Meditation, Yoga & Spiritual Growth Carnival- Edition #10 »
Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-Book
Summary: The Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises Book is a collection of the Yoga Pranayama and breath control exercises available on Mastery of Meditation. Any new Yoga breathing exercise that is added, can be easily found from this page, thus making it simple to locate and incorporate into your daily Meditation & Yoga practice.
Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Pranayama)
Hatha & Kundalini Yoga Pranayamas
Welcome to the Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) E-Book. Yoga pranayamas are breathing exercises for expanding, purifying and optimizing your entire mind-body-spirit complex. It is the science of breath control.
This book will explain and detail the best pranayamas and breathing techniques from the different branches of Yoga (Kundalini, Hatha, Raja, etc.) and other schools of breath control. The breathing techniques from this book will be part of the Online Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Classes, that are hosted here on the Mastery of Meditation website, but these exercises can, of course, also be used by you in your own daily yoga, meditation or fitness practice. The layout of the book is simple.
Each chapter will provide one important Yoga breathing exercise and will be written such that to practice that particular pranayama you only need to read that chapter.
For each Yoga breathing exercise, the following information is provided:
- Background of the breath control technique.
- Any tools or other requirements in order to practice the breathing technique.
- Primary and secondary benefits the breathing exercise bestows.
- Any cautions for practicing the particular pranayama.
- Guided beginner Yoga pranayama.
- Guided intermediate Yoga pranayama.
- Guided advanced Yoga pranayama.
- Any hidden secrets about the breathing technique.
The first few chapters of this book will focus on the most important yoga pranayama exercises. These breathing techniques are those that are generally an integral part of a daily yoga, meditation or fitness practice. Later, I will move onto some of the more uncommon, though not necessarily less powerful, breath control exercises.
YOGA BREATHING EXERCISES (Pranayama)
Beginner’s Guide to Yoga Pranayama
Beginner’s Guide to Yoga Breathing Exercises
Free Yoga Breathing Exercise #1
Breath of Fire Yoga Pranayama
Free Yoga Breathing Exercise #2
Chakra Balancing - Anuloma Viloma Breathing Exercise
Free Yoga Breathing Exercise #3
4 Part Breathing Exercise for Vitality
Online Yoga Breathing Pranayama #4
Bhastrika Yoga Pranayama to Burn Fat
Free Yoga Breathing Exercise #5
Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama for Optimal Health
Online Yoga Breathing Exercise #6
Sheetali Yoga Pranayama for Stress Management
Free Yoga Pranayama - Breathing Exercise #7
Yoga Breathing Exercise to Treat Depression and Increase Energy
Yoga Breathing Exercise #8
Powerful Yoga Exercise to Detox & Cleanse the System
Yoga Breathing Exercise #9
Advanced Breathing Technique to Raise Kundalini Energy
Tools for Greatness & Enlightenment: 
on November 20th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
[…] Anmol Mehta put an intriguing blog post on Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-BookHere’s a quick excerptSummary: The Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises Book is a collection of the Yoga Pranayama and breath control exercises available on Mastery of Meditation. Any new Yoga breathing exercise that is added, can be easily found from this … […]
on November 27th, 2007 at 4:33 am
Thank you for the details on various breathing exercises we seem to have missed so much which is available to live our daily life beter.
thank you once more
on November 27th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Am happy to share my knowledge with you. Glad you are finding the pranayama book useful and thank you for your feedback.
All Good Wishes,
Anmol
on December 1st, 2007 at 12:59 am
[…] Anmol Mehta put an intriguing blog post on Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-BookHere’s a quick excerpt… breath control, free yoga, free breathing exercises, free online yoga pranayama, breathing technique, deep breathing exercise, book breathing, breathing prana, breathing meditation, breathing lose weight, breathing relaxation … […]
on January 5th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Interesting. I’ve been interested in taking up yoga for a while. This site looks like it will give me some good info.
on January 6th, 2008 at 11:11 am
You should be able to find plenty of material on yoga to help you get started here. From the Online Classes to the free E-books & Videos, like this one on yoga pranayama.
Let me know if I can help out in any way and also thanks for your comments and participation.
