IPhone 3G used's review (For an elevated master, this guy really gets off on himself) 『This set of two CDs contains over two hours of material. Unfortunately, there is actually very little methodological content here. The entire first CD, and roughly two-thirds of the second one, is merely pontification from the author. There is a lot of talk about how wonderful dream yoga is, and many stories and anecdotes about what it can do, to the extent that there's not much room left for actual techniques. The technical advice that is included seems to advocate sleep habits that are quite unhealthy in a physical sense.
The content itself seems to be rather amateurishly produced, with long pauses and a rather poor organization of topics. The overall sense I got from listening to this is that Lama Surya Das just likes listening to himself talk. If you're interested in lucid dreaming, you'll make more progress with a different primer. This was a waste of my money and time.』
(Basic Instruction with Dzogchen orientation) 『I listened to the 2-cassette version of this introduction to Tibetan Dream Yoga. LSD (interesting initials) speaks from the Dzogchen tradition which differs greatly from basic Vajrayana (all 4 Tibetan schools + Japanese Shingon) Buddhism. It's the advanced teaching of the old (Nyingma) school as well as of pre-Buddhist Tibetan Bon. It's approach is more relaxed, aimed at effortless Buddhahood vs. heavy-duty ritual practices, dialectical debate, or philosophical arguments. Thus, those familiar with the other 8 "yanas" or paths of Vajrayana may find this approach unfamiliar&less than appealing. Also, LSD speaks more ABOUT Dream Yoga rather than OF it, requiring a listener's fortitude. Instruction is mostly on the last 1/2 of the last side of the last tape. Also, the chanting seems more American Indian than Tibetan (I've been to monasteries in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan,&Sikkim).
However, LSD draws interesting parallels with other dream systems (e.g. Taoist Chuang Tsu's question after his butterfly dream--Am I a man dreaming of a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming of a man?&the Hasidic dream of a man searching elsewhere for a treasure buried in his home). I find such stories valuable, entertaining,&sometimes enlightening. Of course, this short work cannot go into the depth of Westerner Stephen LaBerge's Lucid Dreaming: A Concise Guide to Awakening in Your Dreams and in Your Life or contemporary Bon Dzogchen Master Tenzin Wangyal's fine The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep.
LSD provides the lucid dreaming "reality-testing" method--regularly asking yourself if you are dreaming or awake. I did this decades ago; it works: the habit of asking carries over into your dream--you ask&answer the question in your dream! Then, you know you are dreaming within the dream. I haven't tried a dark retreat, but one could certainly do one. The main thrust, I believe, of these practices is to blend life into one--to see everything similarly: dreaming, awake, daydreaming, death--all the Bardos experienced as "one taste." This prepares one for the "clear light" experience (The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying: The Spiritual Classic&International Bestseller; Revised and Updated Edition). LSD also provides rituals&a guided meditation. I don't do them; I believe their value depends upon student needs. Obviously LSD cannot tailor-make the tape for each individual listener.
He does provide some interesting Dzogchen turns of phrase: "timeless time," "the dream-like nature of reality," "the daydream we all live in;" words of instruction: "look behind your eyelids as if sky-gazing," "open our 3rd ear," self-shifting," keeping your "feet on earth&head in clouds" at the same time;&one of my favorite William Blake quotes--"He who binds to himself a joy, doth the winged life destroy. Yet he who kisses the joy as it flies, lives in eternity's sunrise." This is very Dzogchen. For deeper insight read the works of the great Dzogchen Master Longchenpa The Practice of Dzogchen&Kindly Bent to Ease Us, Part One: Mind.』
(Terrible) 『As noted by the other reviewers, these tapes contain *very* little in the way of actual technique. At least 3/4 of the content is rambling about what is supposedly going to be taught, and the author often repeats himself at that. I found very little insight in said rambling, mostly fluffy and silly reiteration of the purpose of the tapes... a purpose which the tapes never fulfill. In fact, these tapes for a long time made me distrust the value of any of the Tibetan dream techniques which have been collected and shared with the 'west'. These tapes could easily make anyone unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism think that the entire endeavor is a sham... truly a shame.
