CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS TRUE HAPPINESS?

The Yoga of Meditation

Kriya Yoga and the Importance of Meditation

The Journey Within

CHAPTER 1

THE EIGHT LIMBS OF YOGA

Introduction to the Eight Limbs

Yama – self-restraints

Niyama – fixed observances

Asana – yoga posture

Pranayama – regulation of life-force through the breath

Pratyahara – withdrawing the mind from the senses

Dharana – concentration

Dhyana – meditation

Samadhi – divine union

CHAPTER 2

THE INTERNAL ENERGY SYSTEM

The Three Bodies and Five Sheaths

The Physical Body

The Astral Body

The Causal Body

The Chakras

Cosmic Energy

The Seven Chakras

The Nadis

Sushumna

Ida and Pingala

Kundalini

CHAPTER 3

PREPARING FOR PRACTICE

Preliminaries for Practice

The Art of Sitting for Meditation

Mudras

Bandhas

CHAPTER 4

ASANA PRACTICE

Warming up

Sun Salutation Sequence

Energizing Morning Sequence

Relaxing Evening Sequence

Cool Down Sequence

CHAPTER 5

PURIFICATION PRACTICE

Nadi Shodhana: Alternate Nostril Breathing

Agnisara Kriya: Activating the Digestive Fire

Kapalabhati: Skull-shining Breath

Ashvini Mudra: Horse Gesture

CHAPTER 6

PRANAYAMA PRACTICE

The Complete Yogic Breath

Ujjayi Pranayama: Victorious Breath

Bhastrika Pranayama: Bellows Breath

Bhramari Pranayama: Bee-breathing Technique

Kundalini Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana and Om Mantra

CHAPTER 7

MEDITATION PRACTICE

Focusing the mind

Breathing

Visualization

Mantras and Chanting

Steady Gazing

Maha Mudra: Awakening Energy in your Spine

Chanting the Bija Mantras: Awakening the Chakras

Chanting the Hum Mantra: Increasing Prana

Hong Sau Meditation: I am He, the Absolute

Navi Kriya: Awakening Prana in the Navel Centre

Jyoti Mudra: Awakening the Inner Light

The Significance of Om

Om Meditation

Ultimate Bliss Yoga Meditation

CHAPTER 8

DEVELOPING YOUR PRACTICE

Living with Awareness

Making Yoga Meditation A Daily Reality

Morning Routines

Evening Routines

Further reading

Acknowledgments