From the site:"As UN International Yoga Day approaches, Mukti Jain Campion sets out to explore the roots of modern yoga practice. Like millions of people across the world, Mukti attends regular yoga classes and enjoys its many physical and mental benefits while believing it to be the "timeless Indian discipline" so often described in yoga books. But recent research challenges this common assumption. Could modern yoga classes, as now taught all around the world, actually be the product of 19th century Scandinavian gymnastics as much as ancient Indian philosophy? Startled by this possibility, Mukti sets out to explore the roots of modern yoga practice and uncovers an extraordinary multicultural history in which early 20th century European ideas of health, fitness and the cult of the Body Beautiful became intertwined with Indian nationalism and the revival of Indian interest in its own traditions of physical culture. Out of this heady mix emerged a new generation of yoga innovators who transformed an obsolete and frowned-upon practice of Indian holy men into something that would appeal to masses of ordinary people. Contributors include Dr Mark Singleton, author of Yoga Body: The origins of modern posture practice, Dr Jim Mallinson, a Yoga historian from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, Dr Manmath Gharote, Director of the Lonavla Yoga Institute in India and Dr Suzanne Newcombe from The London School of Economics who has studied the development of yoga in Britain"
The contents of the present book form the theme of the discourses which the Swamiji delivered for seven days during the Sadhana Week held at the Headquarters of the Divine Life Society, in the year 1973, before an audience of seekers of varied endowments and differing capacities on the path of spiritual practice. Hence, the lectures bear, naturally, an informal and personal touch of the teaching style, and this also explains the conversational accent maintained throughout, rather than a stricter form of expression usually associated with a deliberately written text.
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<p>From synopsis: While recent books dealing with Buddhist meditation have focused on either the Zen or Theravada tradition, this volume discusses meditation within both traditions, employing classical texts with explanatory commentary and contemporary exposition. The reader also leans exactly what happened at the experimental workshop and how the participants responded.</p>
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New research says social-emotional learning helps students in every way.
The writings in this book have been inspired by such sacred texts as: The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, The Shiva Samhita, The Gheranda Samhita, select Tantra’s, and Upanishads. The aspiring yogi will find nectar in the language of hatha yoga used in these texts, nectar in the teachings that convey the highest reverence for the knowledge that is won from the study of asana and pranayama, the two favorite subjects of students of ashtanga yoga. Excerpt from the article, “The Diaphragm is Key. Observe it.” The diaphragm is the main muscle involved in breathing; when you get an experiential feeling of its actions, that knowledge helps you breathe better and thus helps you develop your yoga practice. You can learn to sense the diaphragms anatomical location within the torso and to follow its contraction (inhalation) and relaxation (exhalation) phases. The diaphragm is a large sheet or dome shaped muscle that resembles a mushroom or a parachute and divides the upper and lower abdomen. It has an unattached gathering of fibers called the central tendon at its top that helps give its dome shape. It attaches to several sets of ribs and has ‘stems’ that are called crura that attach to vertebrae along the front of the lower spine. The diaphragm is both a particularly large muscle and a core muscle. This is significant because, being large, its rhythm, actions and movements are quite easy to observe. And considering its deep and central location , the basic observation of its actions can take you far within your self, into the root and center of you. Here’s an image for you to work with: Imagine that your torso is a vast inner ocean. And the diaphragm is a giant jelly fish that is entirely at home floating up and down on the ocean currents within your torso. As you inhale experience its fibers contract, move down, flatten and spread and as you exhale experience its fibers relax, move up, bunch together and reform their dome like shape. Work with this image until you feel that the diaphragm’s coming and going rhythm is THE fundamental rhythm within you; feel how central this rhythm is and how when you really tune into it, this rhythm pervades your entire body, and imagine that this rhythm could be the source of all of your movements…
In The Secret Therapy of Trees, Marco Mencagli and Marco Nieri explore the relationship between plants and organisms, and illustrate how to benefit from nature's positive impact on our psychological and physical well-being.Our connection to nature is deeply rooted in the history of our evolution. And yet, we have less contact with green space now than ever, and our stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high. The Secret Therapy of Trees helps us rediscover the restorative value of our natural environment and presents the science behind green therapies like forest bathing and bioenergetic landscapes, explaining which are the most effective and how to put them into practice to achieve the best possible results. Studies have shown that increased exposure to green space can result in a regulated heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, reduced aggressiveness, improved memory skills and cognitive function, and a healthier immune system. Just one visit to a forest can bring positive effects (hint: monoterpenes, the natural essential oils in plants, have numerous positive effects on health), and even a mindful walk through a semi natural park can alleviate physical and psychological stress. With multiple studies backing its findings and thorough explanations for each technique, The Secret Therapy of Trees is a treasure trove of tips on how to harness the regenerative power of plants and reconnect with our planet's natural spaces, bringing us health and happiness. You'll also discover:* Which plants purify the environment at home and in the office* The benefits of negative ions and where to find them* How to recharge through contact with trees
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The Yoga Sutra is the living source wisdom of the yoga tradition, and is as relevant today as it was 2,200 years ago when it was codified by the sage Patanjali. Using this ancient yogic text as a guide, we can unlock the hidden power of yoga, and experience the promise of yoga in our lives. By applying its living wisdom in our practice, we can achieve the purpose of life: lasting fulfillment and ultimate freedom.The Secret of the Yoga Sutra is the first practitioner-oriented commentary of The Yoga Sutra which is fully grounded in a living tradition. It shares the essence of Pandit Tigunait's rigorous scholarly understanding of the Yoga Sutra, through the filter of experiential knowledge gained through decades of advanced yogic practices, and enriched by the gift of living wisdom he received from the masters of the Himalayan Tradition
The book's five comprehensive appendices encourage students to study Sanskrit methodically in the context of yoga practice and philosophy. One of the appendices is a primer on Sankhya philosophy, which answers questions such as:
Who are we?
