how to use this book
Table of Contents
This book is intended to be read as a guide to practice, not just as a theoretical or philosophical text. As such, it will only be effective if you actually do the practices it contains, not just read about them. Each chapter is densely packed with information and concepts that must be read over and over again—and repeatedly investigated through your own experience—before they can be understood. (more)
The Illustrations
Balyogi created these illustrations during his time of intense exploration of samadhi or deep states of meditative absorption. You may not be accustomed to looking for the spiritual meaning in art, but it has been used for this purpose for almost as long as humans have existed, as evidenced by ancient cave paintings and hieroglyphs around the world. To receive a teaching in this manner requires that you allow understanding to emerge over time rather than expect to understand it at first glance. (more)
Balyogi Premvarni
Since most Western students of meditation and yoga have never been exposed to teachings quite like Balyogi’s, and in order to fully absorb their meaning, it is helpful to know a few things about Balyogi and to review the classical yoga foundation from which his teachings have emerged. His teaching style is the most unusual combination of form and nonform I have encountered. (more)
“This beautiful book offers subtle and vast teachings on the mystery of the body and mind—combined with paintings by an Indian master that evoke deepening states of meditative awareness.”
— JACK KORNFIELD,
author of No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are
“Awakening Through the Nine Bodies is at once a vivid map connecting the vast territories of consciousness, a practical guide that can immediately be put to liberating use, the take of a unique spiritual apprenticeship, transmission of a precious lineage that otherwise might be lost, a bridge between various yogic and Buddhist models, and an invigorating call to awaken.”
— CHIP HARTRANFT,
author of The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali: A New Translation with Commentary
