The Wisdom Of Yoga

The author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self offers spiritual seekers from all traditions a practical introduction to the wisdom and teachings of the Yogasutra, as he brings together insights from yoga philosophy with modern psychology to offer lessons in ethical living, enhanced creativity, and the discovery of one's higher purpose. 20,000 first printing.

More than 100,000 copies sold! Millions of Americans know yoga as a superb form of exercise and as a potent source of calm in the midst of our stress-filled lives. Far fewer are aware of the full promise of yoga as "the way of the fully alive human being"--a 4,000-year-old practical path of liberation that fits the needs of modern Western seekers with startling precision. Now one of America's leading scholars of yoga psychology--who is also a Western-trained psychotherapist--offers this marvelously lively and personal account of an ancient tradition that promises "the soul awake in this lifetime." Drawing on the vivid stories of practitioners at the largest yoga center in America, where he has lived and taught for more than ten years, Stephen Cope describes the philosophy, psychology, and practice of yoga--a practical science of development that urges us not to transcend or dissolve the self, but rather to encounter it more deeply. In this irreverent modern-day Pilgrim's Progress, Cope introduces us to an unforgettable cast of contemporary seekers--on the road to enlightenment carrying all the baggage of the human condition: confusion, loss, disappointment, addiction, and the eternal conflicts around sex and relationship. As he describes the subtle shifts of energy and consciousness that happen at each stage of the path, we discover that in yoga, "liberation" does not require us to leave life in the world for some transcendent spiritual plane. Life itself is the path. Above all, Cope shows how yoga can heal the suffering of self-estrangement that pervades our society, leading us to a new sense of purpose and to a deeper, more satisfying life in the world.

"A new translation of: The yoga sutras of Patanjali, the ancient Indian text which sets forth the practical and philosophical foundations of yoga, presented here with extensive commentary and spiritual exercises to assist in the practice and understanding of one's own spiritual search"--Provided by publisher.

Essential and uplifting advice that will help you get from where you are to who you hope to become. Often referred to as The Traveling Yogini, beloved yoga teacher Stephanie Spence explores what it means to become our truest selves. Weaving her experience as a writer, mother, and PTSD survivor, Spence affirms that not only is the soul’s messy and unpredictable journey inevitable, it is essential to our quest to live a life we thrive in. Yoga heals—not just the body, but the heart and soul. Whether you’ve only dabbled with the idea of trying yoga, or have practiced for a long time, yoga is about you. Physically, it increases endurance, strength, and flexibility. Mentally, it reduces stress and helps you find stillness in a chaotic world. Spiritually, it helps you evolve to your highest potential and live in a space of gratitude and peace no matter what’s happening around you. Here, Spence has gathered the wisdom of eighty-five acclaimed yogis to enable readers to live their life to the fullest. Real and raw wisdom from global leaders in the yoga community—from classic yoga superstars to today’s rock-your-daily-asana hipsters—will motivate you to live a life beyond your wildest dreams. Filled with universal insights, intimate, comforting stories, and spiritually practical tips, Yoga Wisdom is here to help keep you on the road to truth, authenticity, and balance in all aspects of your life.

Bring the wisdom of ancient Yoga philosophy into your life in a fresh, accessible, and relevant way. In its highest form, yoga is a practice for your body and your mind. Living the Sutras brings the wisdom of classical yoga philosophy into your life in an accessible and relevant way. The Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of yoga philosophy and practice, written by the guru Patanjali over two thousand years ago, are made up of 196 aphorisms that offer potent teachings on how to deal with loss and pain, and guidance on how to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Kelly DiNardo and Amy Pearce-Hayden offer an entrée to this yoga training for the mind and spirit by introducing a sutra or group of sutras on a related theme, providing a brief commentary, and writing prompts to allow you to reflect on and apply the meaning of the sutras to your life. The book is at once an introduction to the classical philosophy, a quick guide for students and teachers, and an active self-study that helps you to engage with yoga wisdom in a deeply personal way.

This chunky, richly colorful volume takes yoga "beyond the mat" to reveal classic yogic wisdom pertaining to the mind,emotions, spirit, and of course, the body. Drawing from such classical texts as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, as well as modern Indian and Western teachers, this treasure trove of yoga knowledge defines key terms and highlights important themes. It's also a helpful supplement to yoga classes, offering asanas, meditations, breathingexercises, mantras, and mudras for every occasion and skill level. Just the right size to pop into a yoga bag, here's a guide to the practical and philosophical aspects of yoga that complements any spiritual practice.

