mind becomes a dynamic centre of direct perception. No longer dependent upon the fallible five senses out mind becomes capable of actually experiencing the Truth.

      By practicing the step-by-step methods of yog taking nothing for granted on emotional grounds or through blind faith we come to know our oneness with the Infinite Intelligence, Power, and Joy which give life to all and which is the essence of our own Self.

      Owing to mankind’s limited knowledge of the forces that run the universe, many of the higher techniques of yog are little understood or practiced. Today scientific investigation is however, rapidly changing the way we view ourselves, our world