PUBLISHER'S NOTICE
Our original intention, when we arranged for
the publication of this book, and, in fact almost up until it went to press,
was that it should be, in a measure, supplementary to our little book, "Science
of Breath," by the same author-that is to say, it should take up the
subject of "Hatha Yoga" with the exception of that phase of the
subject (breathing, etc.) which has been covered in that book. But at the last moment we decided that it
would be a mistake to publish a book on "Hatha Yoga" with such an
important part of the subject as Yogi Breathing omitted, even though that
subject had been covered in another book.
To omit that important phase of the subject would be working an
injustice to those who purchased the new book, as many of such purchasers would
never have read the first book, and would be justified in expecting that the
present book would treat of all phases of the general subject So, we decided to incorporate in the
present volume those parts of "Science of Breath" which
belonged strictly to the subject of "Hatha Yoga," omitting such
portions as belonged rather to the other
branch of the Yogi Philosophy,i. e., Raja Yoga. We mention these facts that the purchasers
of this book, who have also read our former book, might not accuse us of
filling a new book with parts of an old one.
We advertised this book, intending to give only the supplemental parts,
as above stated, and the portions of "Science of Breath," which
have been added thereto, have been inserted at our own expense, and in the
nature of "good measure," or the "baker's dozen."
It is probable that, at some future time, we
will make arrangements with the same author to take up the "Raja
Yoga" portions of "Science of Breath" and to amplify and
enlarge upon same, adding to the foundation already built, just as he has done
in the present book upon the "Hatha Yoga" foundation contained in the
little book first published by us. If
this course is followed, the present book, "Hatha
Yoga," will be the first of a series of "Yogi Books,"
taking up, in succession, the different phases of the great Yogi Philosophy,
the little book "Science of Breath" serving as an introduction to the
series, and as a handy little book for beginners, or those just becoming
interested in the subject
"Hatha Yoga," the present book, deals altogether with the physical.
The psychical, mental and spiritual phases of the subject belong to the other
branches of the work. "Hatha Yoga," however, will be a splendid foundation upon which the student may
build, as a sound, strong, healthy body is necessary for one to do his
best work and study, as the author of this book has so well explained in the
text.
We have asked the author to write a
preface to this book, but this he declines to do, as he feels that the book
should speak for itself, and he does not like the idea of (as he expresses it)
"intruding his personality" upon his readers, holding that truth
should be selfevident and needing no personal touch to make it truth. This notice, therefore, will take the
place of a preface in this case.
YOGI Publication
Society. Chicago, III., August, 1904.
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