Customer Reviews

Yoga, Youth & Reincarnation

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I discovered this book in a second hand store about 15 years ago. I had no thoughts of practicing yoga at the time, but the book looked interesting. I bought it for a few cents, and became motivated. I used Stearn's book to teach myself hatha yoga. Despite obvious benefits, I fell away from yoga after a year or two. Recently, I decided it was time to take up the practice again... but my ragged old paperback book had long gone missing.

Perusing the local bookstores revealed plenty of books about yoga, but none that struck my fancy the way Stearn's book did. I could not find a copy in Vancouver, but luckily, Amazon had a new edition in stock. I now have a brand new copy and I'm putting it to the same good use I did 15 years ago.

There's something about this book and Stearn's style of writing that I like. If you're thinking of taking up yoga, this one's worth a look.

...I still think this is the best book to teach anyone yoga from scratch. I have done many types of yoga, in excange for the space, or the job, or the study, but they all had serious problems. The worst of them were downright dangerous. Learning in a class, even from an experienced teacher, a tape, or one-on-one, will have you listening to something other than your own body, and is, more often than not, injurious. Gather the information first, practice slowly and meticulously, and you will improve faster than any other way. The best thing about this book is that it stresses the how and why, rather than the usual, "Do this!" As with everything, it's not as much WHAT you do...it's HOW you do it. Plow your way through the rest of it for the occasional tip, rule, or instruction, and you will be amazed at the benefits.
I first read this book because it was the only book in English that I hadn't read, in that part of Japan, during the Vietnam war. As a 20-something agnostic-by-mind, atheist-by-heart, all I was interested in was getting in shape physically, and, perhaps, controlling my own emotions. Imagine my surprise when, 3 months later, I found I had become an entirely different person! Not only was I physically more capable than I had ever been in my life, but I had the courage and the confidence to change my life into what I wanted it to be. My vision had been 20/200, it was now perfect, as an example.
You won't find the instructions for that in the positions illustrated in the back, or the pictures. You must read the text....with a notebook or a highlighter and dog-earred pages, but it's there, in language even a child can understand. The stories may entertain you, they may irritate you, but everything is there that you need. No one knows what your body needs but you, so do it alone, without distractions, when it is best for you. (I had 2 pre-schoolers then, so I did it late at night.)
Guaranteed, everything you need, for the rest of your life, is in there.

The black and white photos of Marcia Moore doing the major Yoga Asanas are what inspired me to study and practice Yoga as a sixteen yr. old. This was in 1965, though the Photos have not suffered in the paperback edition.

I have been teaching Yoga since 1972 (I have a degree in Physical Education) and have sat at the feet of many masters over the years, and I still think this is one of the best books out there for beginners or otherwise for learning postures and breathing.

Jess Stearn did a kind thing to share his experiences at Marcia Moore's Ashram, and to chronicle how Yoga practice helped him overcome the effect of years at his desk as a Daily News Reporter. And Frank Stork's photos will make you want to stand on your head, etc. . .

Namaste Marcia Moore! (We honour the light within you).

The black and white photos of Marcia Moore doing the major Yoga Asanas is what inspired me to study and practice Yoga as a sixteen yr. old. This was in 1965, though the Photos have not suffered in the paperback edition.

I have been teaching Yoga since 1972 (I have a degree in Physical Education) and have sat at the feet of many masters over the years, and I still think this is one of the best books out there for beginners or otherwise for learning postures and breathing.

Jess Stearn did a kind thing to share his experiences at Marcia Moore's Ashram, and to chronicle how Yoga practice helped him overcome the effect of years at his desk as a Daily News Reporter. And Frank Stork's photos will make you want to stand on your head, etc. . .

Namaste Marcia Moore! (We honour the light within you).

I read this book in 1969 and started doing the exercises at the back of the book. After 30 years I still return to this book to do the exercises. They work as well or better than all the other things I've tried.

Jess Stearn takes us through his exploration of yoga using a middle-aged, somewhat skeptical, Western writer's approach to this ageless Eastern discipline. This is not a theoretical discussion or scholarly dissertation. Stearn actually spent 3 months living with Marcia Moore and her husband at their ashram in Concord as a resident student. During this time, with infinite patience and good humour, Moore taught him the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga, and Stearn despite his initial doubts became a loyal convert. Stearn is an excellent and interesting writer. The book includes 3 sets of exercises for beginner, middle, and advanced stages, and the exercise positions are well illustrated. I only wish it was still available in hard-copy. I only have one of my original 4 Bantam paper-backs left. The other 3 were lent out and never returned

This book has totally changed my outlook and life. I first read it Approx. 17 yrs. ago. I just purchased a new copy as mine has fallen apart and yellowed with time. I want to reread the sweet story Mr. Stearn unfolds for us. Not only have I benefited from the postures but it helped send me down the right path to find my inner wisdom and put me in touch with a higher power. Read it with an open mind and you will marvel at the revelation. Happy trails. Joan

I like the bent the author takes in this book-- that of a skeptic who allows himself to be molded into a yoga student. Granted, his original reasons for coming to the practice were not pure at all-- he wanted material for a book, and he found it. But he learned many lessons along the way, and I think it's interesting to view this extended testimonial as just one of the countless paths people have taken.

It's extremely dated, both in language and content, but I found that kind of entertaining. The book is over 30 years old, after all, and times have changed rapidly. It is interesting to note that yoga is still considered "trendy" after all these years-- I think only those who actually practice yoga have the ability to understand its transforming effect without labeling it as a trend. I actually saw an "In & Out List" in a fashion magazine that said yoga is "out" this year. Talk about not getting it!

I first discovered this book several years ago and finally the subjects of yoga and reincarnation made sense. Written clearly enough to be followed by a novice, it advances stage by stage in a logical and straight forward manner until the student attains the abilities and insights they require. Well written by a man who is more then knowledgeable on the subject...I would recommend this book to any seekers of the higher levels of life.

Jess Stearn writes in a very understandable form for people who know little about yoga. I bought this book twenty some years ago and I was inspired but was not in bad enough condition to follow through. Now it is more important than ever to get in shape and stay there. This book has many drawings of the exercises that I have not found in other books on yoga. Plus it has written descriptions with the drawings. All very helpful for beginners who don't want to start a class all stiff and rigid. I will take a class next to learn how to do these exercises even better. Yoga is the way to go.