The book includes excerpts of poetic sacred writing from mystical sages through the ages.
by Andrew Harvey and Karuna Erickson
Harvey, a renowned spiritual writer, and Erickson, a longtime yoga teacher, present a vision of Hatha yoga practice that links ancient spiritual traditions to contemporary life.
In the book, they have included excerpts of poetic sacred writing from mystical sages through the ages, and remind readers that the purpose of yoga is not to improve one’s physical health or even to achieve peace of mind (although these results may be achieved along the way), but to reach a state of unity with the divine, the goal of mystics from all traditions.
They have included photographs of 50 yoga poses with detailed descriptions, including their alchemical effects on the body and consciousness.
The authors present yoga as a simple meditative practice that enables the practitioner to dwell in the heart and experience the bliss of union with the sacred power underlying all of life.
The book explains how to prepare for Heart Yoga and describes the Five Great Joys — the joy of transcendence, creation, love for all beings, tenderness of Tantra and service — that are part of the path.
Included are the authors’ own compelling stories of their individual journeys along the path of yoga: stories of suffering, transcendence and joy that both inspire and enlighten. This book is a tender and passionate invitation to yoga practitioners to take their practice to the next level of direct divine self-empowerment.
$17.95 — North Atlantic Books, P.O. Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94712.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 29, Number 3, June/July 2010.
April 14, 2012
Book review