Christopher S. Kilham

I came to this book by chance, but basically my interest is to use the five (actually six) exercises to supplement my exercise routine.

Unfortunately this means that in order to give a full commentary on the book I have to practice with some dedication. So see you all in five years (assuming I keep at it).

As a book, it has some strong points: it's quite concise, and yet seems to give a reasonable (especially in the sense of being sensible) overview of Yoga, even if it's quite slim (even more show more surprising considering it also details the actual exercises, plus notes on breathing techniques).

I am pretty ignorant about Yoga, but I found the author's attitude refreshing and to the point. Now if you excuse me I have to decide when to start the actual practice... show less

Kilham has a wonderful narrative voice, as he travels throughout the Amazon indigenous peoples, searching for herbal medicine cures - and being invited into many shamanic rituals along the way.

From sex-enhancing plants, to caxiri, to catuaba and kava, many medicine herbs are covered well with the added bonus of described shamanic ritual, and life on the Amazon river.

There is a heavy emphasis on the herbal medicine of aphrodisiacs within this book, but many indigenous cultures have placed show more emphasis upon aphrodisiacs, so this is unsurprising.

I enjoyed this book, Kilham has a wonderful voice, and interesting tales to tell. show less

A great explanation of the Five Tibetans!! Not sure if there's anything more to the Five Tibetans than this; but if there is, this is a great overview of how/when/where to practice. Clearly explains the poses and has illustrations. Touches on various types of yoga and meditation.
I would suggest this book to those who practice yoga and/or meditation, and those who just would like to understand the Five Tibetans.
Four out of five.

The Five Tibetans are a yogic system of simple yet highly energizing exercises that originated in the Himalayas. Also known as the Five Rites of Rejuvenation, they were brought to the West early in this century by a retired British army officer who learned them in a Tibetan lamasery. Since 1978 Christopher S. Kilham has taught these exercise to thousands of people seeking a healthier lifestyle.

The Five Tibetans take a minimum of daily time and effort by can dramatically increase physical show more strength and supplensess as well as mental acuity. Even newcomers to yoga will experience the Five Tibetans' liberating effect on the innate energetic power of the human body and mind. Regular practice of these exercises relieves muscular tension and nervous stress, improves respiration and digestion, benefits the cardiovascular system, and leads to deep relaxation and well-being. The Five Tibetans can be a powerful vehicle not only for enlivening the senses but also for generating and harnessing vital energy for self-transformation.

Christopher S. Kilhan has taught yoga, meditation, and natural health for more than twenty years, lecturing and appearing on radio and television progams thoughout the United states. He is the author of many magazines articles and books, including In Search of the New Age, Take Charge of Your Health, Inner Power, and The Bread and Circus Whole Food Bible.

Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
1 About teh five Tibetans
2 Energy, body, and mind
3 The chakras
4 Kundalini
5 Breathing
6 The five Tibetans-Tibetan #1,2, 3, 4, 5
7 How, when, and where to practice
8 Yoganidra
9 Kundalini meditation show less