All Good Wishes,
Anmol
on January 11th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
[…] Anmol Mehta presents Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-Book posted at Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment & Kundalini Yoga, saying, “Collection of powerful yoga breathing exercises to help you lose weight, cure diseases and get fit.” […]
on January 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
[…] Anmol Mehta presents Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-Book posted at Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment & Kundalini Yoga, saying, "Collection of powerful yoga breathing exercises to help you lose weight, cure diseases and get fit." […]
on March 3rd, 2008 at 4:41 am
[…] All you can do is watch the movie. As you watch and study the movie you start to see its monotony and meaninglessness. You start to see the pettiness of being endlessly drawn into your self-centered drama. This is the beginning of the end. Keep watching carefully, meticulously, and diligently. This watching leads to the movie ending itself. Then you may be blessed with the Truth. So next time someone comes up to you and tries to sell you magic beads of enlightenment, politely show them the garbage can. Anmol Mehta is a Yoga & Zen Expert. Find free pranayamas at Free Online Pranayama Yoga Breathing Exercises. Find yoga videos at Free Online Pranayama Yoga Breathing Exercise Videos. All on the Best Online Chakra Kundalini Yoga Blog. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anmol_Mehta […]
on May 4th, 2008 at 11:16 am
More and more frequently, this breathing in for 1,2,3, and out for 5,6 occurs spontaneously.
It is a pointer that upon the breathing, thinking stops and once again I can be in the natural state again, beyond thoughts.
What a blessing you are.
Namaste
susana
on May 5th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Your feedback makes all this hard work worth it :-D…
Great to hear.
Namaste,
Anmol
on May 7th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
[…] It is now often said, that the next great teachers will arise from the West. This is because the West has an empirical approach to things, as opposed to superstition and blind faith. If something works it is embraced and utilized, if something does not prove to work, it is discarded as junk. This is probably the reason why Yoga has grown in such popularity here in the West, because it works. So dive in and reap the benefits. Anmol Mehta is a Yoga Teacher & Zen Expert. His extensive site, Free Guided Meditation Practice & Chakra Kundalini Yoga Exercises, offers Free Yoga Breathing Exercises. You will also find articles & lively discussions on the Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Poses & Zen Meditation Blog. […]
on July 18th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
[…] Anmol Mehta presents Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-Book posted at Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment & Kundalini Yoga, saying, “Collection of powerful yoga breathing exercises to help you lose weight, cure diseases and get fit.” […]
on August 6th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
[…] Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-Book […]
on August 31st, 2008 at 7:26 am
very interested in these exercises
ty
on September 4th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Let me know if I can offer any further guidance to you.
All Good Wishes,
Anmol
on September 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
Hello!
I came across this site by chance and I’m deeply impressed with your work and contribution! Thank you so much for your fantastic effort and I would like to definitely make use of the knowledge you’re so kindly sharing with us.
Sat Nam!
on September 26th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Great to hear you are enjoying the website and planning on using the techniques for your own practice. Thank you for your inspiring feedback as well :-).
Blessings,
Anmol
on January 5th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
[…] Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises E-book […]
on January 6th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
[…] Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-Book […]
on January 8th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
[…] Free Online Yoga Breathing Exercises (Yoga Pranayama) E-Book […]
on January 29th, 2009 at 1:52 am
Thank you, I really am going through some tough times and much aggravation these days. I am hoping this will help to clear my mind and help my spirit to be free and accepting of my current circumstance.
on February 5th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Sorry to hear of the challenges you are facing. Along with the breathing exercises, which will certainly help, you may wish to try Zen Meditation Technique as well. It is, over the the long term, one of the best approaches for teaching one to be Ok with whatsoever life has to offer.
