The Origins of Yoga and Tantra

The Origins of Yoga and Tantra

Author: Geoffrey Samuel

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2008-03-27

Total Pages: 429

ISBN-13: 1139470213

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Yoga, tantra and other forms of Asian meditation are practised in modernized forms throughout the world today, but most introductions to Hinduism or Buddhism tell only part of the story of how they developed. This book is an interpretation of the history of Indic religions up to around 1200 CE, with particular focus on the development of yogic and tantric traditions. It assesses how much we really know about this period, and asks what sense we can make of the evolution of yogic and tantric practices, which were to become such central and important features of the Indic religious scene. Its originality lies in seeking to understand these traditions in terms of the total social and religious context of South Asian society during this period, including the religious practices of the general population with their close engagement with family, gender, economic life and other pragmatic concerns.


Book Synopsis The Origins of Yoga and Tantra by : Geoffrey Samuel

Download or read book The Origins of Yoga and Tantra written by Geoffrey Samuel and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2008-03-27 with total page 429 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Yoga, tantra and other forms of Asian meditation are practised in modernized forms throughout the world today, but most introductions to Hinduism or Buddhism tell only part of the story of how they developed. This book is an interpretation of the history of Indic religions up to around 1200 CE, with particular focus on the development of yogic and tantric traditions. It assesses how much we really know about this period, and asks what sense we can make of the evolution of yogic and tantric practices, which were to become such central and important features of the Indic religious scene. Its originality lies in seeking to understand these traditions in terms of the total social and religious context of South Asian society during this period, including the religious practices of the general population with their close engagement with family, gender, economic life and other pragmatic concerns.

A Brief History of Yoga

A Brief History of Yoga

Author: Ramesh Bjonnes

Publisher:

Published: 2018-06-25

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13: 9781881717638

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Yoga is growing in popularity all over the world today, yet misconceptions about its original purpose and ancient roots abound. In this refreshing tale of the history of yoga, the author unveils the true heart of the tradition. A Brief History of Yoga is essential reading for all those who care about the past and future evolution of yoga.


Book Synopsis A Brief History of Yoga by : Ramesh Bjonnes

Download or read book A Brief History of Yoga written by Ramesh Bjonnes and published by . This book was released on 2018-06-25 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Yoga is growing in popularity all over the world today, yet misconceptions about its original purpose and ancient roots abound. In this refreshing tale of the history of yoga, the author unveils the true heart of the tradition. A Brief History of Yoga is essential reading for all those who care about the past and future evolution of yoga.

Yoga Spandakarika

Yoga Spandakarika

Author: Daniel Odier

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2005-03-23

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 1620554410

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Translation and commentary of one of the most important texts of the Kashmirian Shivaism tradition of Tantra • Author was a student of the late Kalu Rinpoche • Explores the transmission of Mahamudra, the Great Cosmic Gesture • Includes the Vijnanabhaïrava Tantra, which contains the totality of the oldest source text on Yoga The Spandakarika, the "Tantric Song of the Divine Pulsation," is said to have been transmitted directly to the sage Vasugupta from the hands of Shiva on Mount Kailas. In his commentary on these fifty-two stanzas, the sage Ksemaraja described them as the heart of the Mahamudra. The oldest masters of Spandakarika viewed everything in the universe, including matter, as consciousness and created a yoga practice in accordance with this realization. The sacred dance of Yoga Spandakarika, Tandava, is extremely subtle and difficult, requiring thousands of hours of practice to master, yet it surpasses any other physical practice, allowing the practitioner to touch the divine inner pulse. Once its third stage has been mastered, the yogi or yogini is able to manifest the dance of Shiva in space, a tradition visible in the statuary of Tantric temples in India and Tibet. Energy is no longer contracted by the perception of duality, and the mind and body become unbounded, forming a sphere that contains all that was formerly outside. In Yoga Spandakarika Daniel Odier passes on these vanishing teachings as he received them from his Tibetan master, Kalu Rinpoche, and Kashmiri yogi Lalita Devi.


Book Synopsis Yoga Spandakarika by : Daniel Odier

Download or read book Yoga Spandakarika written by Daniel Odier and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2005-03-23 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Translation and commentary of one of the most important texts of the Kashmirian Shivaism tradition of Tantra • Author was a student of the late Kalu Rinpoche • Explores the transmission of Mahamudra, the Great Cosmic Gesture • Includes the Vijnanabhaïrava Tantra, which contains the totality of the oldest source text on Yoga The Spandakarika, the "Tantric Song of the Divine Pulsation," is said to have been transmitted directly to the sage Vasugupta from the hands of Shiva on Mount Kailas. In his commentary on these fifty-two stanzas, the sage Ksemaraja described them as the heart of the Mahamudra. The oldest masters of Spandakarika viewed everything in the universe, including matter, as consciousness and created a yoga practice in accordance with this realization. The sacred dance of Yoga Spandakarika, Tandava, is extremely subtle and difficult, requiring thousands of hours of practice to master, yet it surpasses any other physical practice, allowing the practitioner to touch the divine inner pulse. Once its third stage has been mastered, the yogi or yogini is able to manifest the dance of Shiva in space, a tradition visible in the statuary of Tantric temples in India and Tibet. Energy is no longer contracted by the perception of duality, and the mind and body become unbounded, forming a sphere that contains all that was formerly outside. In Yoga Spandakarika Daniel Odier passes on these vanishing teachings as he received them from his Tibetan master, Kalu Rinpoche, and Kashmiri yogi Lalita Devi.

