Advanced Yoga Practices - Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living [Paperback]

Surprisingly, the techniques presented in Advanced Yoga Practices are not difficult. Unlike hatha yoga, there are no elaborate postures, no dramatic twistings and stretchings. AYP contains techniques for breathing and meditation that gently but powerfully tone up the nervous system, raise energy, and liberate our natural serenity and joy. Also surprising is that Yogani, the author, presents this information as a non-sectarian mechanical process-follow the procedures and the results happen. Just as when you lift weights your muscles gradually become stronger regardless of whether you're a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Atheist, when you practice the AYP methods, serenity and joy are gradually liberated regardless of religious or philosophical belief. And, as with physical training, AYP methods recognize that individuals develop at their own pace. Students are constantly reminded to practice at a level that maintains a comfortable balance between inner development and outer life.

The book compiles dialogs from the AYP online discussion group and adds a substantial amount of new material not found online. The format consists of techniques taught by Yogani, questions from group members, and Yogani's replies. Yogani writes in impressively lucid, literate, American English that reveals not only his formidable understanding of Eastern and Western spirituality, but also his gentle sense of humor and grounding in the modern world.

I have practiced yoga for over 30 years and have read a lot of yogic literature. I feel that the information I learned in AYP has done more to further my spiritual evolution than any other resource. It's truly a practical guide to enlightenment for the 21st century.

The book is a comprehensive exposition of the higher techniques of yoga and tantra. The question-and answer sections are based on real questions from a yahoo group; this makes them very real and informative.

In revealing what is usually kept secret, Yogani pulls out all the stops. The book reveals heavy-duty yoga techniques, such as Advanced Kechari, which is, as far as I know, nowhere else available in print at this time.

In a departure from the more paternal Guru Tradition, Yogani teaches in athe tradition of a Yogic Scientist. He presents the known material, without requiring you to participate in a myth of his omniscience. You progress under the advice to pace yourself; you are invited to be your own guru, judging when you are ready for the more powerful techniques and holding back if you temporarily find them to be too much.

This is not to say that the book is too advanced for the less advanced yoga practitioner. Everyone can benefit from the many gentle methods which make up the main body of the book. But for advanced yoga practitioners in particular, the book is worth its weight in gold.