Here is an inspirational and accessible introduction to the deep inner wisdom of yoga gathered from sources both ancient and modern by one of America’s most respected yoga scholars. YOGA GEMS For the millions of Americans who now practice yoga regularly, here is the perfect introduction to the rich philosophical and spiritual tradition behind the exercises. George Feuerstein has drawn short, memorable quotations from the key texts of this five-thousand-year-old legacy, with an emphasis on the wisdom of modern yoga masters.The quotations have been selected and arranged to address the needs of yoga practitioners in the twenty-first century. Among the many themes touched on in this treasure of a book: the process of inner growth; the value of silence; how to meditate; how to infuse everyday life with joy; universal kinship; overcoming suffering; dealing with grief, loss, anger, and jealousy; remembering and cultivating one’s true inner self; developing self-discipline; and bringing out the good in all you say and do. For both new and experienced yoga students alike, Yoga Gems is the perfect travel companion on the road to inner peace.

Hormone Treatment Is Called Harmful-Washington Post, 7/10/02 Estrogen Use Linked to Higher Cancer Risk-Boston Globe, 7/17/02 31.2 million women facing menopause in America are concerned by these headlines. Most women today will live over one-third of their lives post-menopausal, but what about the age-old solution of hormone replacement therapy? In 2002 the U.S. government halted a major study of hormone therapy because it increased the risk of invasive breast cancer. Now, millions of women are left wondering whether they should approach menopause without hormones, suffering from hot flashes and low sex drive or take hormones and live in fear of being another statistic. Suza Francina has a simpler solution: Yoga. In this practical book, Francina, a leading yogi and author of The New Yoga for People Over 50, shows how yoga can be a powerful tool to help women turn menopause into a positive and empowering experience, both physically and spiritually. Included are easy-to-follow, indexed photos of yoga poses that alleviate key menopausal problems including: hormonal changes; hot flashes; irregular bleeding; fibroids; stress and anxiety, mood swings, depression and fatigue; bone loss; heart disease and cancer. Francina delivers a timely and truly heartening message to women: you don't have to get weaker or depressed when facing menopause, it can truly be an empowering, restorative time.

What happens as we grow spiritually? Is there a step-by-step process that everyone goes through all spiritual seekers, including those of any or no religious persuasion as they gradually work their way upward, until they achieve the highest state of Self-realization? About 2200 years ago, a great spiritual master of India named Patanjali described this process, and presented humanity with a clear-cut, step-by-step outline of how all truth seekers and saints achieve divine union. He called this universal inner experience and process yoga or union. His collection of profound aphorisms a true world scripture has been dubbed Patanjali s Yoga Sutras. Unfortunately, since that time many scholarly translators with little or no spiritual realization have written commentaries on Patanjali s writings that have succeeded only in burying his pithy insights in convoluted phrases like becomes assimilated with transformations and the object alone shines without deliberation. How can any reader understand Patanjali s original meaning when he or she has to wade through such bewildering terminology? Thankfully, a great modern yoga master Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the classic Autobiography of a Yogi has cut through the scholarly debris and resurrected Patanjali s original teachings and revelations. Now, in Demystifying Patanjali, Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Yogananda, shares his guru s crystal clear and easy-to-grasp explanations of Patanjali s aphorisms. As Kriyananda writes in his introduction, My Guru personally shared with me some of his most important insights into these sutras. During the three and a half years I lived with him, he also went with me at great length into the basic teachings of yoga. I was able, moreover, to ask my Guru personally about many of the subjects covered by Patanjali. His explanations have lingered with me, and have been a priceless help in the [writing of this book]. "

If you think that you have to retreat to a cave in the Himalayas to find the enlightenment that yoga promises, think again. In this second edition of Living Your Yoga, Judith Hanson Lasater stretches the meaning of yoga beyond its familiar poses and breathing techniques to include the events of daily life—all of them—as ways to practice. This edition includes three new chapters (Relaxation, Empathy, and Worship), a full index, and new interior and cover designs.Using the time-honored wisdom of the Yoga Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita to steer the course, she serves up off-the-mat practices to guide you in deepening your relationships with yourself, your family and friends, and the world around you.Inspiring and practical, she blends her heartfelt knowledge of an ancient tradition with her life experiences as a daughter, sister, partner, mother, friend, and yoga practitioner and teacher. The result: a new yoga that beckons you to find the spiritual in everyday life.

