Kakaku：1495 saved$14.95
Ulysses Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Good guide to yoga practice) 『I had looked at a lot of books for my home yoga practice, and this one seemed the most practical with a good variety of poses, both simple to more advanced. A lot of the books seem to have the same simple poses or very few poses described. There is a little bit at the beginning about the philosophy of yoga, but most of the book is about the asanas. There is also some introduction at the beginning about equipment and proper breathing. I liked that each asana has a full two pages devoted to it, one page describing the asana in detail, with benefits and variations. On the facing page is a full size photo of the asana. The photographs are clear, and pictures are shown for different parts in a sequence, like for sun salutation. Towards the back of the book, there are courses of different poses, some just for regular practice and some for remedial work, like to relieve backache or reduce menstrual pain. There is also a course for pregnancy. I liked that there were many courses to choose from (sixteen daily courses and at least ten remedial ones); that helps decide which asanas go together and makes for a varied practice.
Although this book gives great descriptions of the asanas, it is probably more for someone who has had some exposure to yoga previously. Some of the poses are a little more advanced for the brand new practioner (shoulder stand, for example), and not much is given about the history and philosophy of yoga besides asanas, if that is what you are interested in. I was not so much interested in background philosophy and history as I had read about that in other yoga books. I wanted a book that I would still use as I progressed from a beginning to an intermediate practice.
I love the small size of the book. There is a lot of information in a book of such compact size. I like that I can easily pack the book when I travel so I can practice yoga when I am away from home. My only complaint is about the binding of this book. It is difficult to get it to lie flat, making it hard to use while you practice. Also although the courses provide a small picture and the name of the various asanas, if you cannot remember all the details of a pose, you have to flip back and forth between the descriptions and the course outline. The way I remedied the situation is I had the book spiral-bound for a small fee at the local copy shop making it easy to lay flat and flip back and forth during practice. Buying a used copy of the book in good condition from amazon marketplace made the entire cost still less than what I would have paid for a new book at the local bookstore.』 『
Yoga in Focus captures the essence of yoga through perfectly positioned figures in meditative black-and-white photos. The first part of the book presents a range of postures, each across two-page spreads: a full-page photo accompanies tips on positioning, commentary on the benefits of the posture, and advice on breathing techniques and proper focus. The book’s second half presents original posture sequences to refine one’s daily practice and special sequences to relieve specific conditions including headaches, back pain, and stress. A tribute to yoga practice rather than a structured introduction, this book emphasizes the beauty and power of yoga.In all, over 25 original posture sequences and 400 gallery-quality black-and-white photographs are featured.
IPhone 3G used's review (One of the best!) 『Power yoga is great for Americans, especially those who are used to more aerobic workouts and especially for those like me, who have bodies naturally inclined toward strength training and not toward flexibility. Don't get me wrong---you get plenty of flexibility poses with Power Yoga---there are still poses I can't do yet---but there's none of that head under the legs, kissing your back kind of flexibility in Power Yoga. Warrior poses to develop leg strength are essential to this style, as well as some challenging balancing poses. If this sound's like your kind of thing, Geo's book is excellent and provides more info than many other power yoga books. Good luck with your training and Namaste!』
(Geo's Pseudo-Yoga) 『This is an appropriate manual for anyone looking to improve their physical and emotional well-being. However, for the serious Hatha Yoga practioner or beginning student, it is somewhat misleading. There's scant information here about the different types and contexts of the Yogas. Chakras are discussed in some detail. Yet here Geo uses his "personal system" to describe the different energy centers and substitutes there traditional names for those of colors e.g. "Red", "Orange" etc.
Likewise he needlessly renames some of the classic Yoga postures themselves. The "Corpse" pose is now the "Relaxation" pose and the "Plank" is rechristened as the "Board".