I found much more insight and technique in LaBerge's work on lucid dreaming, specifically _Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming_ (highly recommended). Fortunately I recently came upon another text that quite effectively brought together the teachings of *Tibetan* dream yoga: _The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep_ by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. I strongly recommend this latter text as *infinitely better* than these tapes.』
(Talk about going to Sleep!) 『While I have the utmost respect for Lama Surya Das, something went terribly wrong here. The lama talks about what he is going to teach you for the entire first tape and for the first side of the second tape. Finally he gets down to the actual teaching only on the second side of tape two. This is truly too bad. It is very hard to train our minds to get to, and stay on a virtuous point of contemplation and meditation. I respectfully think that the lama wildly strayed from the focal point of his teaching.』
(Lots of Sizzle, Not Much Steak) 『Having enjoyed Surya Dass' books and having been intrigued by his personal story (imagine going on a 3-year solo silent retreat, and enjoying it so much you go on another one), I had great expectations for this little pair of cassettes. Alas, those expecations were for nought. Or for not very much.
About three quarters of this not-a-book on tape is Dass' personal reflections on dreams and their importance to the spiritual journey. I felt as if he were addressing an unwilling participant who needed convincing. As I was already willing to give it a good try, I found myself wishing he would for crying out loud, please get to the point!
Which he does.
Finally.
On side 2 of the second tape.
I now see why this was never released as an actual book: the substance of Surya Dass' "Tibetan Dream Yoga" could fit on one side of one piece of paper. My advice: save your money. There are better ways to learn about dream yoga than this.』
『In the secret teachings of ancient Tibet, the dream state is known as "Fourth Time", a malleable realm where the past, present, and future meet. It was here that the first meditation masters of Tibet developed a way to speed their progress through the stages of enlightenment -- while they were asleep. On Tibetan Dream Yoga, respected meditation teacher Lama Surya Das teaches you these exercises to awaken fully within the fabric of your dreams -- plus specific yogic dreaming techniques to enhance creativity, overcome deep-rooted fears, and free yourself from harmful habits in your waking life.』
Kakaku：1695 saved$16.95
Authors Choice Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (excellent for practical use and as a teaching tool) 『This little book is one of the most valuable preventive health manuals of the century. As a medical professional who has read and utilized many health related texts,this body of information is among the best. The unique benefit of Yoga Therapy For Common Health Problems is that it is an easy and simplistic guide. Absolutely anyone can comprehend and immediately apply these techniques. The best things in life can come in small packages.』 『Yoga Therapy For Common Health Problemsis based on the ancient science of yoga and clinical success with patients around the world. For sufferers of certain problems and diseases, such as diabetes Type II, cardio-vascular ailments, back pain, neck pain, addictions, impotency, infertility, sexual disorders, as well as for overall health, the book provides a step-by-step process for treatment. With the help of this book, any person suffering from any of these conditions and others can benefit, correct or cure the disorder leading to better health.Since yoga as a science is not widely known as yet in the world, very few medical professionals are knowledgeable of it or its therapeutic application. Much of what is known has been distorted by religious, cultic and mystical viewpoints. Its scientific character only began being restored in the 1960’s. This work comes out of the history, principles, philosophy and practices of Yoga Science.Every topic covered in this book is based on decades of experience in treating chronic health problems and conducting research in some dominant health issues of our time. These findings, therefore, are genuinely claimed and presented in this book. Please read them, apply them, and help others.』
Kakaku：1100 saved$11.00
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (On the road to find out) 『If you're going to read Charles Wright, start with his translations of Montale. Then dive into the books in the order in which they were written, and you'll have a good journey through one of the freshest voices in contempory poetry.』 『
"[Wright's] penetrating and ravishingly gorgeous lyrical poems are at once classically philosophical and freshly revealing" (Booklist)
Never has Charles Wright's vision been more closely aligned with the work of the ancient Chinese painters and writers who inform his poetry than in his newest collection. Wright's short lyrics, in Charles Simic's words, "achieve a level of eloquence where the reader says to himself, if this is not wisdom, I don't know what is" (The New York Review of Books). The poems inBuffalo Yogaare pristine examples of the Tennessee poet's deft, painterly touch-"crows in a caterwaul" are "scored like black notes in the bare oak"-and his oblique, expansive, and profound interrogation of mortality, as in the title sequence, where the soul is "a rhythmical knot. / That form unties. Or reties."
