Teachings of Yoga [Paperback]

Georg Feuerstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 1997

An introductory anthology to the wide range of knowledge and wisdom of the Yoga tradition edited, with many new translations, by the leading writer on Yoga today. Millions of Americans have taken up the practice of yoga as a way of reducing stress, increasing flexibility, and improving overall health. But Yoga is more than a physical discipline it is a four-thousand-year-old tradition with a rich philosophical and spiritual heritage. The readings in this book offer an inspirational introduction to this vast treasury of literature. Presented here is a wide range of the most accessible writings, including: Teachings on the path of liberation from the ancient Hindu Upanishads Tevotional love songs in praise of Krishna by the celebrated poet Mirabai (1498–1550) Insights on the attainment of joy from the great Sanskrit epic Mahabharata Inspiring sayings and teachings from contemporary masters like Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Gopi Krishna Notes for each selection are provided, as well as an annotated reading list to guide readers in their further study of the Yoga tradition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

There are some classic images in Yoga, the illusion of a rope as a snake, for instance, and the metaphor of the chariot as one's body. In addition to these tidbits, Georg Feuerstein offers readers a light, palatable smorgasbord of traditional Yoga teachings from the distant and not-so-distant past. Most are translated by Feuerstein himself and touch on such themes as liberation, meditation, the human body, bliss of the self, and service to others. It is easy to get bogged down in primary-source readers of this type, but Feuerstein's selections are short and easy to digest. If you think you might be hungry for more, Teachings of Yoga is an excellent jumping off point.

Review

"Georg Feuerstein has done us a great service in sifting through the yoga classics and putting together a volume of short pieces that are inspiring and clear even to readers just beginning their forays into yogic philosophy. Here are teachings from the Upanishads, Mirabi's love songs to Krishna, insights on attaining joy from the Mahabharata, and words of wisdom from masters like Ramana Maharshi, Gopi Krishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Gandhi. It is a wonderful introduction to a vastly rich tradition."— Yoga Journal

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; annotated edition edition (November 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157062318X
• ISBN-13: 978-1570623189
• Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,911,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Georg Feuerstein (born 1947) is a German-Canadian Indologist. Feuerstein has authored over 45 books on mysticism, Yoga, Tantra, and Hinduism and Buddhism.

Dr. Feuerstein offers distance-learning courses on Yoga philosophy and history through Traditional Yoga Studies at http://www.traditionalyogastudies.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Gift for someone interested in Yoga, January 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Teachings of Yoga (Paperback)

Teachings of Yoga always sells on our yoga center's bookstore. Often, people choose this book as a gift because of the short sayings translated by Dr. Feuerstein. The sayings are inspiring and easy reading. By reading these teachings, you will be lead further to study some of the great yoga practitioners.