Yoga is primarily consists of static isometric forms of postures. In this way the muscles in the body are toned and strengthened gently, in contrast to Western type exercises such as press-ups or weight lifting, where the vigorous repetitions of the exercise break down the muscle fibers in order to achieve the supposedly desireable "sculpted" look. Such physical practice is diametrically opposed to the Yogic concept of non-violence which is applied to all aspects of ones life, which includes the abstienence of these types of exercise. For this reason I was quite bewildered to find such movements as "Eagle Crunches" in Chapter 19. For a better understanding of Yoga, it's practice and philosophy I highly recommend the exhaustive "Idiots Guide To Yoga" or the James Hewitts more erudite "The Complete Yoga Book", wherein the subject is explored in great deepth.
Still, this book contains a number of redeeming features which can't be ignored. The writing is clear and straight-forward throughout. At times it's almost like having your own fitness instructor at home with you- at only a fraction of the price! Each posture is well explained and illustrated so there can be no confusion as to their execution. The exercises are also helpfuly ascribed an individual "Difficulty Level" rating between 1 and 5 ,so the reader knows exactly what their letting themselves in for. Also included are valuable Chapters on meditation and breathing.
"Geo's Power Fitness" might have been a better suited name for this books highly individualized health system. As it stands "Power Yoga" somehow doesn't suffice. The "Power" part I can understand, theres no doubt that Geo's techniques will revitalize and bring physical and mental strength to all those whom use them. Yet whether or not we can realistically term them as "Yoga" is arguable.』
(Amazons&Animals) 『My girlfriend Lesa and I not only have autographed copies of Geo's book we get to practice power yoga with him twice a week at The Newport Workout, located in Newport Beach, California. The studio setting -- consisting of wood floors( great for sticky mats) is set at a temperature of 80 degrees. The session is an hour and a half. Our warm-up is 5-10 minutes, then goes into 60 various poses, including warrior, angle, crow, camel, splits, headstands, handstands, khatarangas (125), push-ups(250)and up&down dogs. The last fifteen minutes is a cool-down, by which Geo's inimitabe voice soothes us into a calm, tranquil state of mind, body and spirit. We strongly recommend Geo's book and yoga into your own lifestyle for peace-of-mind, heart, body and soul.』
(Very Inspirational!) 『This book is full of information benefitting the novice as well as the expert.Geo shares his 25 years of experience on all aspects of yoga including meditation and chakras. It will capture your interest from beginning to end!』 『
You're no idiot, of course. You know that nearly everyone in America is doing yoga--including Madonna and Oprah--and that it is said to reduce stress better than virtually any other activity. But when it comes to finding the time and energy for a yoga session and getting a much-needed aerobic workout, you'd rather meditate in front of the TV. Don't vegetate--invigorate! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Power Yoga, by master yogi Geo Takoma, combines the healing poses and stretches of traditional yoga with an exhilarating workout that requires as little as 20 minutes a day. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, Geo gives you:
IPhone 3G used's review (Beautiful!) 『This is a wonderful little book - whether you do yoga or not. If you do its that much more wonderful because you can read the short poem (all of which seem to really touch to the core) and think about it as you're doing a pose - body and mind moving together. But even without doing poses with it, each passage is so deep/intense with things to think about that they're nice to just read and ponder. On each two-page spread one side is a poem, the other side is a dreamy piece of artwork.』
(A Poet's Gift to Yoga and Others) 『For me, yoga is about images. So is this small book of poetry and art called "The Breathing Field. The poetry is by Wyatt Townley; Eric Dinyer is the artist.
"Slide under the scars where meteors dug their graves in us a millennia ago," it advises. And then we do. As we read, we discard the accoutrements that we no longer need, and breathe life. I suspect that this will be so even for those who do not know yoga for the images are accessible, beautiful and touching.
Although I know yoga, I do not think that one must know it to imbibe. Poetry is meant to reach out. This poetry may convert some to drinking of yoga's serenity; others may be touched only in the moment. That is, after all, what poetry and yoga are about-the moment.
