INTRODUCTION: YOGA - The Union of mind and body



A series of 5, forty minute segments to dramatically introduce the viewer to
the world of yoga. These segments will clarify the 6 main branches of yoga. Through
the entertaining use of audio-visual, documentary footage, animation, interview and live
action-recreation.

What is yoga? Americans who have been taking yoga classes for many years may still
not know. They casually say I take Ashtanga, "I do power yoga at the gym", or I do
"Bikram yoga". While these names refer to a series of yoga postures, they fall under the
category of Hatha, or physical yoga.

Interviews of what the average American thinks of when they hear the word yoga

Dating as far back as the 4th century BC, a particular genre of Hindu literature know as
the Upanishads (secret teachings) teach the realization that man in his deepest being is
one with the divine nature of reality. Upanishad is a reference to the mode in which
esoteric knowledge is transmitted by word of mouth from teacher to disciple.

Artistic renderings of Upanishad teachings

How then to relate the multiplicity and diversity of experienced reality with the
Upanishad insight into the unity of all existence? How can man achieve the spiritual
aspect that is his true nature?

Silhouetted businessmen/pedestrians walking up 6th avenue NYC during rush hour
Lone individual sitting in Lotus posture on mountain top

Yoga is the science of self awareness, and comprises various systems for attaining total
consciousness. Literally to yoke or to harness (together), yoga is the union of the
body and the mind, a means of controlling the senses so the soul may be liberated from the wheel of life.

The 5 segments identified in this outline are:
  • Segment 1: Introduction & Patanjalis 8 fold doctrine
  • Segment 2: Hatha Yoga- Cultivating the body
  • Segment 3: Jnana Yoga- The path of wisdom
  • Segment 4: Bhakti Yoga- Cultivating love for the divine
                  Karma Yoga- The path of work
  • Segment 5: Tantric Yoga- The path of ritual and the creative spirit
                 Summation
                 Budget: Yoga Documentary
    Big City Home