Foundations of Yoga: The Traditional Teachings of Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami

(Paperback)

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*Shows how to enrich your physical Yoga practice by embracing and integrating Hatha Yoga's metaphysical, spiritual and psychological traditions *Explores the energy-focusing movements known as mudras and purification methods that can boost metabolism, reinforce muscles and facilitate advanced sexual practices Foundations of Yoga presents the full and rigorous yogic training of traditional Hatha Yoga as taught by renowned Indian Yoga master the late Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami. Written by his disciple and spiritual heir, the book emphasises metaphysical, spiritual and psychological cultivation in addition to physical practice. It offers Yoga practitioners and teachers a way to enrich and advance their physical Yoga practice through a deeper understanding of physiology, psychology, philosophy and spirituality centred on vedic and tantric principles. As the teachings and life of Sri S. S. Goswami show, by strengthening the body, vital force and mind, one can master all three for a long, healthy, harmonious life. Woven together with stories from Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami's life, the book explains in-depth all of the physical and mental exercises associated with the pratice of Yoga and explores the philosophy of Yoga, sharing meditative exercises for introspection, expanding consciousness and seeking your true divine nature. Inside there are detailed instructions on pratyahara (control of the senses), charana (yogic bodybuilding), mental concentration exercises, and the energy-focusing and purifying muscular-control movements known as mudras, including the metabolism-boosting mahamudra and advanced pelvic mudras and sexual practices to transcend the ego. The book explores methods of internal purification such as dhauti (cleansing of the stomach with air or water), vasti (intestinal cleansing), neti (nasal cleansing), trataka (visual concentration exercises), and kapalabhati (diaphragmatic hyperventilation) and shows how these purifications are necessary before beginning the advanced breathing practices of pranayama to eradicate deep internal impurities and strengthen the immune system.

Reviews

A profound and lucid study of yoga in the deeper sense of the term, covering both practice and philosophy. Foundations of Yoga is an important book for those who are interested in how Hatha Yoga relates to the greater transformation of body, mind, and heart. * David Frawley, author of Yoga & Ayurveda and founder of the American Institute for Vedic Studies *
In Foundations of Yoga, Basile P. Catomris presents a comprehensive view of the ancient practice of Yoga through the eyes of a present day yogi. Those interested in the roots of yogic philosophy and practice will find his clear explanations informative and enlightening. * Biff Mithoefer, international yoga teacher and author of The Yin Yoga Kit and co-author of The Thera *
It is with the greatest pleasure I recommend Basile P. Catomris book Foundations of Yoga. Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami and his understanding and practical application of hatha yoga has been instrumental in spreading this form of yoga in the West. The increased interest in the practice of hatha yoga in Europe and the United States makes this book especially important. * Olle Qvarnstrm, professor of Indic Religions, Lund University, Sweden *
With Foundations of Yoga, devotee Basile P. Catomris shares the Hatha yoga legacy of the late Hindu sage, Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami. His account of the lineage and life of the founder of the oldest yoga school in Europe, the Goswami Yoga Institute in Stockholm, is directed at the English-speaking yoga practitioner...Foundations of Yoga will cultivate the knowledge of yoga practitioners at every level and reinforce the expertise of the advanced yoga practitioner. * Allyson Gracie, Retailing Insight, December 2012 *
This book is recommended for those who want to move beyond a perfunctory level...In the spirit of his predecessor, Catomris offers an excellent synthesis of the ancient science of yoga that will help guide serious aspirants on their journey toward a healthy body and peaceful mind. * Ajoke Kokodoko, Library Journal, March 2013 *

Author Bio

Basile P. Catomeris is the disciple and spiritual heir of Sri Shyam Sundar Goswami. Devoting his life to the study and practice of yogic traditions, he studied under Sri S. S. Goswami from 1956 until his death in 1978, whereupon he took over Sri S. S. Goswami's teaching duties at the Goswami Yoga Institute in Sweden. In December 1983, he was granted yogic final initiation (brahma mantra diksha.). He lives in southern France.