First Steps of Higher Yoga: An Exposition of First Five Constituents of Yoga

by Yogeshwaranand Saraswati

This book is based on the personal experiences of Brahmarshi Shree 108 Swami Yogeshwaranand Ji Saraswati, who led a life of noble dedication to the cause of spirituality and God-realization, Since his boyhood, he has been practising Yoga, which has enabled him to solve the problems relating to the Prakriti, the Self and the Overself.

This, first among the series of three books, explains how one aspiring for a spiritual life should prepare himself, the subsequent two being ‘Science of Soul’ and ‘Science of Divinity’. ‘Bahiranga-Yoga’ is an exhaustive and scholarly treatise on 300 bodily postures (Asanas), 70 breathing exercises (Pranayamas), 13 cleansing exercises (Shat-Karmas) and 15 controlling poses (Mudras). The last chapter is devoted to withdrawal of senses (Pratyahara) which is the goal of Bahiranga (External) Yoga. Every exercise is illustrated with photographs of postures either of the author himself or his disciples. It is a practical and reliable guide.

The writer speaks with the self-confidence of one who has personally practised the exercises and benefited by them. The thinking people all over the world are now taking interest in the Indian Yoga, especially for building physical health. The author, while explaining the technique of every Asana and Pranayama has also pointed what ailments can be cured or prevented by it. The physical health is a step not only towards moral and spiritual health but also in controlling mind and senses, this is ably explained in the concluding chapters.

About the Author:

Swami Yogeshwaranand Saraswati Born in a respectable Hindu family, the author, Swami Yogeshwaranandji Saraswati left home, while yet in his teens, in quest of knowledge and higher life. His parents tried to dissuade him from the path he had decided to pursue, but they did not succeed. He came in contact with several scholars and great ascetics with whom he learnt Sanskrit and practice of Yoga. He travelled extensively all over India from Mount Kailash in the north to Rameshwaram in the south and from Shillong in the east to the western Punjab, but mostly in the Himalayas, by the majesty of which he felt deeply impressed.

The internal urge which he had felt in his early boyhood continued to grow, and develop and, to devote himself intensively to the study and practice of Yoga and promote it he established Ashrams at Rishikesh, Uttarkashi and Gangotri. Now he moves generally in the area of these three places and inculcates the ways and the mysteries of Yoga to his disciples and inmates. He has met rulers, officers and millionaires who have been much influenced by his personality and life of deep devotion and complete renunciation.

This great Swami was formerly known as Shri Vyas Deva. But in 1962 when he was formally initiated into Sanyas he adopted the name of Swami Yogeshwaranand Saraswati. As he has personally Practised the various Samadhis and complete renunciation on which he puts special emphasis and has visualized soul and realized God he is doubtless an authority on the subject dealt with in this book. His life illustrates that practice is better than precept.