Townley's images are simple, beautiful and understandable. "Here, inside the chest," she says, "a tiny fear is folded neatly like a sweater." I've always ascribed to the theory that poetry should be close kin to our every day speech. It seems Townley might feel the same way.
Unfortunately, I can hardly impart a sense of the images by Eric Dinyer. They are exquisite. They feel like painted photographs, remind me of those patterns one sees behind one's eyelids, deep within the realm of ourselves where reality and soul reside.
What a lovely gift this small book of 72 pages has given to me. What a lovely gift it would make for someone else.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "This is the Place"』
『Anyone who has taken a yoga class knows that the benefits of yoga are as much mental as they are physical. Through a rare fusion of powerful poems and evocative artwork, The Breathing Field offers inspiration for achieving the meditative frame of mind that is central to yoga. Much as yoga practitioners follow the path of the breath within the body, in entering the quiet space within the pages of this volume, the reader opens the door to a place of sanctuary and healing. This stunning gift book will appeal to the growing number of yoga and new age enthusiasts everywhere.』
Kakaku：3095 saved$30.95
Brooks Cole
Usually ships in 24 hours 『About to embark on a yoga class and seeking information and guidance for this effective form of exercise? In YOGA FOR FITNESS AND WELLNESS you will explore topics ranging from the theories to the history of yoga. With this knowledge, combined with a manual on the exercises themselves, you will soon be on the path to health, strength and relaxation!』
Kakaku：3650 saved$36.50
Educa Books/ Jaico
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Physical, Mental and Spiritual Yoga) 『"Yoga is a method, a system of physical, mental and spiritual development." ~Indra Devi
Indra Devi's book about yoga helped me to understand yoga in a deeper way than I could ever understand this practice through exercise videos. I truly feel that I knew very little about yoga before reading this book, even though I've practiced yoga for many years.
Indra Devi introduced me to Bhakti Yoga: achieving union with God through devotion and selfless love so you can become a channel of God's grace. I'm sure you could incorporate various principles into your life without having to leave society altogether. In fact, I think yoga helps you to live more peacefully with other people.
I also enjoy Jnana Yoga - Knowledge and study. Who knew that there were 10 Rules for a Yoga Code of Morality or that there were so many branches of yoga.
I also learned that Dharana is mind control and that Samadhi is the ultimate state of bliss. Asana or "postures" are just the beginning. While most workout videos do not introduce you to a spiritual dimension of yoga, I found that Indra Devi's way of exploring this aspect of yoga is not at all threatening to anyone practicing any religion. You don't have to change your religion to increase your flexibility, develop clear thinking or live a more healthy life.
What I'm finding lately is that to live a more fulfilling life, you almost have to look at various cultures and traditions and start to incorporate beautiful knowledge into your life. Life is a huge smorgasbord of experience and I hate to limit myself to living in one little box. I want to find out what secrets are hiding in many beautiful presents.
Yoga is one of those presents. Not only does it help you become more "present," it presents an experience that leads to a place of total relaxation you cannot get by doing almost anything else. I have never experienced places of peace like I have with yoga.
Indra Devi explains why you should not keep plants in your bedroom, how you can get rid of a toxic headache and why you should not rush out of bed in the morning. She explains various cleansing diets and helps you understand the core causes of illness. She explains why you should eat natural honey and why water is best at room temperature.
While it is interesting to read about the various poses, I must say it is almost easier to learn yoga through a video/DVD. You may want to try the exercises in the Yoga Journal's Yoga Step By Step DVDs as you are reading this book. You will find instruction for:
Cleansing Breaths Walking Breathing Exercises Postures - Cobra, Lotus, Swan, Churning, Angular Balance, Mountain, Bending Forward, Reverse and many more... Understanding the Chakras A Healthy Diet A Reducing Diet Making Healthy Meals - recipes included
This is one of the Yoga Classics. If you are interested in yoga and want to move towards "Samadhi," then this book will show you how to balance your mind, body and spirit. Until you can control your breathing, take control of your mind and move your body into a state of relaxation, nirvana might seem impossible. After doing yoga for years, you will start to realize that it is possible, if only for moments at a time. Those moments are quite beautiful and healing. I look forward to "corpse" pose when you just relax as the earth holds you.
