Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living [Hardcover]

Donna Farhi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2003

Counter to the plethora of seven-step solutions and quick-fix formulas offered by so many contemporary self-help guides, the ancient science of Yoga does not pretend to be simple, quick, or easy. It is a practice that takes into account the very messy and often complex phenomenon of what we call a human being and the equally challenging task of everyday living. What Yoga does promise, however, is that through sincere, skillful, and consistent practice, anyone can become peaceful, happy, and free.

-- Donna Farhi

In this groundbreaking work, internationally acclaimed teacher Donna Farhi restores Yoga's traditional role as a complete, practical philosophy for everyday living. Most Yoga practice focuses on the physical aspects, or asanas, neglecting the profound spiritual teachings that are its foundation. In this beautifully written, encouraging, and down-to-earth guide, Farhi provides a blueprint for understanding the complete philosophy of Yoga. For beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, Bringing Yoga to Life offers the tools to help us navigate the ups and downs of a spiritual practice, illustrating how we can become our own teacher and obtain the deep rewards available through engagement with an authentic path. Brimming with insight gathered from over twenty years of teaching experience, this lyrical exploration of the heart of Yoga is essential for anyone who practices this ancient tradition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Farhi (Yoga Mind, Body, and Spirit; The Breathing Book) explains how to begin the process of integrating the principles of yoga into daily living. This is not a book for seekers of a quick self-help fix; Farhi points out "the ancient science of Yoga does not pretend to be simple, quick, or easy." Rather, it's for readers interested in learning about the origins of yoga and using this deeper understanding to bring slow improvement to mind and body. Slow is an operative word-there's even a chapter on slowing down, which is the "precursor to yoga practice because this simple act allows us to consider our thoughts, feelings, and actions more carefully in the light of our desire to live peacefully." Other chapters address becoming one's own teacher, trusting what one does not fully comprehend, and getting through roadblocks (such as sloth and feelings of inadequacy) on the path to enlightened living. Each chapter contains anecdotes of the small ways in which yoga reaches into everyday people's everyday lives-and these stories elucidate the power of yoga in ways no theoretical teachings can.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Farhi, a well-known yoga teacher who divides her time between New Zealand and the U.S., has taught for over 26 years and authored two previous books. This especially thoughtful treatise about the relationship of yoga practice to everyday life is well written and aimed at both new and longtime practitioners of yoga. Farhi combines her knowledge of classic yoga philosophy with insights from her years of practice and teaching. She was personally challenged by eating disorders and perfectionist tendencies, and learned that true yoga practice is not found in transient physical attainments, such as mastering difficult poses or sitting for longer periods of meditation, but rather in taking a more spiritual approach. To that end, she guides the reader to seek a deeper spiritual level in order to use yoga learning to live everyday life with more authenticity and compassion. Jane Tuma
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1St Edition edition (September 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060091142
• ISBN-13: 978-0060091149
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #693,071 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Donna Farhi has practiced Yoga for twenty-eight years and has taught internationally for over two decades. One of America's most respected and loved Yoga teachers, she travels throughout the world leading retreats and training others to teach. Farhi has been an Asana columnist for both Yoga Journal and Yoga International and is the author of the contemporary classics The Breathing Book and Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit. Born in America, she now resides in New Zealand.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Questions answered, December 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living (Hardcover)

Soon after practicing yoga and finding myself changing in strange and remarkable ways, I felt I needed a book that might explain the less obvious "benefits" of yoga other than physical fitness. I now read a chapter or two of this book every night and so far I have the feeling that I am conversing with a very wise, benevolent, and understanding teacher. Donna Farhi has a way of communicating exactly what I, at least, have been wondering and feeling about me, my yoga practice, and life. I will send this book to my closest friends.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Gem, July 26, 2006

By 

Tom (DeKalb, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living (Hardcover)

I really treasure my copy of Donna Farhi's "Bringing Yoga to Life." No matter how many times I've read it, I can always pick it up and glean some new insight or perspective from any passage. Her writing reflects genuine depth, wisdom, and experience, and she has a real gift for expressing sentiments that we intuitively realize but may not yet be able express ourselves. Note that this is not your typical manual of physical postures (there are certainly plenty of those available), but a very unique work that speaks to the process of integrating one's practice into daily life (which is what yoga is really about). Highly recommended.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing Yoga ToLife, Donna Farhi, April 24, 2008

By 

WENDY YEOMAN - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bringing Yoga to Life (Kindle Edition)

This book is a an absolute essential for any Yoga Practitioner. I have been practicing yoga for over 5 years and teaching for over 2 1/2 years. I keep rereading this book so I can have the knowledge and experience from this book embedded in my body and brain. I have highlighted, underlined, bookmarked many pages in this book to share with my yoga students. I could not say enough about this amazing book.