best tantra method in my opinion
347599
best tantra method in my opinion. tantra as real spiritual practice. high integrity practice. initiation by a qualified teacher into the secret breath practices not available through written material highly recommended [...]
336713
With this being the only book I've read on tantric yoga, I cannot compare it to others in its field, but I can write about it as a stand alone book.  I found the book very interesting and very detailed.  My knowledge of tantricism was basically the usual western morsel of info, that it's sex without cumming or orgasm, or the physical representation of orgasm, such as ejaculating.  However, this is only one sliver of tantic yoga, orgasms are heavily encouraged, although not necessarily mandatory, and it's the effort that is most important.  They acknowledge that if you're in a house of 8 people of the other gender, and you have to have sex with all of them (and you do at some point) towards the end of the ritual, orgasms may be difficult to obtain.

An important aspect of tantric yoga, as written here, are rituals called chakras.  You start with activating the chakras, starting with the most primeval and basically sexual, at the base of the spine and work your way up the spine to greater intellectualism.  You then need to come down, so to speak, so then you illuminate the chakras, in reverse order, ending at the base of the spine.  With each chakra is a different diety, chant, material, up to 11 speciic items for each one.  Thus the book is detailed enough, that you can start your own tantic yoga house with just this single book.

I am not in a position to start my own tantric yoga house, nor to join one, but I greatly appreciated reading of this philosophy that's basically sexual in its nature, and positivily so, and with giving a lot of empowerment to women, and of recognizing the differences between men and women while enlightening those differences, whether this be tangric yoga, neo-tantric or a wiccan-tantric blend.
2675265
My brother gave me this book back in 1979. I was in my early twenties and had a bad back. I began doing these exercises and after a few weeks my back ache was gone. I also noticed numerous other benefits. I've always kept a copy of the book nearby since, but I also explored other books. This one was FAR SUPERIOR to every other book I've read. Why? There are fewer than a dozen simple poses, there is an order in which to perform them, each pose is explored thoroughly. The author also illustrates the mistakes you might make while attempting them. He gives a full description of the health benefits.

I have taken classes and I've read numerous books. Nothing compares to this one. Recently, my bad back returned after vanishing for almost thirty years. I had stopped doing yoga for several years. I got the book out, reread it, even though I've read it a dozen times, and began performing the asanas. Magic. Bad back gone, mild insomnia which I've also suffered from gone. I've never gotten a common cold while doing these yoga exercises...

I just spent fifteen minutes writing this. I do not know anyone associated with the book or the author. It's just something that's been a gift in my life and I felt it important to give a bit back to it.
4867684
I have dealt with chronic injury and pain in my lower back, one knee and ankles for 20+ years.  I have done tons of psychological and physical therapy and found that most of my results have come from emotional/psychological acknowledging and releasing techniques.  Sarno's books have been tremendously effective with ankle and digestive tract (including hiatal hernia and bladder) issues for me.  I've had excellent results from Louise Hay recordings and the Sedona Method as well.  I recently avoided $20,000+ surgery for a severe hiatal hernia using all three methodologies along with very aggressive abdominal massage to reposition my stomach (this would have been a temporary fix without the psychological work).  I was literally wasting away because my stomach could not function properly.  I spend less than $1,000 on treatments with much lower risk of complications.  Granted it was terrifying and very hard work.  I do not judge people that want the pills and surgery to get immediate relief.  Sarno also opened my mind to the symptom-imperative introduced to him through Freud ("removing one symptom only to have another take it's place.")  A piece that was missing from the other methodologies I have been using.  I now get more consistent results in letting go of seemingly unrelated symptoms in different areas of my body knowing that it is also TMS (psychosomatic).
3571233
The thoroughness of guru Iyengar's approach to yogasana is beyond doubt.  It is complete, with precautions and adaptation for beginners and challenges to the most advanced practitioners.  My opinion is that his approach is the best because it stresses on correct alignment and relaxation (quite unlike power-yoga and heat-yoga that "married" to western culture and "forgotten" the spiritualism of this old Eastern practice).  Fair to say, when a body is heated up (or warmed up) it would be easier for one to stretch one's muscles and tendons.  This is the western/exercise approach of warming up before the REAL exercise.  In Eastern approach, on the other hand, the warm-up is through relaxation/(standing) meditation plus generation of heat through circulation of prana.

Here we come to one interesting point. Mr. Iyengar devoted a full (but small) chapter to pranayama.  He even wrote a book separately on the subject.  And, in his more recent book Light on Life, he clearly said that prana in Yoga is the same as chi in Chinese.  AND, in his Light on Pranayama, he clearly taught us that some important aspect/component of pranayama should be learned in yogasana (for example, on page 97 of Light on Pranayama, he wrote "It (mula bandha) should be learnt while doing various asanas, especially tadasana, sirsasana, sarvangasana, urdhva dhanurasana, ustrasana and paschi mottanasana").  YET, this teaching method of his in Light on Pranayama has not been mentioned in his Light on Yoga.

