Customer Reviews

Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation

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If you're just interested in whether I liked this book or not, I'll get that out of the way first. I enjoyed this book and I expect to read it again in the near future.

I should mention, before discussing the contents, that this book is well-constructed. I like to read on airplanes and took this book on several short trips. It not only fits well into carryon luggage, but also withstands the rigors of travel and hotels extremely well.

This is not just a how-to type of book. Readers will not be overwhelmed by images of slim, svelte individuals in contortionist stances or situations. Rather, this book discusses the mental process of meditation. Any physical postures or exercises mentioned seem to be designed to facilitate the meditation process, not merely to lose weight or
fit in with the burgeoning yoga crowd.

I don't think there is any one good manner of addressing the mental processes, especially those of meditation. It is just too complicated an area. This author takes the approach of discussing some of the short-term goals of the incremental steps of his method, Shin-shin-toitsu-do, rather than ephemeral discussions of long-term, years-down-the-line goals. He
repeats important points, usually from different angles and perspectives. This approach can be heavy-handed and burdensome, if not done correctly.
Mr. Davey keeps his approach light. Just when it seems he is going to spoil things, he is off on another tangent that brings the reader back to the same goal.

I couldn't read this book in one sitting, although it is not a ponderous tome. I felt the need to break it into many short, educational readings. Sometimes just a snippet, sometimes reading longer. The material was presented in an easy manner, free of self-importance, yet not disrespectful. I know I probably didn't pick up all the important material
discussed, but I put it down with the feeling that I had found something that was important. I will read this book again, soon.

'Japanese Yoga' is a surprising book that affects your daily life from day one that you practice it.
The fact that i keep on practicing it everyday is a solid proof that the exercises are helpful in many ways.

The author H.E. DAVEY reveals in a clear and instructive way the teachings of NAKAMURA TEMPU SENSEI.
Both the psychological and spiritual background of his method are written in a down-to-earth way and without acting as a 'guru'.
Each of the principles has a PRACTICAL pendant as an exercise or test to make you really feel what is meant. In this way these principles are not mere assumptions, but become true and real, here and now.
For example : the principle that the mind moves and controls the body : the author includes several tests and exercises to make you find out for yourself what is meant.

The practice of Japanese Yoga has a lot to offer : stretching exercises, improvement of posture and breathing, centered movement, healing skills, meditation etc. These are not too difficult for most people, if practiced in the right frame of mind. And they are beneficial indeed.

The author suggests that there could follow a second volume of this book. i would be very pleased to read and learn more about Japanese Yoga.

H.E. Davey also wrote "Living the Japanese Arts and Ways", 45 paths to meditation and beauty. This volume
further explores the Japanese Ways (do) and is equally interesting and revealing. It looks at "body-and-mind-

unification" through the traditional crafts and arts of Japan.

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their mental and physical capabilities. It is more than a picture book of yoga poses; it is a thorough examination and guide to achieving a state of mind-body unification. The premise is "body reflects mind; mind reflects body" and a goal is positive relaxation. Japanese yoga (also known as "shin-shin-toitsu-do") was developed in the early 1900s by Nakamura Tempu Sensei, one of the first Japanese to receive a medical degree from the U.S. Who he was and how he came to combine yogic disciplines with his own discoveries and experiences is a fascinating story in itself; it also provides a solid foundation for the meditations and exercises to follow. In addition to demonstrating the stretches and movements designed to increase flexibility and coordination, the book offers practical ways to improve concentration and perception. Different forms of meditation and attention exercises are presented in a clear, concise manner--no shrouds of mystery or mysticism here, just a practical how-to guide that anyone with the inclination can follow. The book is applicable for all ages. The exercises are simple yet thoughtfully challenging (total mind-body unification can be a tall order), and there is enough variety not to be repetitive and boring. Davey is very good at taking us through each step. He explains not only the "how-to" for each but the "why" and "how" it relates to positive relaxation. I found this book immensely helpful and highly recommend it!

`Japanese Yoga' is comparatively an easy book to read and to follow. The author has a good gasp of Japanese culture and its philosophies. His explanations are relatively easy to follow. I think the paradox of Japanese is that they don't say much as most of their communication is through their actions and Davey has managed to explain many of demonstrated action into simple words. Although the book has fewer illustrations of yoga techniques which was rather disappointing but the explanation behind `Japanese Yoga' concept was well handled by the author. I will certainty recommend this book to any student who is keen to understand the basic principles and the source behind various exercises discussed in the book and those who are keen to understand the primary connection between the body and mind.

This book is an interesting overview on a form of yoga practiced in Japan, taken form Tibet by Nakamura Sensei in the first half of the '900.
Very easy to read, shows some exercices of cohordination mind- body ( so called "shin shin toitsu do") and explains what's the meaning of "unification mind- body", i.e. a way to use better our own energy.
It's important to say that the writer does not want to "sell" any religion or truth: this kind of yoga is good to enhance our abilities, whatever we do, but it's not in any way a faith he's forcing to believe in.

For people practicing aikido is interesting too, because many teachers (like Koichi Tohei) took these teachings and used them to perform a better aikido, more powerful and calm.