Kakaku：2595 saved$25.95
PowerYoga.com
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Great, strong practice for seasoned yogi's.) 『I love Bryan. He's such a great teacher who "keeps it real." I am a yoga teacher, who lives in the NY metro area and I rely on Bryan's cd's to practice by. Whenever he's in town from Santa Monica, CA, i make sure to practice with him "live;" however, practicing with this cd at home will kick your butt, make you laugh, make you cry and make you strong and limber. Namaste Bryan.』
(great workout for the mind (and body)) 『I love Bryan Kest! I have been working out to his videos since 1997. I was very fortunate to try his videos first and fall in love with his style of yoga and teaching! Just as I was looking for more, he started releasing cd's of his classes in Santa Monica CA. I was in heaven. First of all, if youre familiar with his Energize, Tone, and Sweat series, which are his original work, this is not that type of class. Those videos are vinyasa style. This cd does not feel very vinyasa to me. Dont get me wrong, its TOUGH! But it doesnt feel like his other classes. That last sentence may only make sense if youre already familiar with Bryans way of teaching.
This cd is not for beginners! Its strenuous and long! (2 hours!) But its a great addition to an already existing routine. I like to do one of Bryans early videos and then maybe a little cardio. You'll be too tired for that here. But this workout is all you'll need!
Another welcomed change is Bryans attitude about the body. In his early videos it was more about the poses. Now he takes the time to stress the importance of health. I, too, am less concerned with six pack abs. I want my whole body to feel good.
One of the things people complain about most is Bryans talking. I've always said that this man has a lot to say and actually cares about people. Listen to him, you'll learn a lot!
As I said earlier, only buy this cd if you already pratice yoga 3-4 times a week already. Otherwise, you're just going to burn out. This isnt the type of cd you can do daily. And thats no way to start yoga.
』
(I love it, but it's tough!) 『I love every minute of this CD set, and I hope that Bryan Kest puts out more. The spiral-bound book is of great quality, as are the recordings. It's a tough practice, and certainly not for beginners. I've stated in other reviews, that even though he's a little bit coarse in the way he talks, it doesn't bother me in the least, and I find him very motivating. I like this practice in addition to going to the studio to practice, but it does take a lot of time. I think overall its nearly 2 hours! Well worth your money!!』
(sweet struggle) 『This bootleg is very challenging. Having committed myself to the kest system of power yoga over the past two years, I have evolved in my ability to breath deep, not react, and enjoy the sweet struggle that bryan's philosophy focuses on.
I noticed that in this CD, Kest's most recent, his philosophy has evolved a little as well. Focusing on keeping attentive to what we are doing and not fidgeting. Giving in to the pose and feeling all of the places it is touching. About an hour and a half of very strong upper and lower body poses. This cd is advanced both physically and mentally. In the final 15 minutes of this practice, bryan leads you through a very simple meditation focused soley on gratitude. Very powerful stuff!
I highly recommend this cd to anyone looking to challenge themselves physically and mentally, while focusing on being present, not competing and gratitude.
As a side note, the most powerful aspect of Bryan's entire philosophy is how insistent he is about getting out of your ego. In this american culture of materialism, traffic jams and competition, we all have the tendency to get caught up in the rat race and become unconcious. No matter which work out you do, with bryan, you have an opportunity for one hour or whatever to get outside of that, focus on being present, being who you are and where you're at and being ok with it...』 『The first Advanced Routine was so popular that Bryan Kest brought out a second one! In addition to guiding you through challenging physical poses, Bryan shows you another type of edge that is experienced in stillness. Strength, suppleness and silence -- get all three in this routine, which includes Bryan's guidance into a deep reflection that is as fruitful as the most difficult asana (pose). This is the fifth in a series of live recordings just made available to the general public. The recording is of one of Bryan's 90 minute classes at his very popular Santa Monica, CA studio, in audio CD format accompanied by a beautiful, 8" x 8" spiral bound instructional booklet. (Like the other titles in the series, the spiral binding makes it easy to keep the book open and follow along.) The audio CD is segmented into 12 tracks for easy repeating or forwarding. The booklet has over 150 photographed asanas (positions) that track the recording, along with detailed written instruction for key poses provided by Bryan.
In addition to being an excellent, complete yoga routine for your library, the CDs are a compact format perfect for travelers.』
Kakaku：595 saved$5.95
Running Press Miniature Editions
Usually ships in 24 hours 『
This first journal for the burgeoning population of yoga practitioners is packed with useful features to help organize workouts, deepen understanding, and track progress. Illustrations depict the most appropriate yoga postures with accompanying explanations. Other pages feature inspiring quotes, with space to record insights gained from each session.
