The Yoga Matrix [Unabridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Richard Freeman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2003

The Yoga Matrix Within the Yoga Sutra, an ancient text about the practice of yoga, only two verses mention asanas, or the postures we commonly associate with yoga in the West. Patanjali, the legendary sage and author of this 2,250-year-old work, was concerned not solely with physical development, or even mental development. In fact the original purpose of yoga was-and remains-to function as a complete spiritual path where the body serves as a gateway to enlightenment. On The Yoga Matrix, the renowned instructor Richard Freeman immerses you in the rich teachings and sutras that inform the many schools of yoga, and reveals how the body can serve as the ultimate laboratory, temple, and place of pilgrimage for spiritual inquiry. Looking back 5,000 years, Freeman uncovers the living roots of yoga philosophy, and observes how they have grown into many schools, techniques, and philosophies that are united by a vast, interpenetrating "matrix" which holds the key to understanding yoga's full depth and greater purpose. Freeman first traveled to India in 1968, where he began a lifetime of study with the living masters of yoga and its mysteries. Now he teaches these authentic lessons and their original subtleties, with the questions and concerns of the serious Western student in mind. What is the yogic view of reality? Why was yoga first developed? How is progress traditionally measured? What are the principles of working with the body's subtle energy? Where do I start? From profound concepts at the center of this ancient cosmic philosophy, to the cherished teaching stories and chants that enrich its daily practice, here is a complete audio curriculum with the power to catalyze your daily yoga practice.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Yoga, as it is traditionally taught in India, encompasses an entire way of life and philosophy, far beyond the postures and stretches we normally associate with it in this country. On "The Yoga Matrix, renowned reacher Richard Freeman immerses us in the rich texts and sutras that inform all schools of yoga, revealing a 5,000-year-old view of ultimate reality with tremendous implications for anyone serious about their personal and spiritual growth. Carefully distilled from dozens of hours of teaching sessions, "The Yoga Matrix brings to all students the traditional chants, moral precepts, and cosmic philosophy that unite the many "limbs" of this ancient science of life. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Richard Freeman is frequently featured in Yoga Journal magazine, and is a headline teacher at the Yoga Journal conferences.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated; Abridged edition (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591791278
• ISBN-13: 978-1591791270
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #708,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #91 in Books > Books on CD > Health, Mind & Body > Fitness

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Change Your World View (for the better), March 27, 2003

By 

John Doyle (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Yoga Matrix: The Body As a Gateway to Freedom (Audio Cassette)

These tapes are simply as good as it gets. To have some human being with the most intimate knowledge (from practice and academics) of the myriad of yoga forms commit to media his insights is truly a gift from the yogic Gods. Thank you O unknowable One.
He is the king of metaphors. This allows the inducement of one's own imagination to embrace what is largely un-embraceable subject due to its variagated, misquoted, misunderstood and paradoxical nature. He reads Sanskirt so this is not the hearsay one might get from 99.9% of Western teachers. He has studied the major texts and minor texts so he understands the context from which he imparts his wisdom and commentaries. He also has a firm grip of our Western socio-cultural perspective from which most of us will listen to these words. And yet there is an informal tone that comes from someone who speaks from the heart, from terse notes, from years of Dharma talk experience.
Not since Alan Watts have we had an East West translator as compelling as Richard Freeman. One need not be labled "yogi" or "student of yoga" to appreciate and gain from these talks.
After listening over and over when learns to approach the world with "fresh eyes" and the art of letting paradox be.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent, Grounded, Well Rounded, Extremely Valueable, June 23, 2004

By 

MK - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Yoga Matrix (Audio CD)

Richard's well well rounded, broad based, super grounded presentation is invaluable to anyone interested in a deeper understanding and meaning of yoga. The material is spiritual without new age fluff or ego getting in the way. Priceless.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get a complete Overview of Yoga, December 10, 2007

By 

Julian Middendorf (Berlin, Germany) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Yoga Matrix (MP3 Download)

3 Years ago a yoga teacher told me to buy the Yogamatrix and listen to it. Because Richard Freemann teaches Ashtange Vinyasa Yoga I didn't buy the item. Now that I bought the item I can only applaude and bow in deep respect to Richard Freemann. During the whole audio book he does not mention Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga once or for that matter any other specific Hatha Yoga system. He has a beautiful voice and I listen to his different chapters over and over again. I'm a Yogateacher and have practised Yoga for 10 years and tought it for 3 years now. I've been to India many times. This audio book is abundant with truth and knowledge about Yoga in a simple, compact way. If every teacher of yoga and ever student of yoga would listen to this book the Yogaworld would be an even better place.