Beyond Power Yoga 8 Levels of Practice for Body and Soul

FROM SWEAT TOSAMADHI:The Path of ASTANGA YOGABeyond Power Yogapresents and explores thecompletejourney of the classicalastanga yogasystem, from power yoga to meditation and liberation. Bender Birch's first book, the groundbreakingPower Yoga,introduced one level ofastanga yogato mainstream America -- a high-heat, high-energy mind/body workout. Now,Beyond Power Yogapresents all eight levels, or limbs, of this ancient method -- a total practice for body and soul.Drawing a parallel betweenastanga yoga's eight limbs and the mind/body energy centers(chakras)of Eastern philosophy, Bender Birch shows us how we can balance and heal our body, focus and relax our mind, amplify and direct our energy(prana),and ultimately reclaim our spiritual connection to Universal Consciousness. Each chapter offers specific practices to help the reader uncover and experience the insights of theastanga yogajourney.The YAMAS: Exploring the Fundamentals The NIYAMAS: Doing the Work ASANA: Practicing the Postures PRANAYAMA: Breathing Mindfully PRATYAHARA: Turning Inward DHARANA: Developing Concentration DHYANA: Experiencing Meditation SAMADHI: Living JoyfullyPresented in the down-to-earth illuminating style and inspiring voice of the author, illustrated with easy-to-follow photos,plus a specialwallchart of theasanasequences,Beyond Power Yogaoffers a short form of the dynamic mind/body power yoga method, then journeys through the deeper levels of spiritual practice.

Beryl Bender Birch is the bestselling author of Power Yoga and the Director of The Hard & The Soft Astanga Yoga Institute (since 1981). She is also the Wellness Director and Yoga Teacher-in-Residence of the New York Road Runners Club. She is one of the most highly regarded and well-known yoga teachers in the United States.