I think there are two reasons: first, as Mr. Iyengar said in his Light on Life, he had been teaching yogasana for a few years BEFORE he started learning pranayama in 1944.  That means what he learned from his guru was that yogasana was taught without pranayama, hence he didn't have that first-hand learning (and consequently teaching) experience of incorporating pranayama into a teaching of yogasana.  The second reason, I believe more important, is that there are simply too many asanas to be learned from Mr. Iyengar's system!  There simply ain't so many people nowadays who can devote so much time and energy to learn most of Mr. Iyengar's yogasanas!

From Mr. Iyengar's book Light on Life, perhaps of his age, he seems to want to bring in more spirituality into his system of yoga practice.  The first step is likely to incorporate his pranayama into his yogasana system, with a radical rationalization/re-organization of his asanas.  Perhaps the training method of taoist/chi teaching might be useful reference (quit-pro-quo, many training systems have incorporated some forms of yogasana). Perhaps we shouldn't labour our guru to this new task, perhaps his family or his senior students should be taking over this task, or perhaps it has already be done - that would be good news for all learners of yoga who like to keep the classic eastern tradition (instead of jumping around in a heated room).
3220287
I liked this book, I recently got interessted with chakras a couple months ago and wanted to know more on the subject. The author goes in dept to explain the seven major chakras. She also gives a little history wich I really liked since im the type that likes to know evrey little detail and dosent like to miss out on anything. With this book, iv learned how I can heal and also balance my chakras... the book shows you how to do this in the most practical manner. My favourite part tho is the chakra meditations since i have been experimenting with meditation for a year now, i found them to be very helpful. I recommend this book to anyone that wants the clear fundamentals of chakras and also an all inclusive look at every aspects concerning chakras!
2903113
This technique is so powerful and enlightening. I'm excited to finally have the chance to have Tara with me at home while I work on this  practice.
I definitely recommend anyone open to change to give this a read and try the technique.
1193471
Jon K-Z was there first, and for my money, best. I have the same difficulty meditating everyone else does, but I've found the body scan meditation eminently do-able -- probably because his instructions are constant and orderly and spoken in a pleasant voice. (I gather from the comments some dislike his voice. Nothing is more personal than that kind of taste, but while he doesn't sound like an actor, I find his voice perfectly satisfactory.) I took up the meditation to help me fall asleep -- and it worked all too well! By the time I was proficient, I was putting myself to sleep, and jerking awake when the tape ran out (I know, I know, 20th century technology. But I like having a Walkthing next to me, and decent earphones on my ears (not earbuds; can't stand 'em. Probably because they constantly fall out of my ears.) But back to J K-Z. I can't praise the method highly enough; master the notion of breathing into your limbs and other spots on your body, and relaxation seems to me certain.
4909514
Of ALL the yoga videos I have...I love this video the best.  I have his other one on the way.  It's clear.  I have so many that have the music almost louder than the instructor.  Not only that, his instructions are concise and safe.  I love this yogi.  I wish there were more by Matt Giordano
658880
Ive been doing the Miracle Morning for months (Hal Elrods bestselling book) and it has made a big difference to my life. The affirmations, visualisation, exercise, and scribing (writing) are going well and producing good results. But I really struggle with the silence part of the routine, the meditation. Thoughts zoom around my head without me being able to control them and I don't find it relaxing at all.

So I was pleased to find this book but not overly hopeful that it could help my fickle mind! I was hooked from the table of contents  where the tips & tricks cover the aspects of meditation that I had always struggled with: motivation, intruding thoughts, boredom, etc. The list of benefits of meditation is enough to make you have a go, at least!

The other thing that drew me in was the authors advice on how to approach the book  either reading it all at once, the shortcut route, or the wormhole route  all clearly explained. That was very appealing for someone pressed for time, as I am. I began with the easy introductory meditation, which is clearly described and felt very approachable. I managed it without my mind drifting off on alsorts of tangents! There is a Post-Activity Reflection Task at the end that encourages you to examine how you feel after the brief meditation, and some explanation of why the exercise works.

I love the shortcut and wormhole links through the book (I have the Kindle version, I don't know if theres a print edition) and the way the author caters for busy readers, with recaps and an excellent Summary & Toolbox section that helps with memorizing the principles.

So how did I get on? Im not writing this in the lotus position, all serene and gooey. BUT I do find meditation less daunting now. I don't dread it and Im finding Im actually looking forward to my sessions, so Im hopeful that the effects will start to make themselves known soon!

I like that this book is easy to refer back to for times when I need some motivation  Ive done it already, as I was feeling too tense to meditation and remembered a section on relaxation, which was very helpful.