Back to gazing at my new Zen fountain...
If you enjoy this book, you might also enjoy:
The Experience of God: How 40 Well-Known Seekers Encounter the Sacred.
~The Rebecca Review 』
(Mother Indra Devi) 『For over 60 years, Indra Devi was Yoga's most prominent female force. She pursued the practice of Yoga in an era when women were normally not accepted as students. Of European descent, she not only brought Yoga to her native Russia, she taught Yoga to the Hindus themselves. In America she taught Yoga to celebrities. Even after she reached the very advanced age of 100, she continued a yoga practice which included Ardha Sirsasana, Janu Sirsasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana and, of course, Padmasana. Indra Devi's followers called her Mataji, a rare and well-deserved honor for a woman who exemplified Yoga's principles with her love, light, and a liveliness that lasted nearly all of her 102 years.
The woman who would become Indra Devi was born Eugenie Peterson on May 12, 1899, in Riga, Russia. Her father was Swedish and her mother was a member of the Russian nobility. Although Eugenie had been drawn to India's spiritual ways at a very young age, she first pursued a career with the theater. She became part of a renowned Russian theatrical troupe that toured all over Europe. It was during this period of her life that she met Jiddu Krishnamurti.
Finally, in 1927, Eugenie was able to visit India for the first time. She wound up living there for 12 years, during which she married a Czechoslovakian diplomat, became an movie star in Indian films and befriended Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1937 she became a student of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a Yoga master whose other students included a couple of kids named B.K.S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Jois. After a year Krishnamacharya urged Eugenie to teach, and when her husband relocated to Shanghai in 1939, she opened her first school of Yoga.
After the end of World War II, Indra Devi continued studying Yoga in the Himalayas and after the death of her husband, her travels took her to the United States. She founded a Yoga studio in Hollywood where she taught stars of the day such as Gloria Swanson, Jennifer Jones, Ramon Novarro and Olivia de Haviland. In 1953 she married a renowned doctor and humanitarian, Sigfrid Knauer.
For the next several decades, Indra Devi took Yoga worldwide. In 1985 she moved to Argentina, where she set up the Indra Devi Foundation. Indra Devi's final book is "Yoga for You".』
『Product Dimensions: 19x14x2 cm. This book is based on the system of Hatha Yoga, science of physical perfection and the author?s excellent 1-2-3 method of instructions, illustrated with photographs, is specific and complete. You are taken step-by-step through all the stages ? until you develop within yourself a calm and confident approach to the converging pressures and tensions of modern living. Yoga for You will lead you to sounder sleep, a keener mind, a happier disposition, freedom from mental and muscular tensions so that you can lead a better, healthier and a longer life.』
Kakaku：4200 saved$42.00
Lucis Publishing Company
Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks IPhone 3G used's review (Looks like a consistent framework for finding your Self) 『My first commented version on The Yoga Sutras. I enjoyed it very much. It gives a very structured overview of the process of "Union with the Soul". Your Soul.
Yes, I guess it is from a western point of view only using some Hindu terms. Yes, I guess it is from a "Theosophy" source. But frankly, up till now I am not worried by that.
For one, Ms. Bailey gives quotes from several other (probably old) commented translations mentioned in her bibliography. This paints a picture consistent with my earlier experiences: "who the hell are we to say which one is the right one"? Among Hindu you also have numerous "sects" with very subtle differences of opinion. Can you tell? I can't. By all means: read multiple versions if you want to get in and pick the one that gives you the best feeling.
I am not worried by the Theosophy part. Yes, it's in there, but I don't think it is substantial. I can read and I am not stupid. Several statements refer to Theosophy internal history (or when reference is made to "Christian Science") and I am sorry to say I just skip these as "irrelevant". There are statements in there about "Atlantis" and the like, but again I am not worried yet. My "Inconsistent!" bells have not started ringing yet, so I take these as "a statement" and I go on. But again, this is not substantial.
