Yoga by the Numbers: The Sacred and Symbolic in Yoga Philosophy and Practice

Description

A fascinating explanation of the significant, often symbolic role that numbers play in yoga philosophy-by beloved yoga teacher and writer Richard Rosen. Numbers play a meaningful role in the philosophy of many spiritual traditions-and yoga is no exception. For example, the number one is the quintessential yoga number, representing "unity" and "wholeness"; number two sometimes stands for co-operative effort, and other times for conflict; and number four is the number of completeness or stability, as it "stands" on "four legs." There are twelve different names for the mantra OM, each one revealing a different aspect of this root sound. With his distinctive blend of knowledge and humor, Richard Rosen unpacks the fascinating significance that numbers hold in the philosophy and practice of yoga. Stories and practices woven throughout-like the Eka Danta simple meditation exercise, which concentrates on "one pointedness" and is associated with the one tusk of Ganesh-offer readers a hands-on way to explore the importance of numbers in their own practice. Yoga by the Numbers will enlighten and entertain the yogi in your life.

RICHARD ROSEN began his study of yoga in 1980. In 1985, he graduated from the teacher training program sponsored by Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco and has been teaching yoga since 1987. His website is www.richardrosenyoga.com

"Yoga by the Numbers raises the question central to all yoga practice: how do we measure the immeasurable? From the number zero to the nadis to the stars, Richard Rosen's extensive research takes us on a remarkable tour through the numbers in order to reveal the richness and complexity of the yoga tradition. Yoga by the Numbers is a must for all students and seekers on the path."-Tias Little, author of The Practice Is the Path "Yoga by the Numbers drew me in immediately. I felt as if I was having an intriguing conversation with a knowledgeable friend."-Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD, PT, author of Teaching Yoga with Intention "Richard Rosen has the wonderful skill of writing as if he is speaking to you; full of knowledge, insight and humility, with a sprinkling of humor."-Jonathan Sattin, founder of Triyoga UK "Sifting through dozens of Sanskrit spiritual texts, [Rosen] examines the symbolic significance of numbers in yoga philosophy with an emphasis on yoga's Hindu roots."-Publishers Weekly