Publication of 'The World of Yoga Through Pictures'.. Comprehensive Coverage of Mythology, Philosophy, Symbols, and Practice Systems [Let's Read Books]

[Financial News] A comprehensive yoga guidebook, 'The World of Yoga Through Pictures' (Kim Young-sa), which systematically and deeply explains all aspects of yoga such as mythology, philosophy, symbols, history, systems, physiology, practices, rituals, and the local culture of practice in India, has been published.
The author, Ito Takeshi, has condensed the results of nearly 50 years of field research, related literature, and academic studies across countries such as India, Nepal, and Thailand into one volume. Due to the need for a meticulous task of simplifying complex yoga content, the roles of translators like Yang Kyung-in were also significant.
It comprehensively covers both general yoga theory and specific yoga practices with 108 key keywords, structured systematically. Through over 200 interesting drawings and charts drawn by the author, one can understand the yoga thought system, physiology, marma, chakras, breathing techniques, and asanas at a glance and enjoy the visual appeal. Additionally, while diachronically examining the transformation process from ancient to modern times, it compares and explains the commonalities and differences between Sankhya, Vedanta, Buddhist Tantra (Esoteric Buddhism), and Hatha Yoga, allowing for natural insight within a single overall structure.
This book is broadly divided into two parts: basic knowledge and theory, consisting of 9 chapters and 108 keywords. Part 1, the Knowledge Section, explains the basic knowledge, thought, cosmology, body view, and physiology of yoga in 5 chapters. Part 2, the Practice Section, covers practical content such as medicine, breathing, asanas, and esoteric rituals in 4 chapters.
Part 1, the Knowledge Section, includes chapters 1 to 5. Chapter 1, 'Basic Knowledge of Yoga', deals with basic terms of yoga such as Gayatri, Vedanta, Atman, and Sankhya. Chapter 2, 'Yoga Thought', reexamines yoga thought by comparing 'Yoga Sutra' and 'Heart Sutra'.
Chapter 3, 'Yoga Cosmology', examines India's religious symbols. Vedic altars, stupas, temples, mandalas, yantras, and body diagrams with chakras all represent a universe, and Tantra Yoga accompanies these symbols.
Chapter 4, 'Yoga Body View', follows the development of Hatha Yoga, which regards one's body as a 'tool for liberation', along with the Buddhist scripture '84 Siddha Stories'.
Chapter 5, 'Yoga Physiology', is Prana Physiology. It explains that although the definition of yoga is 'stopping the functions of the mind', Hatha Yoga views Prana as the fundamental of life phenomena, including the mind.
Part 2, the Practice Section, includes chapters 6 to 9. Chapter 6, 'Yoga Medicine', examines the relationship between yoga and Ayurveda. Chapter 7, 'Yoga Breathing', explains in detail the control of Prana.
Chapter 8, 'Yoga Asana Story', describes the secrets of asanas. It details the myths, practice methods, precautions, and effects related to major asanas such as Vrksasana, Surya Namaskara, and Bhujangasana.
Chapter 9, 'Yoga Esoteric (Tantra) Rituals', provides an easy explanation of Puja. Understanding Puja is important because all yoga and all arts in India are performed within the paradigm of 'Puja', a ritual of serving the gods.
Additionally, over 200 interesting drawings and charts drawn by the author help to easily understand complex and difficult content. The author's writing style, which comfortably unfolds the vivid culture of actual practice in India and unique episodes from extensive field research as if telling a story to a friend, adds to the reading pleasure.
Professor Kim Jae-min highly evaluates the value of this book, stating, "In Japan, 'Illustrated Yoga Encyclopedia' (2011) was published with the same purpose of popularizing essential knowledge through effective methods with accompanying diagrams."
This book covers a wide range of content from the basics to advanced topics of yoga, providing very useful information for those who want to systematically understand yoga's history, philosophy, mythology, physiology, asanas, and rituals.
It is expected to be a helpful book for those who want to deeply understand the overall practice traditions and philosophy of India, the various cultural aspects, and those interested in the theories and practices of traditional Indian yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Tantra Yoga, and for anyone who wants to know more deeply about yoga.
Translator Yang Kyung-in said, "Although the AI era that can even replace the human brain has arrived, the value of yoga, which finds oneself through the body, is rather increasing," and "I hope this book will be a guide that leads to inner reflection along with physical training." 

Translator Yang Kyung-in | Obtained a master's degree with 'Study on the Concept of Mount Sumeru in Indian Religions' at the Graduate School of Dongguk University in the Department of Indian Philosophy, and completed the doctoral course at the same graduate school. Worked as a researcher at the Buddhist Academy of Dongguk University and conducted publication work on 'The Life of the Buddha' at the Education Center of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Conducting research on the history of Buddhist orders and Vinaya based on 'Nan Hai Ji Gui Nei Fa Zhuan' by the 7th-century Chinese monk Yijing. Papers include 'A Study on Yijing's Translation of Tooth Wood', 'A Study on Jingi Medicine', etc.



rsunjun@fnnews.com Reporter Yu Seon-jun