This volume deals with what are known in yogic parlance as sat karma, mudra, pranayama, pratyahara. Sat karma is purificatory of the body. It includes what are known as neti, dhauti, vasti, nauli, etc. These devices of purification of the body on the yogic line have been discussed in hatha-yogic treatises of the medieval age and are highly useful in the redemption of the body from various kinds of diseases. So is the case with the mudras and bandhas which, however, being purificatory of the body are highly useful in leading to concentration of the mind. While pranayama in the course of yogic sadhana is self-evident as prana and consciousness are closely interrelated. Various kinds of pranayama have been deliberated upon in the volume apart from several others that have remained generally unknown so far. It also discusses precaution and safety during the practice of pranayama. Pratyahara is that method in which the sense organs follow the sense-mind on the image held within so that they can get sensations from within thereby leading to the dissolution of the sensations of sense-organs in the sense-mind and finally it gets dissolved in the consciousness or the Self. All these ingredients of yoga as well its basic postulates have been discussed clearly and authentically having based on the textual verity on the one hand and scientific possibility on the other.

The book is designed to confirm to the course contents of Yoga and will be of great use to graduates, post graduates, diploma, research students and teachers of Yoga and the practitioners alike.

Content – Table of Transliteration, Foreword, Preface, Introduction, I. SATKARMA, 1. Dhauti Kriyas, 2. Vastra Dhauti, 3. Danda Dhauti, 4. Baghi, 5. Agnisara, 6. Mula Sodhana, 7. Gajakarani, 8. Neti Kriya, 9. Trataka, 10. Kapalabhati, 11. Nauli, 12. Sankhapraksalana, 13. Vasti, 14. Cakri Karma, II. MUDRAS, Importance of Mudras, BANDHAS, 1. Jalandhara Bandha, 2. Uddiyana Bandha, 3. Mula Bandha, ADHARA MUDRAS, 1. Asvini Mudra, MUDRAS WITH COMBINATION OF BANDHAS, 1. Maha Mudra, 2. Maha Bandha, 3. Maha Vedha, POSTURAL MUDRAS, 1. Tadagi Mudra, 2. Matangini Mudra, 3. Pasini Mudra, 4. Yoga Mudra, 5. Viparitakarani, 6. Kaki Mudra, 7. Bhujangini Mudra, MEDITATION MUDRAS, 1. Sambhavi Mudra, 2. Khecari Mudra, 3. Nabho Mudra, 4. Sanmukhi Mudra, 5. Panca Tattva Dharana Mudras, 6. Sakticalani Mudra, 7. Manduki Mudra, III. PRANAYAMA, PRANA AND CONSCIOUSNESS, 1. Indra’s Proposition of Prana as Consciousness, 2. Relationship Between Air and Prana, 3. Air as the Cosmic Energy, 4. Primacy of Prana over Senses and Mind, 5. Convertibility of Prana into Consciousness, 6. Development of Self from within the Vital, 7. Transformation of the Physical into the Vital and Mental, 8. Germ of the Instincts of Self-Protection and Procreation, 9. Sygyzy of Life-Force and Consciousness, 10. Consciousness and the Instinct for Possession, PRANAYAMA, 1. Importance of Pranayama, 2. Suitable Place for Practice, 3. Who should Start the Practice of Pranayama, 4. Best Seasons for Starting the Practice of Pranayama, 5. Diet during the Practice of Pranayama, 6. Prohibited Food and Acts during the Practice, 7. Method of Pranayama, 8. Time of Practice and Duration, 9. Attitude during Practice, 10. Safety in the Practice of Pranayama, 11. Obstacles in the Path of Yoga, 12. Benefits of Pranayama, 13. Final Aim of Sahita Kumbhaka, PRANAYAMA FOR BEGINNERS, 1. Sukhapurvaka (Rhythmic/Yogic Breathing), 2. Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing), 3. Nadi Sodhana, PRANAYAMA FOR ADVANCED PRACTITIONERS, 1. Surya-Bheda Kumbhaka (Piercing of the Pingala Nadi), 2. Ujjayi (Snoring Breath), 3. Bhastrika (Bellows Breathing), 4. Bhramari (Beetle Droning), 5. Sitali (Cooling Breath), 6. Sitkari (Hissing Breath), 7. Murccha (Swooning Breath), 8. Plavini, 9. Candra-Breath (Piercing of the Ida Nadi), IV. UNCLASSIFIED PRANAYAMAS FROM THE UPANISADS, V. KUMBHAKA PADDHATI OF RAGHUVIRA (Selected Verses), VI. PRATYAHARA, INDEX