All Good Wishes,
Anmol
on March 6th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
[…] 10 Pranayamas for YouThe very same Web site I mentioned above plus has an online ebook featuring 10 pranayama exercises that promise everything from increased vitality to fat burning to stress management. Click here to check out these 10 breathing exercises. […]
on March 7th, 2009 at 12:45 am
[…] 10 Pranayamas for YouThe really same Web site I referred to on top of additionally has an online ebook featuring 10 pranayama exercises which guarantee all from increasing physical nature to fat blazing to highlight management. Click here to check out these 10 respirating exercises. […]
on March 7th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
[…] 10 Pranayamas for YouThe very same Web site I mentioned above also has an online ebook featuring 10 pranayama exercises that promise everything from increased vitality to fat burning to stress management. Click here to check out these 10 breathing exercises. […]
on March 8th, 2009 at 3:32 am
[…] Yoga Poses — and Lots of ‘EmKundalini Yoga Jesus Pose? Hmmm…perhaps I’ve longed for something in all of my years of learning, but I’ve never listened of this one (or at slightest I’ve never listened it called by this name). I contingency confess which this site has the many endless list of poses/yoga tricks which I’ve seen to date. If you’ve got lots of time to browse, and you’re meddlesome in guidance some-more about the Kundalini Yoga Jesus Pose, click here. 10 Pranayamas for YouThe really same Web site I referred to on top of additionally has an online ebook featuring 10 pranayama exercises which guarantee all from increasing physical nature to fat blazing to highlight management. Click here to check out these 10 respirating exercises. […]
on March 30th, 2009 at 3:17 am
[…] Anmol Mehta is a Yoga & Zen Expert. Find free pranayamas at Free Online Pranayama Yoga Breathing Exercises. Find yoga videos at Free Online Pranayama Yoga Breathing Exercise Videos. All on the Best Online Chakra Kundalini Yoga Blog. […]
on April 1st, 2009 at 8:47 am
I will be very happy to receive your pranayama yoga breating exercise on line . Keep up with the good work, and may God bless you.
on April 1st, 2009 at 8:56 am
Many thanks.
on April 1st, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Glad you are enjoying and benefiting from the online pranayamas. Thank you for your inspiring feedback.
Best,
Anmol
on May 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 am
[…] Yoga is a powerful tool to help you blossom and reach your full human potential. The seeds are all within you, yoga is the water, the sunlight, the nutrients and the love they need in order to make your life vibrant, beautiful and full of sweet fragrance. It is not a religion, it is really a science with which to develop your body, mind and spirit. The ultimate goal of Yoga, which literally means, Union, is to reunite you with the Universal Source. You may call this Universal Source by any name you wish, God, Brahman, Allah, Christ Consciousness, Buddha Nature etc, Yoga is a pathway to bring you to the realization that you and this Universal Source are inseparably One. There are many branches of Yoga, such as Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Laya Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga to name a few. These all have the same one goal, unification with the Universal Source, but each follow a different path to get there. Depending on your personality one or the other path may suit you better. Here is a description of some of the major branches of Yoga: * Bhakti Yoga: Emphasizes love as the pathway to liberation and Union. * Jnana Yoga: Emphasizes the intellectual and philosophical approach to penetrate the illusion of dualistic reality. * Karma Yoga: Emphasizes right action and selfless service as the path to moksha (liberation). * Kundalini Yoga: Emphasizes the activation of Kundalini Shakti for enlightenment. * Raja Yoga: Considered the Scientific approach, this branch emphasizes Sage Patanjali’s 8 step path to Self-Realization. In this article I will expand on Raja Yoga as that is perhaps the most prevalent and popular Yoga system in use today. As indicated above Raja Yoga employs Sage Patanjali’s 8 step path to achieve Union with the Supreme. This 8 step system (ashtanga) compromises of the following parts. Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and finally Samadhi. This 8 step path is designed to bring about physical, emotion and mental harmony; and in the advanced practices of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi lead to the cessation of thoughts allowing the mind to realize that Reality is indeed Singular, Whole and indivisible. Here is a description of the 8 limbs of Raja Yoga: 1. Yamas: Yamas are abstensions. They are truth, nonviolence, control of sexual energy, nonstealing and noncovetousness. 2. Niyams: Niyams are observances. They are austerities, purity, contentment, study and egolessness. 3. Asanas: Steady postures and poses. 4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises and control of the vital energy. 5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the Senses. 6. Dharana: Concentration of the mind. 7. Dhyana: Meditation. 