Saraswati Book Company
Bihar School of Yoga Book List



The Bihar School of Yoga was founded in 1964 by Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati
to impart yogic training to householders and sannyasins alike.

The Yoga techniques developed there are a synthesis of many approaches
to personal development, based on traditional vedantic, tantric and yogic
teachings in conjunction with contemporary physical and mental health sciences


Saraswati Book Company is bringing this liberating knowledge to the west through
the books from the Bihar School of Yoga.

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, line drawings and diagrams, pp543.
Suitable for all teachers and practitioners.

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha is recognized internationally as one of the most systematic yoga manuals available today. This enlarged and revised edition provides clear illustrations and step by step directions which smoothly guide the practitioner through the simplest to the most advanced practices. In addition, it includes the benefits and contra-indications of each technique along with focal points and breath awareness, to deepen the benefits and experience of the practices. A therapeutic index has been included for use by doctors and yoga therapists which incorporates the findings of yoga research.

 


$21.95


A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya

Swami Satyananda Saraswati, coloured plates, line drawings, diagrams, pp834.
Suitable for all, but may be daunting for beginners.

This is the most comprehensive text ever published on yoga. It contains a complete course of 36 structured lessons on all the practices of integral yoga. The lessons were compiled from the teachings given by Swami Satyananda and are useful as a practical and theoretical guide to all levels of yoga teachers and aspirants. The book presents a synthesis of yoga in a scientific and systematic manner. The different branches of hatha yoga, raja yoga, mantra yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and kriya yoga are progressively introduced with special emphasis on practice, theory and application in day to day life.

 


$79


Yoga Nidra
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, pp261.

People feel that they are relaxing when they collapse in an easy chair with a
drink or a cigarette and read a newspaper or switch on the television. But this, in fact, is merely a sensory diversion; true relaxation is an experience far beyond all this. For complete relaxation you must remain aware. This is Yoga Nidra™, the state of dynamic sleep.
This book introduces the practice of Yoga Nidra™ explaining how it works in both yogic and scientific terms. It includes several class transcriptions and covers the many applications of this versatile technique which has been used for deep relaxation, for educational purposes and to harmonize the deeper unconscious.
"In my early childhood I was guided through Yoga Nidra™ by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and it is only now that I am becoming aware of the depth of the instructions and training I received." (Swami Niranjanananda)





$12.95

Yoga Nidra™ Practice CD
Dharmanidhi Saraswati, 72.28min

Two Yoga Nidra sessions with relaxation techniques, visualizations and setting of a personal sankalpa (resolve). Harmonizing with the unconscious and bringing forth inner qualities.

 

Click here
for more info

$12

 

 

Swara Yoga
(the Tantric Science of Brain Breathing)
Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Muktibodhananda, line drawings, diagrams, pp233.

This book contains the original Sanskrit text of the Shiva Swarodaya with a translation in English. The theory section includes references to scientific research into the influence of breathing patterns on the right and left hemispheres of the brain, instinctual behaviour and higher brain functions, which is correlated with the tantric view of human physiology. In the practice section the techniques of this ancient yoga are explained in detail. For this practice prior experience in pranayama, mudras and some pratyahara techniques including mantra japa, trataka and visualisation are necessary. This is an important text for advanced yoga practitioners and yoga teachers.

Book cover
$12


Sri Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati, line drawings and diagrams, pp499.

The theme of Vijnana Bhairava Tantra is dharana, or concentration, as subject most relevant today. This new translation and commentary of a classical tantric text sheds much light on the practice of dharana, which until now has been revealed only by peripheral explanations. The text comprises 112 different dharanas, or techniques of concentration, which can easily be incorporated into one's daily life. Although dharana is a practice intended for an adept, whose mind is steady and controlled, the techniques contained within this book provide a way even for the aspirant with a distracted mind to gradually develop concentration and meditation.

This work is the result of an in-depth study of dharana in relation to the tantric view of meditation, substantiated by the personal experience of the author. Included is a detailed introduction followed by the original Sanskrit slokas, with transliteration, translation and extensive commentary.

 

 

Book cover
$16.95



Hatha Yoga Pradipika
(Light on Hatha Yoga)
Maharishi Swatmarama, translation and commentary by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Muktibodhananda, line drawings and diagrams, pp573.

