Zen Yoga 1
Dr. Saher is to be congratulated, not only for his skilful translation from theSanskrit, but also for the clarity with which he has applied this to western needsand western minds.Much has been written in the past regarding the psychosomatic effects of Pranayama and Asanas, but in his text, Dr. Saher explains clearly the mechanism by which brain and mind operate in conjunction with bodily functions, emotionsand psychic experience, and also how these may be controlled and applied for our betterment.He also shows how specific areas of the brain control similar areas of mind, howthese can be applied to Self-analysis, and by means of exercises also given in thetext, so control both mind and body, that Self-Realization is possible in the highestsense, and that even before this stage is reached, Health Harmony and Serenitywill be attained, surely to be prized for themselves alone.For those who are already students of Yoga Dr. Saher has opened new avenues of thought, new areas of knowledge which allow the student to move into Yoga ingreater depth and with greater understanding.For those to whom Yoga is a new subject, this book will provide a worthyintroduction to a way of life in which the rewards become ever richer as the study proceeds.All the Scriptures of the world throughout the ages have proclaimed to man theneed to “Know Thyself”. In “Zen-Yoga” Dr. Saher has provided a sure path to thisknowledge.
James McCartney
P
REFACE
My Encounter with an Ustad (-an Adept of Zen-Yoga who has attainedcosmic-consciousness) :-Remembering the time-worn custom which requires a visitor to bring a small present when calling upon a high personage, I had brought with me small gift. ButI forgot another important custom.“Remove your shoes?” Chamberlain commanded sternly.I was delighted to do so because of my sprained ankle. On entering theMaster’s private office, I saw, at the far end in a brightly lit enclosure, an erect andstately figure, dignified yet not aloof. I approached him, set down my offering and bowed low in salutation. There is an aesthetic dimension in this ceremony whichtranscends its function as an expression of respect and courtesy. I eyed him asilence. His noble face, pictured in grey and brown, had that elusive element whichthe French aptly term
spiritual
. His expression was modest, mild and yet strong,and the large eyes had an extra-ordinary tranquility and beauty. The nose wasshort, straight and classically regular, and his beard made more noticeable thegravity of his mouth. Such a face might have belonged to one of the saints whograced the Church of the Middle Ages, except that his possessed the added quality
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