The Stories Behind the Poses - (Stories Behind...) by Raj Balkaran (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Discover the traditional stories and wisdom behind your favourite yoga poses in this stunningly illustrated book of Indian mythology for yogis of all levels. A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology, join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses, such as: Våirabhadråasana II, the original warrior pose; Tåadåasana, mountain pose; Bhujangåasana, cobra pose; Garudåasana, eagle pose; Padmåasana, lotus pose; Våiråasana, hero pose; âSavåasana, corpse pose. Meet iconic Gods and Goddesses, from Ganeâsa, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, to âSiva, Lord of Yogis, and Kali, goddess of mind, body, soul and death. Explore the rivalry between the sages Vasistha and Viâsvåamitra, and their cosmic feud over a wish-fulfilling cow. Plunge into the depths of one of the richest myths in Hinduism: the battle between the demons and the gods who churn the cosmic oceans in search for the elixir of immortality. And learn how âSiva got his blue throat! Learn, through the mythology of the poses, more about the roots of this ancient practice and how you can use their teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga's true origins. Enhance your practice by reading one story before or at the end of class, and incorporating the poses and their teaching into your life, as well as your yoga practice, and transform the way you view and practice this timeless art"--

Book Synopsis

Discover the traditional stories and wisdom behind your favourite yoga poses in this stunningly illustrated book of Indian mythology for yogis of all levels.

A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology, join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses, such as:

• Vīrabhadrāsana II, the original warrior pose
• Tāḍāsana, mountain pose
• Bhujaṅgāsana, cobra pose
• Garuḍāsana, eagle pose
• Padmāsana, lotus pose
• Vīrāsana, hero pose
• Śavāsana, corpse pose

Meet iconic Gods and Goddesses, from Gaṇeśa, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, to Śiva, Lord of Yogis, and Kali, goddess of mind, body, soul and death. Explore the rivalry between the sages Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra, and their cosmic feud over a wish-fulfilling cow.

Plunge into the depths of one of the richest myths in Hinduism: the battle between the demons and the gods who churn the cosmic oceans in search for the elixir of immortality. And learn how Śiva got his blue throat!

Learn, through the mythology of the poses, more about the roots of this ancient practice and how you can use their teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga's true origins.

Enhance your practice by reading one story before or at the end of class, and incorporating the poses and their teaching into your life, as well as your yoga practice, and transform the way you view and practice this timeless art.

Review Quotes

"Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout, The Stories Behind the Poses will be a treasured addition."--Midwest Book Review

"A must-own book for yoga enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and students of mythology."--Manhattan Book Review

"The storytelling is brilliant at intermingling allegorical and emotional truths to enhance the practice of yoga.. a unique, commanding perspective that will enrich any yoga practice."--Foreword Reviews

About the Author

Dr Raj Balkaran is a renowned scholar of Hindu mythology and author of The Goddess and the King in Indian Myth (2018) and The Goddess and the Sun in Indian Myth (2020). He holds advanced degrees in Hinduism from the University of Toronto and University of Calgary. A seasoned online educator with a global cohort of students, Dr Balkaran also teaches online courses privately and at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. He apprenticed with an Indian master for twelve years as part of a living oral tradition dedicated to the preservation and application of Hindu mythology and philosophy. He therefore brings hundreds of hours of traditional transmissions of yoga philosophy to the table, which he dovetails with academic rigor and captivating storytelling.