This book is a thorough commentary on the original text by Maharishi Swatmarama. It elucidates the entire science of hatha yoga as it was conceived and practiced, not for health and fitness only, but for awakening the pranas, chakras and kundalini shakti. This text points out that hatha yoga is not just a physical practice but a process of cellular transmutation from gross, to subtle to divine. Thus hatha yoga was considered the foundation of all higher yogas. This text clearly shows the link between tantra and hatha yoga, and also emphasizes that hatha yoga leads to raja yoga, otherwise it is practiced in vain.

 

Book cover
$22



Moola Bandha
(the Master Key)
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, line drawings and diagrams Intermediate.

This book is dedicated to those honest and relentless yoga practitioners who are searching for the master-key to unlock the door to the abode of maha kundalini. Little has ever been written on the ancient practice of bandha, which is regarded as an important aspect of both hatha and kundalini yogas. Moola bandha is not difficult to perform and gives great benefits to the practitioner, physically, mentally and spiritually. This book focuses on the theory and practice of bandha, giving descriptions and instructions for different stages and variations which allow the practitioner to awaken the primal energy within.



$10


Inventory low, email to order.

Prana Pranayama Prana Vidya
Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Line drawings and diagrams, pp407.

Suitable for intermediate to advanced practitioners.

Prana Pranayama Prana Vidya is an informative book on prana featuring the classic practices taught by Satyananda Yoga™. This book gives detailed instructions and black and white illustrations of techniques and visualizations, and all the practices dealing with awakening and harmonization of the vital force.

The last section of the book describes the various stages of Prana Vidya and other forms of psychic healing.

 

 


$14.95

 

Prana Vidya Practice CD
Dharmanidhi Saraswati, 73.53min

One preliminary and three different practices to develop a pranic energy body. Following the guidelines and instructions from the book "Prana Pranayama Prana Vidya" .

Click here
for more info

$12

 

Dymanics of Yoga
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, pp167

Dynamics of Yoga outlines the original concepts and practices which form the foundation of Bihar Yoga, or Satyananda Yoga. Ideal as an introduction to Bihar Yoga, these early teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati aim to give the reader a deeper understanding of yoga nad its practical application in daily life. The core practices of yoga and meditation are highlighted, with emphasis on mind management and the development of awareness. The book remains a timeless work on the art and science of yoga as seen through the eye of a master.

 

Included in this edition is a new chapter outlining the history and development of Bihar Yoga.

 

$8.95
I



 

Surya Namaskara
(a Technique of Solar Vitalisation)
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, line drawings and diagrams, pp96.

Suitable for beginners

Surya namaskara, or salutation to the sun, is an important hatha yoga practice, involving a series of 12 asanas. Done regularly, it revitalises the energy, promotes health and mental alertness and releases stress. Concentration on chakras or psychic centres associated with each posture removes energy blocks and enhances the free flow of energy. Surya namaskara is a holistic and versatile practice, applicable for all ages from 7-70. It can be easily integrated into the daily routine, requiring 5-10 minutes of daily practice, and gives remarkably fast and beneficial results. This book offers instructions on all aspects of the practice and includes chapters on the solar tradition, psycho dynamics, spinal manipulation, endocrine system, surya and bija mantras, and many more.

 

Book cover
$8



Yoga Education for Children
(a Manual for Teaching Yoga to Children)
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, line drawings and diagrams, pp348.

Suitable for children of all ages. A good reference for yoga teachers.

This is a book on yoga compiled with children in mind. The first part explains which yoga practices are particularly beneficial for children of different ages. It offers approaches that can be used by teachers and parents to introduce yoga to children of different age groups. It includes topics such as: better methods of education, integrating yoga into the classroom, the cause of student unrest and its remedy. The second part focuses on yoga therapy for children and describes actual situations where yoga was used to help overcome specific problems in childhood. The third part contains a wide range of yogic techniques and activities for children including: asana, pranayama, yoga games, relaxation and meditation, and stories.

Book cover
$16



Nawa Yogini Tantra
(Yoga Practice for Females)
Swami Muktananda, line drawings and diagrams.

