Sages of India have been practicing the science of Yoga for thousands of years. There are numerous benefits of yoga. On the mental level, it strengthens concentration, determination, and builds a stronger character that can more easily sustain various tensions in our lives. The assortment of Asanas also provides stronger health and prevents various diseases. It improves physical strength, endurance and flexibility. Its ultimate purpose, however, is to purify and raise our consciousness to a level in which we can directly perceive our real identity and the spiritual dimension. Then we can have our own spiritual experiences.
The main objective of this book is to create more informed and conscious practitioners of Yoga. ‘Yoga and Meditation’ discusses the benefits of Yoga, both physical and spiritual, its types and methodology in detail. The present book is a guide to not only Asanas that help treating various diseases, but also to the methods for using important mantras to enhance the effects of Yoga.

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Contents

1. The Real Purpose of Yoga — 7

2. Benefits of Yoga — 11

3. Types of Yoga — 15

4. Other Forms of Yoga — 54

5. Starting the Practice of Yoga — 80

6. The Surya Namaskar Salutation to the Sun — 106

7. Pranayama — 119

8. The Purpose of Meditation — 127

9. Preparation for Meditation — 138

10. The Meditation Process — 149

11. Bhakti Yoga — 175

12. Using Mantras — 187

13. The Hare Krishna Mantra — 198

14. What is Spiritual Enlightenment — 212

Conclusion — The Greatest Adventure — 221

Glossary — 224

References — 231

Stephen Knapp is a writer, author, philosopher, spiritual practitioner, traveller, photo-grapher and lecturer. He has continuously worked to help spread the profound and genuine spiritual knowledge of the Vedic philosophy so that anyone from anywhere can be benefitted by it. The main purpose of Stephen Knapp’s work is to offer simple yet accurate ways and explana-tions to comprehend the lofty insights found within the spiritual philosophy and Vedic culture of India, which has much to offer humanity. So far his intention seems to be working. He has been critically appreciated by many readers for his simplistic way of explaining the complexities of the Incomprehensible and Infinite in attractive words.