Eight Lectures on Yoga

Infobox Book |
name = Eight Lectures on Yoga


author = Aleister Crowley
cover_artist =
country = United Kingdom
language = English
genre = Spirituality
publisher = Ordo Templi Orientis
release_date = 1939
isbn = ISBN 0-9726583-1-9

"Eight Lectures on Yoga" is a book by Aleister Crowley about the practice of Yoga. The book is number 4 of volume 3 of the Equinox, which was published by the Ordo Templi Orientis The work is largely a demystified look at yoga, using little to no jargon or satirical humor. It is divided under two sections into eight parts, which are transcripts of eight one-hour lectures on the subject given by Crowley. The book was originally published in 1939.

ummary

"Eight Lectures on Yoga" is divided into two chapters: "Yoga for Yahoos" and "Yoga for Yellowbellies". In the book, Crowley instructs students on steps needed to approach mysticism through Yoga, and details the complications that arise along the path. One intent Crowley had in writing the book was to dispel the various myths surrounding Yoga in Europe at the time — most thought it to be an exotic, Eastern ritual of the ancient past.

Yoga for Yahoos

Lecture 1: Dissects the word "Yoga", as well as its various implications on the human mind.

Lecture 2: Lists the eight limbs of Yoga, and explains the first, Yama, which is defined as control.

Lecture 3: Details Niyama, the second limb of Yoga, and analogizes it to various planets.

Lecture 4: Concerning Asana and Pranayama, the third and fourth limbs of Yoga, and correct posture while practicing.

Yoga for Yellowbellies

In this section, Crowley covers, in remarkable detail, the philosophical, mathematical, and scientific aspects of Yoga. These are divided into the remaining four chapters.

External links

* [http://www.hermetic.com/crowley/yoga/ Full text of "Eight Lectures on Yoga"]