Suitable for all women. Important reference for yoga teachers.

This book is written exclusively for women from the outlook of a woman. The first section, on spirituality, describes the important role of women in social and spiritual evolution, and traces their development from menarche to menopause. The second section discusses special applications of yoga for backache, depression, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy, prolapse, overweight and others. Each chapter inspires the woman to help heal herself and regain her divine power through the practices of yoga. The third section deals with yoga sadhana and includes a guide to yogic practice, explaining where, how and when to practice. Techniques are divided into three levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced.


$12

 

Light on the Guru and Disciple Relationship
Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Satyasangananda, colour photographs, pp308.

Many people have argued that a guru is not necessary, because the real guru is already within us. This is true, but how many of us can claim to hear, understand or follow his instructions? In fact, most of us even tend to doubt his existence. How many of us can discriminate between the real inner guru and the monkey mind, acting out the dictates of the ego? This inspiring book is written in two parts: the first by Swami Satyasangananda, who accompanied her guru, Swami Satyananda, on his tours as he enlightened his followers on the science of yoga. It contains chapters on: how to recognise a guru, types of gurus, types of disciples, negativity towards the guru, initiation, and many more. The second section contains a selection of satsangs and talks on: linking with the spirit of the guru, surrendering the ego, secret of transmission, every guru is a light, guru is not a policeman, and many more.

Book cover
$14


 

Dharana Darshan
Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati pp421.
Intermediate to advanced.

Dharana Darshan includes as yet unpublished classic meditation practices derived from the Upanishads, the Tantras and other traditional yogic texts. The core of the book is Swami Niranjanananda's adaptation of the complex upanishadic akasha (space) dharanas for modern practitioners, including chidakasha, hridayakasha, daharakasha and vyoma panchaka dharanas, along with advanced stages of the classic ajapa japa and trataka practices. Also included is an introduction explaining the theory and purpose of concentration, psychic symbol, visualisation, and the obstacles commonly encountered by practitioners. This book is designed for those already familiar with the fundamentals of meditation and have a degree of mastery in the pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) practices.

Book cover
$18

Kundalini Tantra
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, colour plates pp421.

Intermediate to advanced.

Kundalini Tantra is Swami Satyananda's seminal work on kundalini, chakras and Kriya Yoga. Defining and explaining kundalini, this publication provides a detailed account of its awakening, including the signs and effects of such experiences and ways to both elicit and manage them. The book includes a comprehensive description of each chakra and the significance of the chakras in tantric and yogic practice. Techniques are given to balance each centre for greater harmony in mind, body and spirit, and in preparation for the rising of Kundalini Shakti. The 20 kriyas and their preparatory practices are fully elucidated.

 

Book cover
$20
 

 

 

Sure Ways to Self Realisation
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, line drawings and diagrams, pp385.

Suitable for beginners.

Today meditation systems from all over the world are being revived in an attempt to offer alienated humanity a suitable way back to the source, the real self. Swami Satyananda delineates the path of meditation, the obstacles that confront the practitioner and the means of overcoming them. This book offers theory and practical instructions for a vast range of meditation techniques such as antar mouna™, yoga nidra™, trataka, ajapa japa, prana vidya and kriya yoga; to meditations from around the world including ancient Egypt and Greece, the Celtic and Taoist traditions, Tibetan and Zen Buddhism, Sufism, Alchemy and Hypnosis. Moving meditations in relation to travel, martial arts, dance and sport, as well as meditation techniques for children, for the dying, and many more are included.

Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced. Ideal reference book for yoga teachers.

Book cover
$15

 

Meditations from the Tantras
Swami Satyananda Saraswati pp299.
Suitable for beginners.

The general aim of this book is to show the possibilities open to the practitioner of meditation, the preparation that is necessary, as well as practical methods, so that they can attain meditative experiences for themselves. Various techniques are given here and we ask you to try a few, not necessarily all, and find out what meditation is about. Featuring fundamental pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) practices such as Antar Mouna™, and introductions to other meditation techniques such as Yoga Nidra™, ajapa japa, trataka, the kriyas and the different forms of mantra practice, this book provides the essential foundation for all advanced meditation practices.

