‘Religiousness in Yoga: Lectures on Theory and Practice’ by the University Press of America,
a transcript of recordings of a one month Yoga Programme in Colgate University in 1976, published in 1980.
Unlike the later redacted edition, re-published in 1995 as the ‘Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice’, it captures the evolution of the retreat with the days lectures and Q & A dialogues as they alternated between ‘lectures on the principles and purposes of Yoga and discussions related to the practice of Yoga with special reference to the postures and the breathing techniques’.
TKV Desikachar, in his forward to the original version wrote:
“These lectures and discussions, printed words put before persons I might never meet,
are but reflections of that deeper result that grew out of a living face-to-face encounter.
Coming to learn of Yoga only through reading leaves much to be desired.
Yet, something worthwhile about Yoga might be shared through the medium of the printed word.”
A chapter by chapter Study guide is offered below with added verse and word cross-references where possible to support a a deeper linking with the teachings within these lectures and Q & A sessions.
Chapter 10 Theory: Prāṇāyāma – Pages 133-144
1. Question on Ananta P133-134
- Ananta – Yoga Sūtra II 47
- Āsana not just for meditation
2. Definition of Prāṇāyāma P134
- Definition – Yoga Sūtra II 49
- Deśa or place of attention – Yoga Sūtra II 50
3. Definition of Prāṇa P134-135
- Meaning of Prāṇāyāma
- Meaning of Prāṇa
- Prāṇa and Puruṣa
4. Purpose of Prāṇāyāma P135-137
- Prāṇa and the individual
- Concentrating Prāṇa
- Prāṇa and Kleśa – Yoga Sūtra II 3
- Reducing Kleśa reduces covering of Avidyā – Yoga Sūtra II 3
- Reduce covering of Avidyā enhances clarity – Yoga Sūtra II 52
- Reduce covering of Avidyā enhances focus – Yoga Sūtra II 53
5. Question on Prāṇa P137-138
- Prāṇa and link to mind
- Pañca Prāṇa defined
6. Question on Prāṇa and Āsana P138
- Breathing in Āsana not the same as Prāṇāyāma
7. Question on Prāṇa and the body P139-141
- Relationship of Prāṇa and Apāna
- Relationship with Sūrya
8. Question on Inhalation and Mala P141
- Mala must be expelled
9. Question on Antar Kumbhaka P141-142
- Mala and Bandha
- Mūla Bandha and Apāna
- Flow of Prāṇa like farming – Yoga Sūtra IV 3
- Inverted Āsana and Apāna
10. Question on Apāna and Mala P142-143
- Apāna and Udāna
11. Question on Sūrya P143
- Fire produces heat
12. Question on Prāṇa and Effort P144
- Faciltating flow of Prāṇa
13. Question on intensity of Sūrya P144
- Decreasing the fire
14. Question Sūrya and Inhalation P144
- Surya always there
15. Question on Prāṇa and Mind P144
- Mind can interfere with flow of Prāṇa
Follow this link for a Downloadable PDF version of the Chapter Ten Study Guide