The Encyclopedia of Yoga and Tantra

The Encyclopedia of Yoga and Tantra

Author: Georg Feuerstein

Publisher: Shambhala Publications

Published: 2022-08-16

Total Pages: 473

ISBN-13: 0834844400

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The ever-increasing popularity of Yoga and related practices makes a desktop reference like this indispensible. With over twenty-five hundred entries and extensive illustrations, it combines comprehensiveness with accessibility. The book is arranged and written in a manner that will inform rather than overwhelm the lay reader, while at the same time offering valuable references for the professional researcher and the historian of religion. This new edition includes information about contemporary Yoga teachers. It also provides fuller descriptions and illustrations of Yoga poses, and features additional cross references.


Book Synopsis The Encyclopedia of Yoga and Tantra by : Georg Feuerstein

Download or read book The Encyclopedia of Yoga and Tantra written by Georg Feuerstein and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2022-08-16 with total page 473 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The ever-increasing popularity of Yoga and related practices makes a desktop reference like this indispensible. With over twenty-five hundred entries and extensive illustrations, it combines comprehensiveness with accessibility. The book is arranged and written in a manner that will inform rather than overwhelm the lay reader, while at the same time offering valuable references for the professional researcher and the historian of religion. This new edition includes information about contemporary Yoga teachers. It also provides fuller descriptions and illustrations of Yoga poses, and features additional cross references.

Yoga in Practice

Yoga in Practice

Author: David Gordon White

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 414

ISBN-13: 0691140863

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An anthology of primary texts drawn from the diverse yoga traditions of India, greater Asia, and the West. Focuses on the lived experiences in the many world of yoga.


Book Synopsis Yoga in Practice by : David Gordon White

Download or read book Yoga in Practice written by David Gordon White and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2012 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An anthology of primary texts drawn from the diverse yoga traditions of India, greater Asia, and the West. Focuses on the lived experiences in the many world of yoga.

Tantra Yoga

Tantra Yoga

Author: Nik Douglas

Publisher: New Delhi : Munshiram Manoharlal

Published: 1971

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13:

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Illustrations: Numerous Colour Illustrations Description: Tantra Yoga is a way of life...a practice based upon the philosophy of Human Experience, by means of which the Wisdom of Reality can become a part of one's innermost Nature. The Tantra is the way of the Yogi-Mystic of the East, who, through practice of this Yoga, is able to transmute the normal Mortal-Consciousness into Cosmic-Consciousness , and so experience the Blissful Joys of Reality. This book summarizes the tradition of Tantra Yoga from its origin and development in the earliest times to the present. The spread of tantrism...Animist, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sufic...from the original centres to Tibet, and thence to the West, is discussed, and the influence of this special esoteric teaching on both science and religion, is indicated. The philosophical, psychological and practical aspects of Tantra Yoga are presented, with detailed chapters on the Tantric Cosmology, Theory of Evolution, Concept of Vibration, Alchemy, Symbolism, Ritual, Rite and Sadhana (Yoga practice). Light is shed on the problems and joys which underlie the experience of life, and practical methods are indicated for overcoming the obscuring factors and for attaining the Tantric Realization. The symbolism and esoteric language is indicated and explained through the medium of sixty six beautiful colour plates, and the explanations are clarified and supported by quotations from relevant authoritative texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Tibetan Book of the Dead, Hevajra Tantra, Mahanirvana Tantra and original texts, as also from the works of leading scholars. This book is a concise guide through the inner principles and outer practices of Tantra Yoga.


Book Synopsis Tantra Yoga by : Nik Douglas

Download or read book Tantra Yoga written by Nik Douglas and published by New Delhi : Munshiram Manoharlal. This book was released on 1971 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Illustrations: Numerous Colour Illustrations Description: Tantra Yoga is a way of life...a practice based upon the philosophy of Human Experience, by means of which the Wisdom of Reality can become a part of one's innermost Nature. The Tantra is the way of the Yogi-Mystic of the East, who, through practice of this Yoga, is able to transmute the normal Mortal-Consciousness into Cosmic-Consciousness , and so experience the Blissful Joys of Reality. This book summarizes the tradition of Tantra Yoga from its origin and development in the earliest times to the present. The spread of tantrism...Animist, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sufic...from the original centres to Tibet, and thence to the West, is discussed, and the influence of this special esoteric teaching on both science and religion, is indicated. The philosophical, psychological and practical aspects of Tantra Yoga are presented, with detailed chapters on the Tantric Cosmology, Theory of Evolution, Concept of Vibration, Alchemy, Symbolism, Ritual, Rite and Sadhana (Yoga practice). Light is shed on the problems and joys which underlie the experience of life, and practical methods are indicated for overcoming the obscuring factors and for attaining the Tantric Realization. The symbolism and esoteric language is indicated and explained through the medium of sixty six beautiful colour plates, and the explanations are clarified and supported by quotations from relevant authoritative texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Tibetan Book of the Dead, Hevajra Tantra, Mahanirvana Tantra and original texts, as also from the works of leading scholars. This book is a concise guide through the inner principles and outer practices of Tantra Yoga.

