Yoga Nidra/2009 Re-print Paperback – October 1, 1976

I finished my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and wanted to learn more about Yoga Nidra and I wanted to provide this to yoga participants. I purchased several books through Amazon on Yoga Nidra and really liked this one. It follows and explains the various stages of Yoga Nidra and has various scripts. I believe this is a greater starter book to get the foundations and then venture off to others. There are so many books out there and I wanted one that was steeped in the traditional practice and to teach me why we are going through the various stages - what each stage is intended to do and how it works.

I can't find enough good things to say about this book. It has improved my sleep better than any remedy thus far. I've had insomnia and apnea for years. I'm no stranger to issues that arise from lack of sleep. After trying various interventions to help me stay asleep via prescription medications, CPAP and APAP, daily routine modifications, dietary modifications, exercise modifications, journal/writing therapy, cognitive/behavioral modifications, complimentary alternative therapy techniques... none have worked consistently for long periods of time. Yoga Nidra was introduced to me from one of my yoga instructors and it has made a profound difference in my ability to get good rest. I use 61 Points during the day after an asana session in place of savasana before meditation and frequently use the sleep version at night in bed. I've been practicing it for the past 6 months and rarely ever wake up once I lay down to sleep nor do I wake feeling exhausted. Yoga Nidra is yogic sleep where you leave the waking state going past the dreaming state to deep sleep, yet are awake. This book discusses the history behind it, how to do it as well as gives scientific explanation of what biologically/physiologically takes place during and the effects after. I don't care to know the science behind it so I skip that portion of the book. I just know it works. The book also gives different options of the practice for long or short sessions. There are many interpretations and versions of the practice available and I would recommend trying them out.

For years I have been studying yoga and meditation and I am certified as qualified to teach. For the past 8 years I have taught and guided students through yoga sequences, relaxation and meditation. As I grew to value the power of visualisation, I struggled to find appropriate written material. Either the books available were too esoteric, the language overly spiritual, religious or simply creative ideas without foundation in science. In my frustration I used my own experiences and wrote 50 texts which are structured guides for an hour long session and provide progression through breath awareness, relaxation, visualisation and mindfulness. I have used these texts for years now and with good results for my students. Imagine my joy to find this Yoga Nidra book which supports all that I have been practicing and teaching......except much more in its simplicity! My first thought was "Hey, why re-write the book, here it is!". To test the evidence of the book's virtues I taught from it, word-for-word, at my class this week. After class I confessed to having read from 'a book' this time and invited their comments. One student said that the experience went deeper for him than ever before. Another said that it felt different, faster, but wonderful. One said that the visual experience came clearer than ever. The next day I had students send grateful messages of feeling wonderful afterwards. I have encouraged all my students to purchase this book for themselves and that we would be working together from it in class from this point forward. I know that one student as already ordered his copy. I'm relieved to have found this gem and highly recommend it for teachers who are working with people in all areas of yoga, meditation and healing....it is powerful.

I've had this book sitting on my shelf for almost a year. I took a look at it, but at the time I was new to Yoga. I mean Yoga as an entire system, so I studied the Bihar's School of Yoga other books. Starting with the philosophy of Yoga, moving on to the practices. After practicing Pranayama and Meditation, I wanted to go deeper and I finally picked up this book. I read it and continue to re read it, it is truly a magnificient book explaining the practice of deeper meditation and how you can become in control of your life. You must let it work for you. Having memorized the first routine, I began practicing (it's so easy), and I feel the energy flowing where it was always blocked and another benefit from this awesome practice is that my irregularity has subsided. I couldn't believe it. I'd suffered from it for so long that I thought it was a serious medical problem but with this technique I have learned to really relax. My body became mine again. Along with this relief, so much has started to fall into place. I am truly grateful for these publications, having put my life in order. I have much more focus, control and as it progresses I feel so much better to make decisions about my life. Thank you Bihar School of Yoga and Staff. Thank You! If you wish to gain some control over your existence I recommend this work wholeheartedly... Enjoy!(I'm a devout Bihar School of Yoga student, see my other reviews on their books click links):Dynamics Of YogaNawa Yogini Tantra: Yoga for WomenMeditations from the TantrasAsana Pranayama Mudra Bandha/2008 Fourth Revised EditionThe Effects of Yoga on HypertensionThe Practice of Yoga for the Digestive System