Where do we come from?
What is the purpose of life?
What is the cause of suffering?
Where do we go when we die?
The Dalai Lama’s model of secular ethics not only makes possible an understanding of contemplative practices within a wider ethical framework, but also helps to illuminate the important question of the relationship between contemplative practices and the religions within which they developed. This article explores that question and proposes an approach to the study of contemplative practices that examines the diachronic and synchronic relationships among embodied cognitive states and the “embodied cognitive logics” inherent in the theories and practices of contemplative traditions. Since secular ethics looks to common experience, common sense, and scientific findings, rather than metaphysics or religion, to ground ethical virtues and decision-making, recognizing that such virtues and prosocial emotions correspond to common embodied psychological realities can help us to understand how we can implement practices that enhance such virtues in secular educational settings.
The Dalai Lama’s model of secular ethics not only makes possible an understanding of contemplative practices within a wider ethical framework, but also helps to illuminate the important question of the relationship between contemplative practices and the religions within which they developed. This article explores that question and proposes an approach to the study of contemplative practices that examines the diachronic and synchronic relationships among embodied cognitive states and the “embodied cognitive logics” inherent in the theories and practices of contemplative traditions. Since secular ethics looks to common experience, common sense, and scientific findings, rather than metaphysics or religion, to ground ethical virtues and decision-making, recognizing that such virtues and prosocial emotions correspond to common embodied psychological realities can help us to understand how we can implement practices that enhance such virtues in secular educational settings.
<p>This article is an in-depth study of the Pemayangtse (<em>pad ma yang rtse</em>) monastery in Sikkim. It explores the historical relationship between the monastery and the religious monarchy of Sikkim. The article also looks at the way of life of the monks and lamas of Pemayangtse, particularly in the context of the Nyingma (<em>rnying ma</em>) tradition. The relationship of the monastery with the local community and its administrative functions is also considered. (Ben Deitle 2006-02-16)</p>
This commentary explores the legal and ethical obligations of yoga programs and teachers to uphold both the principles and the spirit of secularism when teaching yoga in schools. Arguing that secularity is essential both to comply with legal mandates and to maximize inclusivity and access, each facet of a secular approach to yoga in schools is explored through an inquiry-based model meant to help the reader gain clarity and make informed choices when developing school-based yoga programming. This article does not address the use of nonsecular yoga for children outside the school setting. It instead speaks to the complexities of topics such as spirituality, personal transformation, secular ethics, and the use of cultural and historical artifacts within school programs. While inviting continued reflection on the nuances of the topic, the article concludes that given both the legal imperatives and potential risk of exclusion, failure to offer school-based yoga using a secular approach threatens to undermine the success of the field and hinder access to practices that have positive effects on young people.
<p>A review of Bhutan's security issues in light of its position between India and China. Bhutan's relationship with its two neighbors has largely been defined by Chinese claims on Bhutanese territory. While Bhutan has successful maintained its sovereignty and security, new political and economic developments in India, China, and the world pose challenges to future Bhutanese security. The end of the article also speculates on the impact that joining the World Trade Organization might have on Bhutan. (Ben Deitle 2006-02-10)</p>
<p>A place name directory for Seda (Tib. gser thar) county, in Ganzi prefecture, Sichuan province, China. The book begins with a "Brief Account of Seda County," a narrative summary of the County's historical development, natural conditions, economic overview, and culture/education/health. The summary is in both Chinese and Tibetan. There is a large section on "Administrative Divisions and Natural Villages." This section goes through each district (with a narrative summary) and then each district's townships (with a narrative summary) one by one. After each township summary there is a list of names (in Chinese and Tibetan) for the township, its villages, and its natural villages. Finally, there are several sections of narrative summary and listings of features, such as natural geography (mountains, rivers, etc.), infrastructure (roads, hydroelectric facilities, etc.), educational institutions, and so forth. At the back is an index of place names. (Michael Ryan 2006-04-03, revised by Ben Deitle 2009-06-29)</p>
<p>This gazetteer (zhi) of Seda (Tib. gser thar) County has chapters concerning history, government, natural environment, economy, industry, business, agriculture, herding, forestry, infrastructure, military affairs, communications, education, health, culture, religion, and so forth. (Ben Deitle 2009-07-15)</p>
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