Hatha Yoga Manuals I and II

1985 / 1978

By Samskrti and Veda / Judith Franks

The Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA

Manuals I and II written in dedication to the teacher Shri Swami Rama.

Manual I

Raja yoga, or Astanga Yoga (yoga of the eightfold path) was codified by Patajali in his Yoga Sutras at about 200 AD. Hatha Yoga concentrates on asanas and pranayama, this was codified by Svatmarama in the Hathayogapradipika, around the sixteenth century. Hatha yoga is the stairway to Raja yoga, the ultimate goal of which is Self-realisation.

Diaphragmatic Breathing - focuses on using the diaphragm and the two strong vertical muscles of the abdomen (rectus abdominis) to produce deep breathing. The upper abdominal muscles expand and the lower ribs flare out slightly, but there is little movement of the chest.

Relaxation Postures

Corpse, Crocodile, Child, Knees to Chest, Standing

Stretching and Limbering Exercises

Sun Salutation

Asanas and Preparatory Exercises

Relaxation Exercises

Tension/Relaxation, Complete Relaxation

Breathing Exercises

Complete Breath, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati

Manual II

More advanced manual. Useful to ask:

Shat Kriyas–Purificatory exercises

Bhandas & Mudras

Meditative Asanas

Hero Series–standing legs apart

Cultural Asanas more advanced

Relaxation Exercises

Sixty-one Points

Pranayama