Kakaku：239 saved$2.39
AYP Publishing
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (A great book on Bhakti&Karma Yoga) 『This book is one of the very few books that we have on the topic of bhakti and karma yogas that explains very clearly what they actually are.
The science of devotion or bhakti is constant love for god, through which one reaches enlightenment. The path of liberation through one's actions is the path of karma yoga.
Yogani explains very well the differences and similarties between these two paths and how they relate to AYP system of practices.
I also highly recommend to everyone another book written by Yogani which explains all the spiritual practices of ancient times which were hidden to the modern world till now. This book is considered and rated by many as "The BIBLE of Spirituality" and I highly recommend this to every spiritual aspirant who wants to make progress on the path. Here is the link...
Advanced Yoga Practices: Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living』
(Essential reading on the path to enlightenment) 『Bhakti and Karma Yoga is the 8th book in the AYP Enlightenment series and a definite read for those who seek self-realization.
I've never found any other books by anyone else who lays out a more clear, effective and easy to follow path to self realization or enlightenment than Yogani. Many like to talk about what self-realization is like but few understand and effectively communicate the practical and easy to apply methods that will take you there as fast as possible. This little book is easy to understand, well-written and contains lot's of new material by Yogani.
I highly recommend Bhakti and Karma Yoga and will only add to your understanding of what is required on the path to self-realization. 』
(The sparkle of a life of actions powered by love) 『Nothing is as sobering as facing oneself.
Our actions and their consequences are themselves devine teachers. This is what life is! Everything you need in order to realize your true nature is right here.....in every instant. You don't have to move, nor extract yourself from an ordinary life. When greater awarenes saturates our being (through deep meditation or other spiritual practises) it follows that desires transform into a conscious longing for the devine. The implicit intelligence that is life itself wants to know itself fully. So we long for this "coming home to ourselves". When your heart is turned towards the devine, it becomes obvious that your actions are powered by love. You then become even more aware through allowing life to live you. Through this great little book, Yogani explains the simple - yet profound - principles that together form the key to living in the lucid, loving freedom that is our true nature. Read and enjoy!
Nothing is as joyful as being a conscious expression of this love.』
(Blessings) 『Bhakti and Karma Yoga- The Science of Devotion and Liberation has had such a positive effect on my understanding of Meditation, and the purification of the nervous system,that it's a pleasure to recommend to anyone on the path of enlightenment. TWO THUMBS UP!』
(a gem -- best small book on Bhakti and Karma Yoga) 『If you aren't familiar with Bhakti or Karma Yoga, this is probably the best introduction you can get. If you are familiar, it's great review, and great inspiration. That's a pattern with Yogani's books: good introduction for the unfamiliar, good review and inspiration for people with some familiarity!
Bhakti and Karma yoga are roughly the 'yogas' of DEVOTION and ACTION. However, no yoga approach is fundamentally isolated, rather, they all belong to a bigger unified system whose common purpose is human spiritual development -- Yoga. Yoga is in a sense a system of tools for spiritual development. ( I mean 'tool' very broadly -- even a way of looking at things can count as a tool. ) The mind likes to usefully put these tools into boxes, and two of these boxes are called Bhakti and Karma yoga. Sometimes a tool fits in either box, and that is fine and to be expected. In fact, all the tools are related and have a common purpose -- spiritual carpentry.
You'll get one of the best explanations of Bhakti and Karma Yoga (and any of the types of Yoga) from Yogani, simply because yoga can only be properly explained by someone who really understands it intimately, as a master practitioner --- and he does. If you read the book, you'll understand the carpentry, and once the carpentry makes sense, the tools make sense, and once the tools make sense, the way all the tools fit together make sense.
Like all of Yogani's books on yoga, the book is aimed towards helping people practically on their spiritual journey. They keep to the essentials, emphasize the fundamentals, and clear away a lot of clutter, and in some cases, clear away a lot of confusion. But even though they are aimed for use in personal practice, they'd be great reading too for anyone who wants to really understand yoga from a Religious Studies perspective.