There is plenty of value in the Sutras, but don't expect a checklist with steps numbered 1 - 51. Work has to be done. This is the only thing that counts: work done by you.
Respect for Patanjali. And for Alice Bailey and D.K.』
(The Light of the Soul: Truly) 『 Brilliant and enlightening.
This version of translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is by far the most profound, contradicting none of the other commentaries but is further clarifying the timeless teaching of this extraordinary scripture.
Both the paraphrasing and commentary is geared toward a form of presentation of the teaching's inherent meaning that is clearly understandable to western minds, as much in terms of abstract knowledge as in pointing out its practical usefulness in everyday living.
The book presupposes some basic understanding of the eightfold path of yoga along with some esoteric insight or at least serious interest but even without the former it can be deeply enlightening to the earnest student as it can supply ample food for thought to those who are as yet at the stage of genuine curiosity.
Raja yoga is both the science and the path of the higher mind, leading one progressively onward and inward toward a deeper realization of one's self, a better understanding of reality, toward peace, contentment and a more harmonious relationship with other members of the human family.
This book is a deep study and reference material for advanced students but it can also inform the beginner and enlighten the seeker of truth at any stage in between.』
(Clearly Theosophy Garbage) 『It was SHOCKING to me when I saw the rating of this book at Amazon. This is the worst book I have come across concerning the Yogasutras of Pantanjali so far. The writer (Alice) puts it in a Theosophy framework and as such, the end result is full of garbage. Consider...
"All the various Yogas have had their place in the unfoldment of the human being. In the first purely physical race, which is called the Lemurian, the Yoga at that time imposed upon infant humanity was Hatha Yoga, ....
etc. ...
In Atlantean days, the progress of the sons of men was procured through the imposition of two Yogas....
etc. ....
1. Belief. On his own plane the soul rehearses a condition analogous to the belief of the aspirant in the soul or Christ aspect, only in this case the objective is the realisation of that which the Christ or soul is seeking to reveal, the spirit or Father in Heaven. First the disciple arrives at a realisation of the angel of His Presence, the solar angel, ego or soul....
etc. ..."
and numerous references to the Christian Bible and also Theosophy ideas. Get the picture?』
(The Science of the Path) 『The Light of the Soul is a very able translation and commentary on the teachings of one of the greatest spiritual teachers the world has seen - Patanjali. The book will be of vital interest to those who have found the reality of the spiritual path within themselves.
The Light of the Soul consists of 4 books of sutras, each book being a continuation of the teaching of the last book. The teaching covers the greater part of that path, starting from when we first recognise its existence. The entire approach of the sutras is a mental and deeply spiritual one. It outlines the practical, though inner, steps that the spiritual seeker must take in order to move from one point to the next. Much of the text is about how to spiritualise the mind (and our entire self using the mind correctly) and prepare ourselves for this spiritual transformation.
That all this is in abbreviated form in one book is a test for those who would study it, as it takes a great sense of proportion, discipline and gentle patience to tread the path with care and a sense of direction and purpose at each point. It is too easy (and fruitless) to flit here to there, grasping some interesting ideas, and then moving on again.
The sutras are to be taken as objects for our deepest contemplation and by no means should the reader limit themselves to the commentary given. The commentary is there as a guide only, for those who find it helpful.