A History of Modern Yoga

A History of Modern Yoga

Author: Elizabeth De Michelis

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2005-12-08

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 0826487726

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Please note: We can't take UK web orders at this time, but further information can be obtained by emailing [email protected]. US web orders are available now.


Book Synopsis A History of Modern Yoga by : Elizabeth De Michelis

Download or read book A History of Modern Yoga written by Elizabeth De Michelis and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 2005-12-08 with total page 301 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Please note: We can't take UK web orders at this time, but further information can be obtained by emailing [email protected]. US web orders are available now.

The Roots of Tantra

The Roots of Tantra

Author: Katherine Anne Harper

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2012-02-01

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 079148890X

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Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, Tantra has been the most difficult to define. Almost everything about it—its major characteristics, its sources, its relationships to other religions, even its practices—are debated among scholars. In addition, Tantrism is not confined to any particular religion, but is a set of beliefs and practices that appears in a variety of religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. This book explores one of the most controversial aspects of Tantra, its sources or roots, specifically in regard to Hinduism. The essays focus on the history and development of Tantra, the art history and archaeology of Tantra, the Vedas and Tantra, and texts and Tantra. Using various disciplinary and methodological approaches, from history to art history and religious studies to textual studies, scholars provide both broad overviews of the beginnings of Tantra and detailed analyses of specific texts, authors, art works, and rituals.


Book Synopsis The Roots of Tantra by : Katherine Anne Harper

Download or read book The Roots of Tantra written by Katherine Anne Harper and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2012-02-01 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, Tantra has been the most difficult to define. Almost everything about it—its major characteristics, its sources, its relationships to other religions, even its practices—are debated among scholars. In addition, Tantrism is not confined to any particular religion, but is a set of beliefs and practices that appears in a variety of religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. This book explores one of the most controversial aspects of Tantra, its sources or roots, specifically in regard to Hinduism. The essays focus on the history and development of Tantra, the art history and archaeology of Tantra, the Vedas and Tantra, and texts and Tantra. Using various disciplinary and methodological approaches, from history to art history and religious studies to textual studies, scholars provide both broad overviews of the beginnings of Tantra and detailed analyses of specific texts, authors, art works, and rituals.

Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth

Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth

Author: Stephen Phillips

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Published: 2009-06-26

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 0231144857

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For serious yoga practitioners curious to know the ancient origins of the art, Phillips lays out the philosophy of action, knowledge, and devotion, as well as the processes of meditation, reasoning, and self-analysis, that formed the basis of yoga in ancient and classical India.


Book Synopsis Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth by : Stephen Phillips

Download or read book Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth written by Stephen Phillips and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2009-06-26 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For serious yoga practitioners curious to know the ancient origins of the art, Phillips lays out the philosophy of action, knowledge, and devotion, as well as the processes of meditation, reasoning, and self-analysis, that formed the basis of yoga in ancient and classical India.

Tantra Illuminated

Tantra Illuminated

Author: Christopher D. Wallis

Publisher: Mattamayura Press

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780989761307

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This book takes readers on a fascinating journey to the very heart of Tantra: its key teachings, foundational lineages, and transformative practices. Since the West's discovery of Tantra 100 years ago, there has been considerable fascination, speculation, and more than a little misinformation about this spiritual movement. Now, for the first time in the English language, Tantra Illuminated presents an accessible introduction to this sacred tradition that began 1,500 years ago, in the far north of India. The book uses translations from primary Sanskrit sources, offers a profound look at spiritual practice, and reveals Tantra's rich history and powerful teachings.


Book Synopsis Tantra Illuminated by : Christopher D. Wallis

Download or read book Tantra Illuminated written by Christopher D. Wallis and published by Mattamayura Press. This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book takes readers on a fascinating journey to the very heart of Tantra: its key teachings, foundational lineages, and transformative practices. Since the West's discovery of Tantra 100 years ago, there has been considerable fascination, speculation, and more than a little misinformation about this spiritual movement. Now, for the first time in the English language, Tantra Illuminated presents an accessible introduction to this sacred tradition that began 1,500 years ago, in the far north of India. The book uses translations from primary Sanskrit sources, offers a profound look at spiritual practice, and reveals Tantra's rich history and powerful teachings.