8. Samadhi: Union with the Supreme Consciousness. The regular practice of Raja Yoga promotes health, happiness and insight. Although the ultimate goal of Yoga is Union with the Supreme, many material benefits are also obtained by its practice. Today, many ailments are treated via the use of Yoga asanas and pranayamas, and the stress reducing benefits of Yoga meditation are becoming more and more valuable to us given our hectic and frantic lifestyles. Furthermore, the principles of humility, truth and other high values that Yoga promotes are helping to offset some of the excessive materialism and greed that is eroding the peace and spirit of our society today. The most important aspect of Yoga is that it is based on Self-Realization. In other words, you are given the tools required, and using them you bring about the necessary transformations in yourself to reach your true potential in life. It is now often said, that the next great teachers will arise from the West. This is because the West has an empirical approach to things, as opposed to superstition and blind faith. If something works it is embraced and utilized, if something does not prove to work, it is discarded as junk. This is probably the reason why Yoga has grown in such popularity here in the West, because it works. So dive in and reap the benefits. Anmol Mehta is a Yoga Teacher & Zen Expert. His extensive site, Free Guided Meditation Practice & Chakra Kundalini Yoga Exercises, offers <a href=” Free”>http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2007/11/20/free-online-yoga-breathing-exercises-yoga-pranayama-e-book”>Free Yoga Breathing Exercises. You will also find articles & lively discussions on the Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Poses & Zen Meditation Blog.Inground Pool Supplies var addthis_pub = ‘’; var addthis_language = ‘en’;var addthis_options = ‘email, favorites, digg, delicious, myspace, google, facebook, reddit, live, more’; […]
on May 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
[…] Yoga is a absolute apparatus to assistance we freshness as well as strech your full tellurian potential. The seeds have been all inside of you, yoga is a water, a sunlight, a nutrients as well as a adore they need in sequence to have your hold up vibrant, pleasing as well as full of honeyed fragrance. It is not a religion, it is unequivocally a scholarship with which to rise your body, thoughts as well as spirit. The idealisation idea of Yoga, which literally means, Union, is to reunite we with a Universal Source. You might call this Universal Source by any name we wish, God, Brahman, Allah, Christ Consciousness, Buddha Nature etc, Yoga is a pathway to move we to a fulfilment which we as well as this Universal Source have been inseparably One. There have been many branches of Yoga, such as Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Laya Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga to name a few. These all have a same a single goal, joint with a Universal Source, though any follow a opposite trail to get there. Depending upon your celebrity a single or a alternative trail might fit we better. Here is a outline of a little of a critical branches of Yoga: * Bhakti Yoga: Emphasizes adore as a pathway to ransom as well as Union. * Jnana Yoga: Emphasizes a egghead as well as philosophical proceed to dig a apparition of dualistic reality. * Karma Yoga: Emphasizes right movement as well as unselfish make make use of of as a trail to moksha (liberation). * Kundalini Yoga: Emphasizes a activation of Kundalini Shakti for enlightenment. * Raja Yoga: Considered a Scientific approach, this bend emphasizes Sage Patanjali’s 8 step trail to Self-Realization. In this essay we will enhance upon Raja Yoga as which is maybe a many prevalent as well as renouned Yoga complement in make make use of of today. As indicated upon top of Raja Yoga employs Sage Patanjali’s 8 step trail to grasp Union with a Supreme. This 8 step complement (ashtanga) compromises of a following parts. Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, as well as eventually Samadhi. This 8 step trail is written to move about physical, tension as well as mental harmony; as well as in a modernized practices of Dharana, Dhyana as well as Samadhi lead to a relinquishment of thoughts permitting a thoughts to comprehend which Reality is in law Singular, Whole as well as indivisible. Here is a outline of a 8 limbs of Raja Yoga: 1. Yamas: Yamas have been abstensions. They have been truth, nonviolence, carry out of passionate energy, nonstealing as well as noncovetousness. 2. Niyams: Niyams have been observances. They have been austerities, purity, contentment, investigate as well as egolessness. 3. Asanas: Steady postures as well as poses. 4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises as well as carry out of a critical energy. 5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of a Senses. 6. Dharana: Concentration of a mind. 7. Dhyana: Meditation. 