I found this book at a used bookstore in downtown Glendale after a great massage.
What is Yoga? Desikachar p. 5-6
(1) "to see" "sight" "view" "a certain way of seeing"
(2) "to come together" "to unite" "to tie the strands of the mind together" "coming together"
(3) "to attain what was previously unattainable" "every change is yoga"
(4) "to create a state in which we are always present...in every moment"
(5) "to be one with the divine"
How is Yoga helpful? Desikachar p. 10-11
"incorrect comprehension" is the root cause of obstacles that prevent us from recognizing things as they really are. This root cause branches out into four obstacles:
(1) the ego
(2) attachment
(3) refusal
(4) fear
Our self-importance, demanding/rejecting nature, and feelings of uncertainty can be eased when we strive to achieve profound peace. Through this quietness and calmness, we can act more decisively.
"The breath is the intelligence of the body" Desikachar p. 22It's the most fundamental instinct, yet stress and anxiety can interfere with our normal breathing process. Explore the breath consciously through yoga and the benefits of body-awareness can be applied throughout the day.
Yoga practice unifies the body, breath, and mind. Desikachar p. 110
Figure 31 shows what meditation can achieve when one withdraws from the senses.
(1) we focus the mind making contact with that on which we are focusing
(2) the mind links with the object of attention and maintains that link
(3) the mind blends and becomes one with the object of meditation
Yoga doesn't have to take all day Desikachar p. 233-237
The appendix contains four simple general practice sequences.
References:
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T. K. V. Desikachar
Inner Traditions (1999), Edition: Revised, Paperback, 244 pages
http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/you-re-breathing-all-wrong-20130227#ixzz2MD7hQpYK
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