If you are interested in anything Japanese, this is one of those books that you will find yourself reading multiple times. . . and still learning per each read.

When I first read the title, I anticipated teaching on stretching and perhaps breathing and other elements associated with traditional yoga, albeit from a Japanese perspective. This book does include these aspects but so much more. From visualization to Shodo and a dozen other topics in between, this book covers more of a lifestyle vs. a how-to-do-yoga.

I found it extremely helpful and would highly recommend it.

For most, the title "Japanese Yoga" will immediately conjure countless preconceived notions about the contents of this book, most of which are probably wrong. Yes, this work contains exercises for stretching, breathing, and various forms of meditation (both static and in motion), but the most important aspect of this book (and really, its singular underlying theme) is something that would make for a much more cumbersome title: the unification of mind and body.

It's clear then why H.E. Davey chose the title that he did, but it may not be so clear as to why you should buy this book. Let me help you out. "Mind and Body Unification" is the state in which both your mind and body work together in unison to make you a more effective person. This idea may seem somewhat simplistic on the surface, but when you start to dig deeper and explore the exercises within this book, you'll quickly realize how inefficient and ineffective most people are in their daily lives. If you look closely, you'll begin to notice that fundamental human problems like stress, tension, emotional swings, etc., etc. are very often caused by a lack of unity between body and mind, and with practice you'll come to realize that you have much more control over these things than most people ever imagine. The opportunities to improve your body, mind, and life in general are, and always have been, within you. This book simply helps you discover this "hidden" potential, and it does so with easy-to-understand images and straightforward exposition.

A brief review can't do this book justice; the techniques and ideas presented here are literally life-changing. Put simply, this book will teach you how to stay calm under pressure, how to be healthier and more relaxed, and how to reach your full potential in life.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/07)


"Japanese Yoga: the Way of Dynamic Meditation" introduces the form of Shin-shin-toitsu-do, which means "the way of mind and body unification." The author describes it as "the direct investigation of universal principles for living." He believes that we can transform our lives by following this practice. It was created by Dr. Nakamara Tempu, also a sensei, when he went to India in the early 1900's to study yoga. In developing Shin-shin-toistuo-do Dr. Tempu incorporated his knowledge of martial arts, western medicine and psychology, and healing into this form.

Shin-shin-toistu-do is different from Indian yoga. It uses a variety of stretching exercises, breathing methods, methods of seated and moving meditation, massage-like healing techniques, auto-suggestion techniques, and mind and body coordination drills. Included are also principles for the unification of the mind and body. This practice is very practical and can be used in our everyday life.

We are encouraged to use this practice because it will teach us to transcend our bodies and it places a higher importance on mental and physical health over material wealth. In reading and learning about this practice, I appreciated the humbleness of Mr. Davey. He encourages the reader to look inside ourselves to find truth, not at him.

I think that this is a great book for anyone interested in meditation and healing techniques. I think that people with a passion for the Japanese martial arts will really benefit from the training. It is in no way difficult to follow and Mr. Davey keeps it very interesting. He also provides resources to accessing instruction and supplies, and a glossary for quick reference.

My personal interests lie in Japanese martial arts and healing. I am pursuing my third degree black belt in karate and have been attuned to mastery level in Reiki. I was very excited to read "Japanese Yoga," because I felt that in addition to assisting me with my everyday life, it will also help me to achieve my next levels of training in the other art forms. Physically and mentally, I will benefit, especially as I feel myself physically aging. I also think that incorporating something new into my life will bring an additional excitement to my training.

Received book free of charge.

One of the key principles of Japanese Yoga or shin-shin toitsu do is being and staying positive. When you stay positive, the ki or the energy starts to flow in you. When you turn negative, the ki stops flowing. It is as simple as that! H. E. Davey writes in a simple and most effective manner to instill in one this simple principle.

If you are practicing Yoga for some time, you will know that Yoga is not all postures. Living life to its maximum is yoga; letting that universal energy flow through you uninterrupted is yoga. The author writes about the teachings of his master - Nakamura sensei. While acknowledging the roots of Japanese Yoga lies in the ancient practice from India, Nakamura sensei went on to form the foundations of Japanese yoga through his own interpretations and experiences.

As with staying positive, concentration of the mind is a big part of the book. There are several exercises/techniques (candle gazing, listening to the fading of the ringing bells to eternity) explained in the book and how, with such exercises once can connect to the universal energy. The exercise with a pendant is a simple and profound way to illustrate the effects of the mind on the body. You will find the many gentle stretching and ki stimulating exercises easy to learn and practice. This is one of the yoga books that I could read through without the express need to 'know' the steps of postures, the sequences and combinations of different categories of postures, etc, etc.

I found the book to be simple and devoid of the numerous asanas that one needs to learn to 'practice' yoga. You need to read quite a bit of the book to get a sense of what Dynamic Meditation is. That's how this book is different. If Yoga were to be condensed into a two-page booklet readied for a crash course, then there wouldn't be so many books on the subject. Each author and each way of yoga uses a different and often unique way to get the message across. H. E. Davey speaks from his own experience and practice in writing this book and in it you will find a different and welcome way of practicing yoga. This book will be a unique addition to your Yoga library.