Dancing on Rooftops with Dragons: The Yoga of Joy [Paperback]

Yuan Miao (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

Part documentary and part guidebook for yoga practice, this is the remarkable story of one woman's journey of discovery. Once a renowned film-maker for China Central Television, through her own personal suffering Yuan Miao came to the realization of the preciousness and real power of joy. Through years of material success, religious awakening, intense personal loss and attempted suicide, she was awakened to the mystical possibilities around her, that manifested through her. Yuan Miao's system for the self-cultivation of joy, with all its healing power, stems from many years of practice and the Vajrayana Yoga teachings of her Tibetan Buddhist ancestors. This simple "Nine Step Yoga of Joy" is shared with her readers, so that they too may cultivate and nurture joy in their lives. Reading about her journey will forever change yours.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An awe-inspiring glimpse into the delight of Existence, the Joy of the Cosmos... -- Obadiah S. Harris (President, Philosophical Research Society, 2003)

This powerful book offers solid food for our troubled times... instructing us in ways to keep harmony and joy alive. -- Matthew Fox (Founder, University of Creation Spirituality, 2003)

About the Author

Yuan Miao grew up in Communist China with Buddhist grand-parents who were disgraced and destroyed for their beliefs. Somehow, she flourished in that place, becoming a famous producer of domentaries for the largest Chinese TV network. She had a handsome husband, a beautiful daughter, fame, success. But Guanyin awaited her mystical awakening. Like something out of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" the mystical path proved steep and costly. All that Yuan Miao held dear disappeard before her eyes. But Guanyin had not deserted her, and her life took another turn, flooding her with with the widsom and joyful practice she passes on to all who pick up her book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Philosophical Research Society; First Edition edition (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0893144312
• ISBN-13: 978-0893144319
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #925,332 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meeting a remarkable woman, August 13, 2005

By 

David Holland (Tiburon, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dancing on Rooftops with Dragons: The Yoga of Joy (Paperback)

I was invited to meet Yuan Miao at a small gathering at the home of some old friends. She introduced herself and spoke in English with some assistance in translation from her traveling companions. It was immediately apparent that this woman was remarkable. She glowed with a radiance of unconditional love imbued with the wisdom of the ages. She felt to me unlike anyone I had ever met before. Her simple message: to be true to yourself and listen to your inner nature. I

Naturally I wanted to know more about this woman who left her very successful and privileged life in China and made her way alone to the United States. Dancing on Rooftops with Dragons is Miao's story of her life and what she came to understand as her spiritual life-mission. The book makes compelling reading as she traces her life from childhood through to her arrival in California and the unfolding of the Yoga of Joy.

The second part of the book contains an explanation and introduction to the practice of the Yoga of Joy. Miao describes simple movements which when practiced have a powerful effect of calming the mind and energizing the body. There is a companion DVD available that presents the movements in an easy to follow format.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone on the path of self-discovery. It is an inspiring tale of perseverance through obstacles and adversity. She reinforces an innate sense of magic and wonder in the world, and her success in conquering self-doubt and fear should be a lesson to us all.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a story, August 17, 2005

By 

Peggy Koop - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dancing on Rooftops with Dragons: The Yoga of Joy (Paperback)

It's unusual to find a life story of an advanced woman teacher who is alive today - it makes this book special and worth reading - and prompted me to buy it. I found Yuan Miao's story to be honest, interesting and inspiring. After reading the book, I tried the yoga series at the back of the book and found a noticeable improvement in both my energy level and mood during the day at work. I later contacted the foundation and purchased a DVD of the exercises led by an instructor, which proved to be very helpful. In addition to the book, I recommend the exercises! It's been a great and valuable experience.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strongly recommend to read it!, August 20, 2005

By 

Rebeca B. Cai (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dancing on Rooftops with Dragons: The Yoga of Joy (Paperback)

Three years ago, I read Miao's book "Dancing on Rooftops with Dragons". I was deeply impressive by her stories. I wanted to know her and I met her through the Book Publisher. And then I started to practice her "Yoga of Joy". I am so grateful to her guiding and her kindness. I got a lot of benefits from practicing "Yoga of Joy". My health got stronger in all. For example, more than 10 coworkers in my department got a serious flu months ago, I was the only one didn't get infected. They asked me Why, I told them Yoga helps. Also I became more happy and helpful to others. I am so lucky to met Miao and enjoy my new happy life since then. All these good fortunes coming to me just start from reading her book.

Rebeca Cai