8. Samadhi: Union with a Supreme Consciousness. The unchanging make use of of Raja Yoga promotes health, complacency as well as insight. Although a idealisation idea of Yoga is Union with a Supreme, many element benefits have been additionally performed by a practice. Today, many ailments have been treated with colour around a make make use of of of Yoga asanas as well as pranayamas, as well as a highlight shortening benefits of Yoga imagining have been apropos some-more as well as some-more profitable to us since a chaotic as well as raging lifestyles. Furthermore, a beliefs of humility, law as well as alternative tall values which Yoga promotes have been assisting to equivalent a little of a extreme materialism as well as fervour which is eroding a assent as well as suggestion of a multitude today. The many critical aspect of Yoga is which it is formed upon Self-Realization. In alternative words, we have been since a collection required, as well as regulating them we move about a required transformations in yourself to strech your loyal intensity in life. It is right away mostly said, which a subsequent good teachers will movement from a West. This is since a West has an experimental proceed to things, as against to damned as well as blind faith. If something functions it is embraced as well as utilized, if something does not infer to work, it is rejected as junk. This is substantially a reason since Yoga has grown in such recognition here in a West, since it works. So dive in as well as reap a benefits. Anmol Mehta is a Yoga Teacher & Zen Expert. His endless site, Free Guided Meditation Practice & Chakra Kundalini Yoga Exercises, offers <a href=” Free”>http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2007/11/20/free-online-yoga-breathing-exercises-yoga-pranayama-e-book”>Free Yoga Breathing Exercises. You will additionally find articles & sharp-witted discussions upon a Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Poses & Zen Meditation Blog.Outdoor Security Cameras […]
on May 27th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
[…] Introduction to Yoga Types, Philosophy & Practice Yoga is a powerful tool to help you blossom and reach your full human potential. The seeds are all within you, yoga is the water, the sunlight, the nutrients and the love they need in order to make your life vibrant, beautiful and full of sweet fragrance. It is not a religion, it is really a science with which to develop your body, mind and spirit. The ultimate goal of Yoga, which literally means, Union, is to reunite you with the Universal Source. You may call this Universal Source by any name you wish, God, Brahman, Allah, Christ Consciousness, Buddha Nature etc, Yoga is a pathway to bring you to the realization that you and this Universal Source are inseparably One. There are many branches of Yoga, such as Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Laya Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga to name a few. These all have the same one goal, unification with the Universal Source, but each follow a different path to get there. Depending on your personality one or the other path may suit you better. Here is a description of some of the major branches of Yoga: * Bhakti Yoga: Emphasizes love as the pathway to liberation and Union. * Jnana Yoga: Emphasizes the intellectual and philosophical approach to penetrate the illusion of dualistic reality. * Karma Yoga: Emphasizes right action and selfless service as the path to moksha (liberation). * Kundalini Yoga: Emphasizes the activation of Kundalini Shakti for enlightenment. * Raja Yoga: Considered the Scientific approach, this branch emphasizes Sage Patanjali’s 8 step path to Self-Realization. In this article I will expand on Raja Yoga as that is perhaps the most prevalent and popular Yoga system in use today. As indicated above Raja Yoga employs Sage Patanjali’s 8 step path to achieve Union with the Supreme. This 8 step system (ashtanga) compromises of the following parts. Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and finally Samadhi. This 8 step path is designed to bring about physical, emotion and mental harmony; and in the advanced practices of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi lead to the cessation of thoughts allowing the mind to realize that Reality is indeed Singular, Whole and indivisible. Here is a description of the 8 limbs of Raja Yoga: 1. Yamas: Yamas are abstensions. They are truth, nonviolence, control of sexual energy, nonstealing and noncovetousness. 2. Niyams: Niyams are observances. They are austerities, purity, contentment, study and egolessness. 3. Asanas: Steady postures and poses. 4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises and control of the vital energy. 5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the Senses. 6. Dharana: Concentration of the mind. 7. Dhyana: Meditation. 8. Samadhi: Union with the Supreme Consciousness. The regular practice of Raja Yoga promotes health, happiness and insight. Although the ultimate goal of Yoga is Union with the Supreme, many material benefits are also obtained by its practice. Today, many ailments are treated via the use of Yoga asanas and pranayamas, and the stress reducing benefits of Yoga meditation are becoming more and more valuable to us given our hectic and frantic lifestyles. Furthermore, the principles of humility, truth and other high values that Yoga promotes are helping to offset some of the excessive materialism and greed that is eroding the peace and spirit of our society today. The most important aspect of Yoga is that it is based on Self-Realization. In other words, you are given the tools required, and using them you bring about the necessary transformations in yourself to reach your true potential in life. It is now often said, that the next great teachers will arise from the West. This is because the West has an empirical approach to things, as opposed to superstition and blind faith. If something works it is embraced and utilized, if something does not prove to work, it is discarded as junk. This is probably the reason why Yoga has grown in such popularity here in the West, because it works. So dive in and reap the benefits. Anmol Mehta is a Yoga Teacher & Zen Expert. His extensive site, Free Guided Meditation Practice & Chakra Kundalini Yoga Exercises, offers <a href=” Free”>http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2007/11/20/free-online-yoga-breathing-exercises-yoga-pranayama-e-book”>Free Yoga Breathing Exercises. You will also find articles & lively discussions on the Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Poses & Zen Meditation Blog.Trash Metal Album Reviews var addthis_pub = ‘’; var addthis_language = ‘en’;var addthis_options = ‘email, favorites, digg, delicious, myspace, google, facebook, reddit, live, more’; […]