Overall, Im very glad I came across this book and would recommend it to anyone who has struggled with meditation before, or who feels too busy and harrassed to even try it. It is worth having a go using the methods in this book.
4164838
Never cared for doing yoga and all the crazy poses until I borrowed a friends Sara Ivanhoe dvd.  Now I love it!!  She has broken it down so that you feel like you have really accomplished something when you are finished, not like you are clumsy and out of shape.  Don't worry about perfecting any of it, just do it at your own comfort level and you will definitely see results!
3555427
I ordered volume 1-2 of this and also the Suzuki method and u gotta say this is BY FAR the best! I like how I can log into my library online with the activation code on book to play along to songs. Seriously, it's amazing. U can also ordere the cd, but what's the point! Just play it on your iPhone or laptop (I use my iPhone and sound bar via Bluetooth and play along)
It's so awesome. I'm 30 and self teaching and I definatelu recommend it
1912905
just received the DVD and i am watching it- i like the instructors calm non hurried yet comprehensive and informative manner and his enthusiasm for the exercises he teaches both physical and spiritual- this is how i got hooked on yoga years ago= and i can see why his studio has been a success. i needed a beginners because i know NOTHING aboubt Tai chi or Qi Gong and have heard good things so i thought i'd try this DVD to include it into my workout schedule. i believe watching this DVD it is the program i am looking for. its got Qi Gong to prepare yourself then breakdown of Tai Chi moves- then he teaches you how to do the flow so it has slow steps for people like myself to build my practice without being overwhelmed. the first time i tried it with a VHS years ago i don't even remember who it was by- was certainly not like this Element DVD!  they simply threw too much at me all at once. the background is lovely view of the ocean which i also love. Highly recommend!  adding to my review March 11 2009- i've been using this DVD for the past week Three days i injured myself after i first received this DVD and my plans to use it had to be put on hold.  After being upset that i couldn't do my yoga i discovered i CAN do this so far its helped heal me by getting me moving but not aggravating the healing muscles from my injury.  i throughly enjoy it and look forward to the time i set aside to do this-  The qi gong section is 18 minutes if i can stand injured for 18 minutes and do this i recommended it to my friends and family as well. i guess i'm not as visual as the other reviewer as i just now figured out that mirror image problem they had it really hasn't mattered to me and i wouldnt give a low rating to something when its your personal preference. i have no problem following along with the excellent and detailed verbal instructions and mimicing the instructor and have spent many enjoyable sessions doing this practice and would recommend it it to anybody to include in thier workout. i feel calmer yet energized after it. still highly recommend
4390944
Although the author points out (as do my mentors) that intention and what your inner voice is telling you is the most important aspect of spiritual/energy healing, i still feel a need to learn a particular method.  I'm especially drawn to the Tibetan methods handed down over the years - this book is perfect for that.

It offers very specific instructions - the bowl to play, how long to wait until playing the next bowl, placement, etc. for your specific purpose.

NOTE: the Kindle version has no accompanying audio - so I recommend getting the "real" version that comes with the CD
4716010
This is an easy to follow introduction to Tai Chi.  I've tried others -this is the best one I've found so far.  I've made it part of my daily routine (almost every day, anyway) and find I feel more centered and energetic when I do it.
3721116
I've done this tape several times and really like it a lot!

 The particular things I like about this practice are:

1. Al Bingham is an excellent easy to follow instructor.

2. Modifications are shown by one instructor and the full poses by the other.

3. Much of it is based on the Sun Salutations, but it is broken down incrementally so that your body has a chance to adapt to each posture.

4. I found that it generated a good amount of heat and sweat.

5. It's only about 30 minutes which makes it very doable in terms of fitting into a schedule, plus you can push pretty hard without it becoming impossibly long so you don't have to worry about becoming overly fatigued.

6. It's challenging physically but all the poses can be done by most people in reasonably good health (no crazy poses that you need to be Gumby in order to perform).

7. The Yoga Zone programs in general have a very nice feel to them, a nice presentation in terms of the scenery and the instructors are not intimidating.

8. The pacing is flowing but not rushed.

 Just a suggestion for those doing this regarding the chair poses. If you find them really tough (and they certainly can be), just start straight legged, the as you slowly sweep your arms overhead (or in front of you) gently lower down to the first "edge" of tension and breathe there. Don't push yourself EVER to the point of pain, just  mild discomfort. You can also practice them dynamically, start higher up (straighter legs) and on each inhale raise up a little to release the stress and on each exhale just gently go a little bit lower than before. This makes the pose much safer and builds heat.

 Anyway, I like this video, the bonus video is also an effective practice and only about 20 ,minutes so it's a nice practice to either alternate with for variety or to use on days when time is short.

 Namaste
4820492
I would say "this is the best book on meditation I have ever  read" but the other ones all made me ill - the smell of incense, the sound pf pan flutes and the holier than thou look on the willowy blondes.  None of that here. Very straightforward, very "doable".  Meditation for Actuaries. And do subscribe to the online courses, they are great.  And no pan flutes there either :) An enormous variety of "courses" / sessions.