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This highly original book introduces a fascinating new approach to yoga and Torah by combining the practice of classic yoga postures with traditional and mystical Jewish wisdom. Each chapter begins by presenting a central Jewish spiritual concept that engages readers of all faiths on a personal level. It offers an in-depth exploration of the concept, quoting and commenting on sacred Jewish texts from the Pentateuch (Five Books of Moses) and other sources. It then guides its readers with mastery and clarity through a meditation and a set of fundamental yoga postures–clearly illustrated by beautiful photographs–for both beginning and advanced yoga students. The Torah concept is actualized and experienced through the practice of these postures. Torah Yoga helps to heighten awareness of body, mind, and spirit it illuminates the heart of Jewish wisdom. Includes more than 100 photographs.(192 Pages)

What will I learn from it?

Each chapter starts with a central Jewish spiritual concept and explores it by quoting and commenting on sacred Jewish texts from the Pentateuch and other sources. It then guides the reader through a meditation and a set of fundamental yoga postures, illustrated with photographs.

What does Torah Yoga cover?

The description calls it a book that combines classic yoga postures with traditional and mystical Jewish wisdom.

Who is this book written for?

The Amazon description says the concepts engage readers of all faiths, and that the postures are meant for both beginning and advanced yoga students.

Summary based on the book description on Amazon.

How do people combine yoga with religious practice?

Yoga began as a spiritual practice, the NCCIH yoga and safety page explains, rooted in Indian philosophy, and it is now practised by people of many backgrounds. Some adapt the physical side to their own tradition, using prayer, study or reflection alongside movement. Others keep yoga purely as exercise. There is no single correct way, and the choice is personal.

If you want to bring religious meaning to your practice, look for teachers who respect your tradition and for study partners within your community. If you prefer a secular class, say so when you choose a studio. In either case, the movement itself is the same: slow postures, steady breath and attention.

As with any exercise, speak with your doctor if you have injuries or health conditions, and learn the poses under guidance.

More on this blog: A Short History of Yoga: From Ancient Texts to Hatha Classes and a Record Number of Americans and Where Did Yoga Come From? Its Meaning, Early Texts and What Scholars Can Say

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As interest in yoga continues to grow ever more broadly in the U.S., more and more Americans are trying out yoga and discovering its benefits. At the same time, millions of people who already practice yoga are finding that it can play many different roles in their life—from physical release to spiritual growth—and wonder how to unlock that potential fully. The Yoga Mind offers a bridge between yoga as a physical practice and yoga as a spiritual inquiry. A wide-ranging, considered investigation of the deep mind-body connection yoga promotes, it includes the best work of great yoga teachers and philosophers, as well as contemporary yoga teachers and practitioners who draw wisdom and insight from their practice. Selections include writings by Patanjali, B. K. S. Iyenger, Judith Lasater, Margot Anand, Stephen Cope, Geeta Iyengar, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Erich Schiffman, and many others. The Yoga Mind is for people who want to explore yoga’s deepest potential to change and enhance their lives on the physical, emotional, and spiritual planes.

Book: The Joy of Yoga by Jennifer Schwamm Willis
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Full colour, 92 colour photographs, 80 pages paperback with semi-concealed wire-O binding + bonus DVD

Sometimes it feels too hard to pull yourself out of bed and work out, so many of us just don’t bother. But now there’s a perfect way to start your day, with Naomi Call’s Yoga In Bed. There’s no need to squeeze into your exercise gear or drive over to the gym. Your yoga studio is warm and cosy.

So, stretch out with one of the twenty stretches and postures presented in the book and in the dvd, and follow the simple directions and clear photographs. If you’re a newcomer to yoga you’ll find Yoga In Bed has been designed to help you achieve and maintain an enjoyable form of exercise that can fit into any busy life. Plus, the book has useful information on breathing, nutrition and relaxation.
A blissfull night’s sleep deserves to be followed by Yoga In Bed — the perfect transition to prepare body, mind and spirit for whatever the coming day will hold.

Book: Yoga in Bed by Naomi Sophia Call
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A year’s worth of inspirational and meditative quotes by key yogic texts and instructors encourages practitioners to forge a deeper understanding of the yoga philosophy and the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

This beautifully designed book invites readers to dis-cover the rich tradition of yoga through single pieces of wisdom-one for each day of the year. Filled with thought-provoking and inspiring quotations from the greatest yogic texts and yoga teachers throughout history, as well as invaluable instruction on specific poses, it is an essential resource and companion for anyone who practices yoga.

A celebration of the powerful ancient practice that is yoga, this book guides readers-day by day-through centuries of yogic philosophy. 365 Yoga infuses yoga practice with a deeper understanding of the intricate connection of mind, body, and spirit.

What kind of book is 365 Yoga?

The description calls it a year’s worth of inspirational and meditative quotes from key yogic texts and instructors, one for each day of the year.

Who is the intended reader?

The description calls it a resource and companion “for anyone who practices yoga”.

What can readers expect to find inside?

The quotations come from yogic texts and yoga teachers, and the book also has instruction on specific poses. The description says it guides readers day by day through centuries of yogic philosophy and the connection between mind, body and spirit.

Who is behind 365 Yoga?

The book is credited to Julie Rappaport in the title.

Summary based on the book description on Amazon.

Can a few minutes a day make a difference?

A year of daily readings invites a habit, and habits are where results usually come from. The NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) page on yoga reports that research suggests yoga may help with stress management, healthy habits and sleep. The WHO fact sheet on physical activity adds a useful principle for busy people: some physical activity is better than none, and all of it counts.

A short pause with a quote, a few slow breaths and a gentle stretch fits into a morning or a lunch break. Tie the routine to something you already do, such as the kettle or brushing your teeth, so it does not depend on motivation. Reflection does not replace exercise or medical care, but it can keep you coming back.

If a stretch hurts, stop. People with medical conditions should check with their doctors.

Related on this blog: What Is Yoga? and A Short History of Yoga: From Ancient Texts to Hatha Classes and a Record Number of Americans

Book: 365 Yoga by Julie Rappaport
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The practice of guru yoga, merging with the mind of the master, lies at the heart of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Tibet. Although the path can be traversed only by individual effort, the advice of an experienced spiritual guide is essential.

This particular guru yoga is called the Wish Fulfilling Jewel, and is the outer practice from the Longchen Nyingtik terma revealed by Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa. The hallmark of the guru yoga practice, in fact the very practice itself, is a lucid, pure and intelligent devotion. Through the power of devotion and the blessing of the master, a moment will come when a transformation takes place, in which the student recognizes the wisdom mind of the guru to be no different from his or her own mind, and boundless realization is born.

“Through the guru yoga practice, all obstacles can be removed and all blessings received, and through merging our mind with the mind of the guru and remaining in that state of inseperable union, the absolute nature will be realized. This is why we should always treasure guru yoga and keep it as our foremost practice.”Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Book: Guru Yoga by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
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