All bliss is attainable in this lifetime, we can have it all. Everything we want is available and accessible to any of us. Tapping into that inner sea of abundance and wellbeing is the key. How can we achieve all our heart's desires and fulfillment? It is NOT done through philosophy, religion or a belief system. It is achievable through the science and technology of yoga and spirituality. Yes you heard right, yoga is an ancient science, a technology that provides us the keys to powerful and valuable tools. We can arrive at a place where we feel we have it all simply by taking advantage of the knowledge and reaching an understanding of how to walk the path. This book has a dual purpose. On the one hand it helps all those desiring and willing to advance on their spiritual journey and on the other hand it is a guide for every human being to lead a healthier and blissful life.

Embrace mindfulness and alleviate anxiety by integrating the philosophy of yoga into your daily life with this fun and approachable illustrated book for anyone who needs to restore some balance—even if you can’t touch your toes! Center yourself—and your life—on and off the mat with Wit and Wisdom from the Yoga Mat. Everyone can benefit from a little more balance in their lives, and yoga’s blend of mindfulness practices and restorative poses creates the perfect antidote to our increasingly high-stress lives. This inspiring collection of quotes, aphorisms, poses, and even breathing exercises will help everyone—yogi or newbie—benefit from the physical, mental, and emotional perks of regular yoga practice, without breaking a sweat. Filled with the wit and wisdom of esteemed yogi Rachel Scott, this approachable book will help clear your mind, while brightening your day.

This book provides an excellent introduction to the essence of Hindu Tantrism, discussing all the major concepts and correcting many existing misconceptions.

Sitting still in meditation may be the common image that comes to mind when one thinks of Buddhist practice—but just as important is cultivation of awareness through movement. The traditional Tibetan practice of yogic exercises known as lujong helps us connect with and explore the natural wisdom inherent in our living, breathing, feeling bodies. Lujong is an exercise that engages our whole being—body, mind, and subtle body—from the coarse aspects to the subtler and more profound. This book provides a thorough foundation for those new to the practice, and it helps people already engaged in any form of yogic exercise to deepen the potent fusion of meditation and physical movement. Included is an overview of the unique tradition of Buddhist yoga, along with instructions on how to work with the body and mind in seated meditation; tips for furthering our practice by working with adversities such as fear, procrastination, and anxiety; and guidance on bringing practice mind into daily life. The author also offers exercise instructions and a complete explanation of the movement practices, with photos to illustrate.

An inspiring meditation on living a purposeful life by the director of the Institute for Extraordinary Living at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health draws on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to present the spiritually relevant story of a young warrior in crisis and God in disguise.

This early work on spirituality is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. It outlines ideas of karma, mentalism, metaphysics and much more. This is a fascinating work and highly recommended for anyone interested in the eastern mystical traditions. This book was written in fulfilment of the promise made in The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga which, indeed, was really an attempt to clear an intellectual pathway for its abstruse and abstract tenets. The Indian villager who has hoarded his money, coins, gold or jewels (for he has not yet acquired the banking or investment habit) proceeds to bury his most valuable treasure in the deepest ground, to be dug up only by the hardest labour. I too, have placed my best-regarded truths deep in the work which has been offered last to an audience drawn from the four corners of the civilized world. Consequently some plain hints were scattered here and there in the first volume that until the reader had the whole teaching put into his hands, he could not judge it aright and was indeed liable to form misconceptions.

Swami Rama's description of the totality of the mind, the functions of the mind, and the emotions goes far beyond the concepts of modern psychology.

Bring your practice everywhere you go with this collection of daily readings on balance, resilience, and more. Yoga 365 presents a year’s worth of daily readings that invite yoga lovers of every skill level to bring the inspiration they experience on their mats into their everyday lives. Each entry explores a mind-body theme such as balance, strength, and resilience in a short, illuminating paragraph that can be enjoyed in the morning or at bedtime, incorporated into a yoga session, or read on the go. Yogis will find Yoga 365 to be a motivating tool for personal growth that continues long after the mat is rolled up.