Review by Choice Review
Yoga is an important part of Hinduism, one of the oldest religions of the world. Practiced at present by about 40 million people, it is becoming a part of the Western world. Though many books have been written on Yoga, Feuerstein (Yoga Research and Education Center, California) has written the most comprehensive account. His book includes 78 essays of varying length. Part 1 provides an orientation to Yoga, including ten fundamental principles. Part 2 has essays on various aspects of the practice of Yoga with chapters entitled "Quest for Happiness," "Understanding the Guru," and the "Practice of Mauna (Silence)." Part 3, which covers moral foundations, includes chapters on such aspects of Yoga as vegetarianism, the power of truth, and compassion. Part 4 deals with the Yoga practice and the various forms of Yoga, such as Buddha Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. The last part of the book, entitled "Higher Stages of Practice," includes material on meditation, prayer, the spiritual life, self-realization, and liberation. Feuerstein demonstrates that, rather than simply being physical exercise, Yoga is a path to self-transformation. The book has a special notes section, a glossary of the key Sanskrit terms of Hindu Yoga, and a useful index. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels. R. N. Sharma West Virginia State College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Feuerstein is a respected scholar as well as a longtime yoga practioner and author of numerous books on the topic. His latest is a comprehensive guide to the history and current practices of yoga. Feuerstein has an incredible breadth of knowledge on the subject of yoga, and he masterfully synthesizes material from both well-known and esoteric yogic texts in explaining numerous paths of yoga. Ultimately, his thoughtful reflections on various yogic and Buddhist practices help the reader understand the spiritual context of yoga practice and its relevance to twenty-first-century life. --Jane Tuma Copyright 2003 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