A best-seller in India when first released to great critical acclaim, this remains one of the clearest and best books on the market for meditation for beginners. It contains the actual class transcripts of Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

Book cover
$20

 

Four Chapters on Freedom
(Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali)

Swami Satyananda Saraswati, pp399.

This text contains the full Sanskrit text of Rishi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, along with transliteration, translation and commentary. The Yoga Sutras, containing 196 epithets or threads of yoga, is the most respected treatise on yoga. This extensive commentary on each sutra fully explains the text and the path of raja yoga. Serious yogic aspirants and spiritual seekers will find invaluable guidance within these pages
.

Book cover
$16.99

 

Tattwa Shuddhi
(the Tantric Practice of Inner Purification)
Swami Satyasangananda, line drawings, diagrams, pp123.

Intermediate to advanced.

Tattwa shuddhi is an ancient tantric practice for purification of the elements, published for the first time in this comprehensive text. Every individual is comprised of five basic elements. Through the process of tattwa shuddhi, the purification and transformation of these elements takes place. This book contains the theory of tattwas and detailed instructions for the practice. Tattwa shuddhi uses the tantric tools of yantra, mantra and mandala. It can be performed as a sadhana in itself or as an adjunct to kundalini/kriyas and other higher yogas.

Book cover
$10

The Effects of Yoga on Hypertension
Dr. Swami Shankardevananda, line drawings and diagrams, pp237.

This book is divided into three sections: cause, cure and practices. The first section describes the basic physiology of the cardiovascular system and the various causes of hypertension including psychological and pranic influences, lifestyle, stress and heredity. The yogic view is discussed in depth along with that of modern medicine. The second, section on management, explains the yogic way to reduce blood pressure to normal levels through the practice of yoga, supplemented by lifestyle and mind management. The last section contains a weekly chart of yoga techniques, followed by clear instructions for individual practices. Finally low blood pressure is dealt with in an appendix along with diet.

 

 

Book cover
$12

(Available with old cover only)




The Practices of Yoga for the Digestive System

Dr Swami Shankardevananda, line drawings and diagrams, pp259.

This book deals with the digestive system in three sections. The first covers the physiology of digestion, the psychology of hunger and eating, and the ayurvedic and yogic view of digestion and food habits. The second section describes the patho-physiology and yogic management of a variety of digestive disorders from simple wind and indigestion to nagging acidity, annoying constipation and piles, distressing diarrhoea and dysentery, with special reference to diet. The third section deals with the yogic practices needed to remove digestive disorders and keep the digestive system in good health. Clear instructions and diagrams for each practice are given, which even a beginner can follow. The text was written by a qualified and experienced doctor in this field under the guidance of Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

 

 

Book cover
$12


(Available with old cover only)




Yogic Management of Common Diseases
Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Dr. Swami Karmananda, pp259.

This book deals with 37 common as well as serious and chronic diseases, which afflict the human body. It gives basic information about the causes and effects of each condition from the yogic as well as medical points of view. In depth yogic management is offered along with the current medical treatment, diet, do's and don'ts. The book is divided into 7 sections, covering the diseases of head and neck, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastro-intestinal tract, joints and musculo-skeletal system, uro-genital system and miscellaneous disorders. The aim of this book is to inform people that a way out exists and to inspire them to practise yoga and raise themselves out of their afflictions.

 

 

Book cover
$14



Yoga and Cardiovascular Management
Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Dr Swami Karmananda, pp158.

This book compiles the discussions between Swami Satyananda Saraswati and a group of French medical experts, physicians and yoga teachers who shared their views on Yoga and Medical Management of Cardiovascular Disease at Tenon Hospital, Paris in September 1981. A yogi discusses the whole range of heart and vascular diseases plus the relevant co-existing diseases like diabetes mellitus and pulmonary disorders from the modern scientific as well as yogic viewpoints. Covered are the causes, patho-physiology and management of cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, cerebral degenerative diseases, peripheral vascular disease and arteriosclerosis, followed by the yogic explanation and in-depth yogic management with scientific back up. The research data was correlated by an Australian doctor and the scientific disposition and language make the book ideal for both medical scientists and lay people alike.