The Light of the Soul is an explanation of how to make this divine light a living, practical reality in our lives. No spiritual person, truly interested in treading the spiritual path, should be without this book.』
(The Light of the Soul) 『This book is a paraphrasing of the "Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali," as understood by Alice Bailey. The Sutras are the basis of Raja Yoga, which is the Science of the Soul, hence the title, "The Light of the Soul." The 51 Sutras are explained in Book I. Book II consists of a description of the steps that lead to Union, i.e., the means of attaining that state which has been traditionally called the "mystical union" in Christian faiths. The results of this Union are shared in Book III by explaining another 55 Sutras. The last Book, # IV, is by far the most difficult to understand since it treats of ILLUMINATION, a state unattainable by man. The 4 Books are bound into one: "The Light of the Soul."』 『Many translations have been made from the original Sanskrit of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. They have become well loved, well used, and well applied by many in all parts of the world and of all religious beliefs. The Sutras have a power and a timelessness about them which demonstrate the accuracy with which they pinpoint the basic truths of human evolution from subservience to personality clamours to the serene freedom of the soul. Most human problems today originate in selfish desire; the prostitution of the feeling nature to self-centred physical appetites. This is also brought out clearly in the teaching of the Lord Buddha, the treading of the Noble Eight-Fold path providing the only way out of the maze: "Right Values; Right Speech; Right Mode of Living; Right Thinking; Right Expression; Right Conduct; Right Effort; Right Rapture or True Happiness". These are attributes of the soul. Patanjali explores exhaustively the means, the techniques and the mental posture which create the connecting thread between the form-centred personality and these stages towards spiritual achievement and soul fusion. The four parts of the book develop: 1. The Problem of Union (51 sutras). 2. The Steps to Union (55 sutras). 3. Union Achieved and Its Results (55 sutras). 4. Illumination (34 sutras). Many different training techniques have been available over the centuries, depending on the condition of human consciousness and the phase of spiritual growth to be accomplished. Each "Yoga" has had its place, fulfilled its function, and become an absorbed part of human experience. In this book the factor of mind in meeting present-day needs is again given prominence as the agent of the soul, and the key to personality release. These Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are based on Raja Yoga, the "kingly science of the soul": "Through the science of Raja Yoga the mind will be known as the instrument of the soul and the means whereby the brain of the aspirant becomes illuminated and knowledge gained of those matters which concern the realm of the soul." The soul is concerned with the working out of planetary purpose and plan; so again we find that mental training, and the self-achievement of the individual, lead to cooperation and service on a scale far more comprehensive and of far greater evolutionary significance than merely the individual effects on the life of the disciple. Sutra 31 of Part IV rings out like a bell and a clarion call to those who venture on the path of union with the soul. "When through the removal of hindrances and the purification of the sheaths, the totality of knowledge becomes available, naught further remains for the man to do."』
Kakaku：3198 saved$31.98
Motilal Banarsidass,
Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks IPhone 3G used's review (For the Love of Yoga) 『This is quite a powerful book -- there are gems hidden in every chapter. It's extremely scholarly in tone, but it also brings the poetry, beauty and grace of yoga to life.』
(In context? Whose context?) 『The author gives a competent account of orthodox brahminical philosophy but this is not helpful for the understanding of hathayoga. Hathayoga developed out of the traditions of Saiva asceticism and Tantra-its roots owe little to brahmanism. As it became popular (from c.1450CE onwards) it was adopted by the Hindu orthodox (particularly Advaita Vedantins). They then put their own spin on it and this is the version that Burley presents. Burley consults only 3 (or, in fact, two and a half) of the many Sanskrit texts of hathayoga, and for those three he uses poor editions. His own understanding of Sanskrit is very weak. Furthermore, he perhaps unwittingly puts forward views of the modern Hindu far right that are based in prejudice rather than scholarship (does a book on Hathayoga really need a chapter on the Aryan migration into India?).』 『In this study, philosopher and hatha practitioner Mikel Burley places the soteriological system of hatha-yoga within its proper context, drawing attention to its continuity with Vedic religion, its initiatory pedagogical structure, and to the theoretical underpinnings of hatha practice. In particular, he examines the complex notion of a 'subtle bodily matrix'--comprising vital channels (nadis), centres (cakras) and forces (prana)--which is so crucial to the discipline.The author's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making the study suitable for specialists, practitioners and general readers alike.』
大満足！北国のホタテ・いくら・ボタンエビがぎっしり！