on June 29th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
[…] Introduction to Yoga Types, Philosophy & Practice Yoga is a powerful tool to help you blossom and reach your full human potential. The seeds are all within you, yoga is the water, the sunlight, the nutrients and the love they need in order to make your life vibrant, beautiful and full of sweet fragrance. It is not a religion, it is really a science with which to develop your body, mind and spirit. The ultimate goal of Yoga, which literally means, Union, is to reunite you with the Universal Source. You may call this Universal Source by any name you wish, God, Brahman, Allah, Christ Consciousness, Buddha Nature etc, Yoga is a pathway to bring you to the realization that you and this Universal Source are inseparably One. There are many branches of Yoga, such as Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Laya Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga to name a few. These all have the same one goal, unification with the Universal Source, but each follow a different path to get there. Depending on your personality one or the other path may suit you better. Here is a description of some of the major branches of Yoga: * Bhakti Yoga: Emphasizes love as the pathway to liberation and Union. * Jnana Yoga: Emphasizes the intellectual and philosophical approach to penetrate the illusion of dualistic reality. * Karma Yoga: Emphasizes right action and selfless service as the path to moksha (liberation). * Kundalini Yoga: Emphasizes the activation of Kundalini Shakti for enlightenment. * Raja Yoga: Considered the Scientific approach, this branch emphasizes Sage Patanjali’s 8 step path to Self-Realization. In this article I will expand on Raja Yoga as that is perhaps the most prevalent and popular Yoga system in use today. As indicated above Raja Yoga employs Sage Patanjali’s 8 step path to achieve Union with the Supreme. This 8 step system (ashtanga) compromises of the following parts. Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and finally Samadhi. This 8 step path is designed to bring about physical, emotion and mental harmony; and in the advanced practices of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi lead to the cessation of thoughts allowing the mind to realize that Reality is indeed Singular, Whole and indivisible. Here is a description of the 8 limbs of Raja Yoga: 1. Yamas: Yamas are abstensions. They are truth, nonviolence, control of sexual energy, nonstealing and noncovetousness. 2. Niyams: Niyams are observances. They are austerities, purity, contentment, study and egolessness. 3. Asanas: Steady postures and poses. 4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises and control of the vital energy. 5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the Senses. 6. Dharana: Concentration of the mind. 7. Dhyana: Meditation. 8. Samadhi: Union with the Supreme Consciousness. The regular practice of Raja Yoga promotes health, happiness and insight. Although the ultimate goal of Yoga is Union with the Supreme, many material benefits are also obtained by its practice. Today, many ailments are treated via the use of Yoga asanas and pranayamas, and the stress reducing benefits of Yoga meditation are becoming more and more valuable to us given our hectic and frantic lifestyles. Furthermore, the principles of humility, truth and other high values that Yoga promotes are helping to offset some of the excessive materialism and greed that is eroding the peace and spirit of our society today. The most important aspect of Yoga is that it is based on Self-Realization. In other words, you are given the tools required, and using them you bring about the necessary transformations in yourself to reach your true potential in life. It is now often said, that the next great teachers will arise from the West. This is because the West has an empirical approach to things, as opposed to superstition and blind faith. If something works it is embraced and utilized, if something does not prove to work, it is discarded as junk. This is probably the reason why Yoga has grown in such popularity here in the West, because it works. So dive in and reap the benefits. Anmol Mehta is a Yoga Teacher & Zen Expert. His extensive site, Free Guided Meditation Practice & Chakra Kundalini Yoga Exercises, offers <a href=” Free”>http://anmolmehta.com/blog/2007/11/20/free-online-yoga-breathing-exercises-yoga-pranayama-e-book”>Free Yoga Breathing Exercises. You will also find articles & lively discussions on the Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Poses & Zen Meditation Blog.Crazy Video Clips var addthis_pub = ‘’; var addthis_language = ‘en’;var addthis_options = ‘email, favorites, digg, delicious, myspace, google, facebook, reddit, live, more’; […]