 

 

Book cover
$14



Asthma and Diabetes
Dr. Swami Shankardevananda, pp294.

In this book an Australian doctor, under the guidance of Swami Satyananda, explains two common disorders that can be managed efficiently by yoga. The book has 4 sections, the first of which deals with asthma and yoga. The author, who suffered from asthma himself, uses his professional and experiential knowledge to deal with the causes and effects of the disease, and covers medical, yogic and other treatments, diet and the path to health. The second section deals with diabetes and yoga, including insulin dosage, diet and yogic management. The third section gives instructions for the yogic practices necessary for both asthma and diabetes. The fourth section deals with yogic research on both conditions, giving clinical trials and case histories, documenting yoga therapy camps for asthma and diabetes, and explaining the holistic approach to therapy and how yoga works.
.

Book cover
$12

(Available with old cover only)


Prashnopanishad
Translation and commentary by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, pp274

This book contains the complete Sanskrit text of Prashnopanishad, the 'Upanishad of Questions', along with the transliteration, translation and commentary of a modern master. Subjects covered are tapasya (austerity), brahmacharya (celibacy), faith, the process of creation, the supporters of life, the senses and prana, and how the life force originates. The text is thoroughly explained from the yogic and scientific points of view, and many points relating to yoga philosophy are clarified. The commentary of Adi Shankaracharya is also given in Sanskrit with each verse and an explanation of the Vedantic interpretation. The practices necessary to understand and experience the teachings are distilled in the final section. Suitable for advanced practitioners, yoga teachers and scholars.

 

 

Book cover
$10

Inventory low, email to order.
(Available with old cover only)


Ishavasya Upanishad
Translation and commentary by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, pp82

This book contains the complete Sanskrit text of Ishavasya Upanisha.

That is full, this is full.
from full, the full is taken;
the full has come.
If you take out full from the full,
the full alone remains.

 

 


$6.95




Karma Sannyasa
(The Noble Path for the Householder)
Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Satyasangananda, pp309.

How is it possible to live the life of a householder and yet maintain a balance between external and internal growth? In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna, there is no harm in action, the danger lies in attachment and dependence on the fruits of the actions performed. If you can understand this concept and implement it in your daily life, then you will gradually experience a higher quality of experience. This is essentially the concept of karma sannyasa; live life fully, participate in all events externally, but internally maintain an attitude of non-doership. Explaining how closely our lives are governed by attachment, desire and ambition, Karma Sannyasa describes methods to transform these patterns and realise a happier outlook through the blossoming of spiritual awareness. The book focuses on family life and relationships, wealth, karma, self-respect and lifestyle, describing the process of realising spirituality through everyday life experiences.

 

 

Book cover
$11.95

(Available with old cover only)


Sannyasa Darshan
Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, pp512

This book covers the ancient and modern sannyasa tradition of renunciation or dedication to spiritual life. The first of four parts describes the sannyasa lineage with chapters on the origin of sannyasa, the ashram system, renunciation rites, stages of sannyasa, traditional rules and requirements. The second part describes the modern concept of sannyasa as it has evolved and is being lived today. Part 3 gives the biographies, life work and teachings of four major pathfinders in the sannyasa lineage: Sage Dattatreya, Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Sivananda and Swami Satyananda. Part 4 comprises the translations of several Sannyasa Upanishads including: Nirvanopanishad, Kundikopanishad, Bhikshukopanishad, Avadhootopanishad and Paramahamsa Parivrajakopanishad.

 

 

Book cover
$13.95




Early Teachings of Swami Satyananda

Swami Satyananda Saraswati.



$13.95


Taming the Kundalini

Swami Satyananda Saraswati.



$9.95




Yoga Darshan: Vision of the Yoga Upanishads

Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati.



$19.95




On the Wings of the Swan
Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, 4 Volumes.

Satsangs, discussions and talks by Swami Niranjanananda

Volume I (pp144): Satsang at Ganga Darshan 1987-1989
Volume II (pp143): Satsang at Ganga Darshan 1987-1989
Volume III (pp144): Satsang with Italian, German and Greek groups 1992
Volume IV (pp183): Sannyas Training Course at Ganga Darshan 1992-1993



$27.80
(4 Volumes)



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