In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the word yoga means “spiritual discipline.” Modern yoga is thought of mainly in the context of its postures, but the actual meaning of yoga goes much deeper than that. Though its exact history is unknown, the first recorded instance appears in ancient Shamanism, a religion that involved healing its community members, among other functions. Throughout history, yoga has developed and adapted depending on its practicing members. While its original focus was applying and understanding the world, its focus was later changed to the self, with self-enlightenment being the ultimate goal. Later, the poses and meditation became critical elements in practicing yoga, a development introduced by Buddhist teachings. Yoga has many interpretations, and it has many teachers. From ancient yogis such as Buddha to more modern experts such as B. K. S. Iyengar, there is much wisdom to be gleaned from these pages, and there is much that can be discarded. As many say in the yoga world, if something does not work for you, then it is not true for you. There have been countless yogis and yoga experts throughout history, delving into the deepest meanings of yoga as well as scratching its most shallow surface. As readers will discover from this inspirational collection of yoga wisdom, there is no one way to do yoga, see yoga, or feel yoga.

This practical, inspiring anthology offers renowned Yogi B.K.S Iyengar's insights into yoga, life and the path to peace and happiness. Yoga practice lies at the heart of the book, and it is illustrated with over sixty new step-by-step sequences of yoga postures specially shot in India and accompanied by Iyengar's illuminating observations on technique, their significance, and their benefits. This book not only presents Iyengar's practical advice on how to perform key yoga postures, but also draws on a wide range of other material taken from interviews and world lecture tours, to the many texts Iyengar has written about yoga and about his own life's journey. Yoga Wisdom & Practice offers Yoga as it's meant to be practiced: Yoga for your contentment, for joy, for true inner peace, for life. Discover what yoga can do for your health, happiness and whole life. Yoga Wisdom & Practice offers a blend of wisdom both ancient and modern, and an all-embracing way to bring health, happiness and harmony to the way you live. Iyengar passes on the lessons of his own life experience, and shares the physical and spiritual rewards you can gain from an uplifting series of beautifully presented asanas, breathing exercises and meditations. This book provides practical yoga instruction and words of wisdom for health, happiness and a better world.

Sex. Stress. Job loss. Aging. Funny, thoughtful, essays on life seen through the eyes of a yogi. Yoga is more than looking good in leggings!

Everyone knows that yoga helps reduce stress and increase the body’s flexibility and strength. But the poses are only one part of a larger philosophy offering profound insights for confronting the complexities of daily life. Yoga can help you remain centered, compassionate, positive, and sane every hour of the day—especially those between nine and five. This unprecedented guide shows how practicing the full range of yogic concepts—the traditional “Eight Limbs of Yoga”—leads to a productive, creative, and energizing work environment and features examples from professions like law enforcement, teaching, banking, filmmaking, medicine, and many more. But beyond that, this book is an invitation to use all of yoga’s teachings to cultivate the spark of the divine that dwells within each of us. The Enhanced Edition includes six videos (9 minutes) and seven audios (21 minutes). The videos include personal stories about the benefits of practicing yoga at work, a method to help honor non-lying and non-violence, and three breath control techniques. The audios feature meditations to help release negativity, increase energy, calm the mind, tap into one’s own essence, and be fully present at work, as well as specific suggestions for living out the yogic precepts of contentment and surrendering to a higher purpose in the workplace.

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.

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.

Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R.Tolkien India is a never ending saga and story. This ancient civilisation has amazing stories to narrate. Each tale is steeped in rich culture, history and a tapestry which resonates with those delving to discover India. The country is a cradle of several cultures, religions, art, architecture, spirituality and sciences. Several dynasties and kingdoms have attempted to be suzerains of this fabled land. But the free-willed, enterprising people have braved several storms and woven extraordinary tales. This book is segemented into four parts, Wanderlust-Discovering India by Train, Wondrous India- Discovering the lesser-known trails, Well-known Personalities, lesser-known People and lastly Wavering Mind, Wandering Thoughts. Indian history has been fashioned and shaped by both known and lesser- known people, all blessed with a robust mind. Eminent philosophers like Adi Shankara and Buddha, in quest of harmony and the Indian ethos were on a voyage. May readers too discover the spirit of India through this book. Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah -Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions. - Rig Veda

Aphoristic work on the meditational fundamentals of the Yoga school of Indic philosophy.