Yoga FAQ: Almost Everything You Need to Know about Yoga-from Asanas to Yamas

Description

Concise and readable answers to the most commonly asked questions about yoga, and illuminating little-known facts and esoteric aspects of the philosophy and practice--by renowned yogi Richard Rosen. This collection of questions and answers explains the nuts and bolts of yoga philosophy and practice in a completely clear and readable way. Richard Rosen is known for his engaging teaching and writing style and in this book he gives pithy, accessible explanations of key apects of the tradition, such as- Yoga's main texts, including Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra, among others Yamas and niyamas The subtle body--what it means and what it looks like in practice The evolution of asanas Pranayama Mudras and bandhas And much more Rosen also writes about the origins of yoga and questions whether it's a religion, a practice, or a science; explains the symbolism of frequently recurring numbers in the yoga tradition; gives the proper pronunciation of commonly mispronounced Sanskrit words; and looks at some of the more esoteric aspects of the tradition. This mix of essential concepts and intriguing little-known facts will delight those who are new to the practice as well as experienced practitioners.

RICHARD ROSEN is a graduate of the Iyengar Institute of San Francisco and has been teaching yoga since 1987. He is a contributing editor at Yoga Journal magazine and is the director of and one of the principal teachers at the Piedmont Yoga Studio (cofounded by Rodney Yee) in Oakland, California. Many of Richard's practice instructions and technical teachings are posted on the Piedmont Yoga Studio website, www.piedmontyoga.com. He is the author of Original Yoga, The Yoga of Breath, Pranayama Beyond the Fundamentals, Yoga for 50+ (Ulysses), and The Practice of Pranayama.

"Richard Rosen is one of the most thoughtful, generous, funny, humble, and researched fellas that I know. Yoga FAQ is a testimony to Richard's character as a man and diligence as a yogi. The content is for anyone that is not satisfied with being a blind follower. Richard has done the research and held the debates to debunk unsubstantiated yoga myths that we deem as fact. His curiosity and not being satisfied with superficiality has brought us a text that will leave many of us scratching our heads and maybe even feeling a little defensive as our beliefs are being tested. This is important stuff for anyone that craves to see what is below the surface of the yogic teachings. If we keep asking the questions, maybe we might get a glimpse of how these practices can bring about true happiness?"-Colleen Saidman, author of Yoga for Life "Richard Rosen has crafted a delightful book that equally showcases both his academic knowledge about yoga and his gentle sense of humor. Yoga FAQ is a clear resource that helps us to formulate and understand our big questions about yoga and spiritual practice. I felt as if I was tucking into the personal story of Mr. Rosen's own journey studying yoga-and the trip was intriguing and fun. Highly recommended for all levels of students and especially for yoga teachers."-Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD, PT, author of Relax and Renew and Yoga Body "Richard Rosen is one of the wisest, warmest, and funniest writers I know, as well as being one of the most skilled and learned yoga teachers in America. In this book he brings all of those qualities to bear on some of the topics that routinely confuse students of yoga, new and old. A great service."-Mark Singleton, author of Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice and Roots of Yoga