The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga: A Practical Guide to Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit [Paperback]

Deepak Chopra (Author), David Simon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 2005

The remarkable benefits of yoga, which include improved flexibility, balance, muscle tone, endurance, and vitality, only hint at the extraordinary power of this deeply spiritual practice. When adhered to and practiced mindfully, yoga can unlock readers’ full creative potential, their capacity for love and compassion, and ability to find success in all areas of their lives. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga brings spirituality back to yoga. It shows how the Seven Spiritual Laws play a crucial role in yoga’s path to enlightenment while providing readers with a wealth of meditation techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and yoga poses. Whether a newcomer to yoga or an experienced practitioner, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is a portal to yoga’s deeper spiritual dimension and a beautiful step to a happier, more harmonious, and more abundant life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Just as no one would argue that gravity applies only to England because Sir Isaac Newton was British or that Einstein's theory of relativity was relevant only in Germany... the principles of yoga are not limited by time or space," say Chopra, author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and Simon, medical director for the Chopra Center. Their guide is written in such a clear, sensible way that those new to yoga will wonder why they've not tried it before. Seasoned practitioners will find themselves reinvigorated and may learn a new breathing technique or meditation. Starting with descriptions of the two most popular frameworks, Shankara and Patanjali, the authors then list the seven laws of spirituality that neatly correspond to the seven days of the week. Extensive explanations of several types of meditation—chakra, so hum breath technique, awareness, attention/intention—are followed by the most common breathing exercises and thorough instructions for a variety of asanas (poses). Photographs complete the instructional portion of the book, making it especially useful for beginners. The final pages bring the program together with a suggested routine that combines all of the above into a perfect blend of theory and practice.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

While most current guides focus on yoga's asana (physical practice), this concise book emphasizes its spiritual aspects. Chopra (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind) and Simon (medical director, Chopra Ctr.) are both pioneers in the field of holistic health, having mixed Western medicine with natural Eastern hearing traditions. They lucidly explain the complexities of Vedic science and discuss how to apply its spiritual aspects to a yoga routine. Their overriding message is that if practitioners combine the components of a good yoga practice - breathing, meditation, postures (illustrated with photographs), bandhas (means of breath control), and Chopra's seven spiritual laws, they are promised physical, emotional, and spiritual rewards. Good for both beginners and advances students, this is an excellent choice for most yoga collections. ("Library Journal, July 2004)

"Just as no one would argue that gravity applies only to England because Sir Isaac Newton was British or that Einstein's theory of relativity was relevant only in Germany...the principles of yoga are not limited by time or space," say Chopra, author of "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and Simon, medical director for the Chopra Center. Their guide is written in such a clear, sensible way that those new to yoga will wonder why they've not tried it before. Seasoned practitioners will find themselves reinvigorated and may learn a new breathing technique or meditation. Starting with descriptions of the two most popular frameworks, Shankara and Patanjali, the authors then list the seven laws of spirituality that neatly correspond to the seven days of the week. Extensive explanations of several types ofmeditation-- chakra, so hum breath technique, awareness, attention/intention-- are followed by the most common breathing exercises and thorough instructions for a variety of asanas (poses). Photographs complete the instructional portion of the book, making it especially useful for beginners. The final pages bring the program together with a suggested routine that combines all of the above into a perfect blend of theory and practice. ("Publishers Weekly, June 28, 2004)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (August 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471736279
• ISBN-13: 978-0471736271
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 64 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars For Yogis and Yoginis and the rest of us! June 22, 2004

By Lissa Coffey, Host of coffeytalk.com VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I enjoy yoga, and have been practicing since before it was popular! So far, pretty much all of the books I have read on the subject have been the "same old, same old." But this book is different. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is really special. It has helped me take my yoga practice to another level, where I can experience much more of the spiritual aspect of yoga. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success has always been my favorite book in the whole world - so to have these laws applied to yoga is simply the ultimate! This book is definitely a winner - it belongs on every mat in every yoga studio, and on every bedside table for all of us "at home" practitioners.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book of Many Insights January 19, 2007

By T. J. Hudak

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I chose this book because I was looking for help in returning to my practice of yoga. Deepak Chopra books always provided words of guidance. He did not fail in this attempt. He begins the book with insightful questions to help you find the real "you" and then progresses to explain the different types of yoga practices. But the real value in the book is the section discussing the Seven Spirtual Laws. For me, that alone was worth buying the book.

After many years of practicing yoga I now understand the importance of not forcing the body to obey moves but it is in allowing the inner Self to assist in all of the movements. There is a wonderful section on yoga positions with excellent photos and descriptions of how to attain the pose. Chopra also discusses meditation, how to practice it and methods for success.

This is a book I keep in my workout area and read each day before I begin my sessions. It is not only physically helpful, it is a spiritual inspiration.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful! June 25, 2004

By Lissa Coffey, Host of coffeytalk.com VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you love yoga then you'll love this book! There's so much more to yoga than the physical postures that we have come to know. Yoga is a beautiful study, one that can really help deepen any spiritual practice. This book explains so much. I really enjoyed it, and will read it over and over again!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Change of Life Book November 6, 2006

By L. VANENWYCK

Format:Paperback

Dr. Chopra's book is a very uplifting yet calming way to study the spirituality side of yoga. While the poses are not difficult, the incorporation of the 7 laws gives a whole new meaning to the asanas.

This book has taught me the importance of meditation in my yoga practice.

I think it's a great book for newcomers as well as experienced yogis.

Namaste!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book September 9, 2006

By Melisa M. Dube

Format:Hardcover

This book is a indispensible daily guide that helps readers implement the spiritual benefits of yoga--both on and off the mat. Chopra and Simon's simple yet descriptive language allows for complete comprehension of the philosophy, meditation, bandhas and practices of yoga. I especially like the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga (which fall under Philosophy) and refer to and implement them on a daily basis. As a new student of yoga, this book has greatly helped my approach to and understanding of my daily practices.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars thoughtful January 26, 2010

By R. Jones

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book is thought provoking and easy to read. I have tried reading books by other yogis, but they were hard to follow. This one is easier for me to read because it uses layman's terms.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga October 29, 2010

By C. Bratton

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a wonderfully concise book that goes beyond hatha, the yoga of postures, to explain the rest of yoga - spirtual practice, breathing, lifestyle, meditation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Brand New World! May 19, 2012

By Filip

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I recently started to increase my awareness of health. I had a lot of overweight and knew the yoyo-effect all to well. Then I stumbled upon a website and a book of Jon Gabriel (The Gabriel Method). I will spare you off the food side of this story but this method makes you also familiar with visualisations and meditating. After a while, I wanted to get some exercise and in the method I heard about yoga.

I knew yoga but never practised it. Thought it was for the alternative and the softies. Not that I'm such a macho, but yoga... I didn't think it was something for me!

Through the method I became interested in yoga and bought a book... this one.

A whole new world came into view. Peace of mind, looking for the truth within, awareness, mindfulness...

The book is nice for as well beginners as experienced yogi's. It's good it highlights the meditating part also, not only the physical side.