Layayoga: The Definitive Guide to the Chakras and Kundalini

Rating:
Summary: Better than my local bookstore
Review: As it says in the title this is the definitive guide on the yogic science of Kundalini and the chakras. This science which is most often referred to as Laya yoga, although Laya Yoga is not really recognized as a form of yoga in the sense that it combines information taken from Hatha and Tantric texts. This presents a problem for anyone wishing to focus their yogic studies on Kundalini and the Chakras because Hatha Yoga and Tantra Yoga or very large schools of yoga and also somewhat different. This book is the best answer to that problem that has been published to date. Although as you may have read in other reviews it is very dry and dense, you also sometime get the feeling of disorganization but this is only because the material is so relentlessly complete. Although the first time you read this book you may not get alot out of it, it is invaluable as a resource tool for the study of Layayoga there simply isn't enough good information out there that is presented in the "old ways" or eastern yogi's.

Bottom line if your interested in this line study this book is a must buy.

Rating:
Summary: A Reprint of Goswami's 1980 Publication!
Review: I also highly recommend this book as an excellent and detailed guide to the chakras and to some extent the nadis (of which there is no complete guide in publication). It is of great practical assistance to those interested in kundalini yoga and will particularly assist those who follow unreliable New Age methods.

However, as an experienced librarian, I wish to warn all those interested in this subject that this is not a new title but in fact a reprint of the 1980 publication entitled "Layayoga : an advanced method of concentration". I condemn the publisher Inner Traditions for not clearly indicating this fact prominently on the item as well as including a false "Foreword to the Second Edition" (the writer of which clearly asserts this is simply a reprint) and so deceiving those scanning booklists that they may be unnecessarily purchasing a duplicate.

Rating:
Summary: Kundalini kindred
Review: I spent many hours reviewing as well as studying this book. Its content is extensive and illuminating. The problem with authoritative and even ancient sources is that these "road maps" to Power are best understood for those who have already traveled "these roads". The map is helpful but far from sufficient. The author does a fine job of giving the reader tools as well as a complete overview of the roots of this important and real discipline. The only criticism I have is that the philosophy extolled at the beginning and end of the book fails to drive home one important point, that is, that mind and body are of the same essence. Also, the explanation of the philosophical impetus and practical results lack clarity, noting that it is not always possible to make what is alogical lucid to limited human capacity. To complicate what is in essence simple, the words on the written pages of the sources are not what is always meant, for these words are simply there to "shine light on meaning". Therefore, relax and take your time reading this wonderful book. In any case this book is highly recommended for all serious students of yoga, meditation and the martial arts as well.

Rating:
Summary: Kundalini kindred
Review: I spent many hours reviewing as well as studying this book. Its content is extensive and illuminating. The problem with authoritative and even ancient sources is that these "road maps" to Power are best understood for those who have already traveled "these roads". The map is helpful but far from sufficient. The author does a fine job of giving the reader tools as well as a complete overview of the roots of this important and real discipline. The only criticism I have is that the philosophy extolled at the beginning and end of the book fails to drive home one important point, that is, that mind and body are of the same essence. Also, the explanation of the philosophical impetus and practical results lack clarity, noting that it is not always possible to make what is alogical lucid to limited human capacity. To complicate what is in essence simple, the words on the written pages of the sources are not what is always meant, for these words are simply there to "shine light on meaning". Therefore, relax and take your time reading this wonderful book. In any case this book is highly recommended for all serious students of yoga, meditation and the martial arts as well.

Rating:
Summary: Better than my local bookstore
Review: My copy of Laya Yoga arrived in pristine condition exactly as advertised. I was surprised at how quickly it arrived. And to top off the benefits, the cost was at least 20% less, including shipping, than what I would have had to pay at my local bookstore.

Rating:
Summary: Layayoga
Review: This is an excellent book of reference. The author has done extensive research of the Hindu scriptures for this book and presents the teachings in a very easily understandable language.

This book may disappoint readers who want some nuts and bolts advice about awakening Kundalini as this book, though very detailed, does not really decribe the techniques for kundalini from a user point of view.

Rating:
Summary: This is the one. . .
Review: You will find that there is much truth in this book. Take ancient knowledge and update the delivery in a manner suitable for advanced practitioners of Yoga and you may begin to understand the approach of the author, Shyam Sundar Goswami. Not for the novice, and not for those with a typical western view of Yoga. The author quotes the ancient text and delivers it with scientific and medical terminology. The author also holds fast to the way Yoga is supposed to be practiced, written in a way a teacher would instruct a student. "The Definitive Guide..." is essentially what this book is.