Pssst: I hear Yogani is publishing 'Eight Limbs of Yoga' soon (or some similar title) soon which will surely be another 'must have' for the shopping cart! 』 『"Bhakti and Karma Yoga - The Science of Devotion and Liberation Through Action" covers the systematic application of the essential principles of desire and devotion to aid us in achieving our goals and spiritual aspirations. Through inspired action we can transform our life experience to one of ecstatic bliss and outpouring divine love. In combination with an effective daily routine of yoga practices, the applied principles of bhakti and karma yoga elevate the relationship of our desires and actions to divine expression, greatly hastening our progress toward enlightenment. Yogani is the author of two landmark books on the world's most effective spiritual practices: "Advanced Yoga Practices - Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living," a comprehensive user-friendly textbook, and "The Secrets of Wilder," a powerful spiritual novel. The "AYP Enlightenment Series" makes these profound practices available for the first time in a series of concise instruction books. "Bhakti and Karma Yoga" is the eighth book in the series, preceded by "Self-Inquiry," "Diet, Shatkarmas and Amaroli," "Samyama," "Asanas, Mudras and Bandhas," "Tantra," "Spinal Breathing Pranayama," and "Deep Meditation."』
Kakaku：1900 saved$19.00
RoutledgeCurzon
Usually ships in 1 to 4 weeks 『The Indian Tradition of yoga, first codified in the Yoga Sutra of Patañjali in the third or fourth century CE, constitutes one of the world's earliest and most influential traditions of spiritual practice. It is a tradition that, by the time of Patañjali, already had an extensive (if obscure) pre-history and one that was to have, after Patañjali, an extraordinarilyrich and diverse future. As a tradition, yoga has been far from monolithic. It has embraced a variety of practices and orientations, borrowing from and influencing a vast array of Indic religious traditions down through the centuries. Recent years have witnessed an increased production in scholarly works on the yoga tradition, which has helped to chart this complex and multifaceted evolution and to demonstrate the important role that it has played in the development of India's religious and philosophical traditions. And yet the popular perception of yoga in the West remains for the most part that of a physical fitness program, largely divorced from its historical and spiritual roots. The essays collected here provide a sense of the historical emergence of the classical system presented by Patañjali, a careful examination of the key elements, overall character and contemporary relevance of that system (as found in the Yoga Sutra) and a glimpse of some of the tradition's many important ramifications in later Indian religious history.』
IPhone 3G used's review (the eight limbs of yoga illuminated) 『The Spirit of Yoga is an amazing and magical interpretation and guide to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. The eight limbs or stages of the yogic path to liberation are described with clarity, wisdom and insight and illuminated with poems, photographs and illustrations. Open to any page and discover new insights, inspiration, guidance and wisdom for your practice』
(Not your typical yoga book...) 『When I first saw this book, I was expecting your typical workout book with photos and instructions. I was pleasantly suprised and delighted with the text and photos. This is a must have for anyone who enjoys and understands the true meaning yoga.』 『Structured around the eight limbs identified in the yoga sutras of Pantanjali, this highly accessible approach leads you from Yama, the practice of universal ethical disciplines, right through to Samadhi, union with the Supreme Being. Throughout, the authors share personal hints and practical tips on how Pantanjali's beautiful teachings translate into both the practice of yoga and our everyday lives.』
Kakaku：395 saved$3.95
Llewellyn Publications
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (rehash) 『If you have her first book, save your money. This is a re-hash with a little extra thrown in, definetely not worth it.』
(Perfect For Anyone with No Time and No Place to Exercise) 『Yoga Anytime, Anywhere by Carol Blackman and Elise Browning Miller is not just another book about how to do yoga exercizes. This one is REALLY designed for people on the go in busy lives who don't feel they have time to take out for exercize. The authors have creatievely presented traditional yoga moves to be done anywhere when you have two minutes or an hour. You can do some of these in the work place, on the plane, in a hotel room, or sitting at your desk! With great emphasis on proper breathing (prana) throughout, the book also has chapters on yoga for regulating your hormones during menstrual cycle relief, pregnancy, and healthy menopause. For when you are tired you'll also find chapters on Energizing Your Whole Body with postures that work "better than caffeine and are completely organic!" There are special poses for stretching and preparing for sports. And finally you'll find techniques for just relaxing and finding balance in your life. Each pose and exercize throughout the book is photographically illustrated, so the book serves well for "do it yourself" and requires no equipment. You'll love this book! A terrific gift for any age,』 『Carol Blackman and Elise Browning Miller offer step-by-step instructions for learning traditional yoga poses that are easy to incorporate into everyday life. Based on their original book, Life is a Stretch, this new edition gives readers more information on breathing and stretching techniques that relieve stress, boost energy, trim fat, and improve flexibility, strength, posture, and mental clarity.』
大満足！北国のホタテ・いくら・ボタンエビがぎっしり！
