I finally reopened The Yoga Tradition by Georg Feurenstein, Ph.D. this past weekend and decided I will be committed to reading it entirely. The reason I know I'm ready is because I'm really enjoying it this time. It is the most challenging book I've ever read about Yoga. I believe I purchased it sometime in 2001 or 2002 and only made it through the first two of eighteen chapters at that time. I've picked it up a couple of times since then, but realized I wasn't ready to commit myself to the journey of reading it. The book is like a college textbook about the History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice of Yoga and is 425 pages. Here is a reading sample from this book:

"In his Yoga-Bhashya (1.21), Vyasa also explains that there are nine classes of yogins, according to the intensity (samvega) of their quest, which may be mediocre, average, or extremely vehement. Vacaspati Mishra elucidates that the degree of intensity depends on previously acquired subliminal impressions (vasana) as well as on invisible (karmic) influences, called adrishta (lit. "unseen"). In other words, our commitment to Yoga practice is not entirely a matter of conscious decision. The depth of our attraction to God, or the transcendental Self, is not subject to our will but is preconditioned by our karmic past.... This explains why sometimes our best intentions on the spiritual path are foiled, especially at the beginning of our practice, and why we must continue to persist in disciplining oursevles."

As you can see, it's quite challenging. Nonetheless, it is one of the essential books to read about Yoga at some point on your path. The other book I highly recommed as absolutely essential to read is Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. I also purchased this book in 2002 and finally completed it at the beginning of 2006. It is an amazing, historic and truthful account of Yogananda's life as a Yogi.

I've had the opportunity to take Yoga with several different teachers recently. More often than not, at the end of class, the teacher does not leave time for a full Savasana, (Resting Pose) which is considered to be one of the most important poses in the practice. It is said that the poses are intended to prepare a person for Savasana by releasing tension out the body and mind so they can feel at ease in this pose. Often, however, I find the practice will be very physical all the way throughout class, with only about one minute to rest at the end. This is the complete opposite of anything I've ever experienced when studying with a Master Yogi. Master Yogi's always leave sufficient time, at least 7 - 10 minutes, for Savasana and this is the way the practice is intended to be. As I was reading through The Yoga Tradition yesterday, I realized that there is an actual term for placing all of the emphasis on the physical in Yoga and neglecting the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the practice. Here is the passage from the book:

"The term "yogist" is of modern coinage and describes the Western enthusiast, who is primarily interested in the physical aspects of Yoga-especially the postures (asana) - rather than in Yoga as a spiritual discipline of Self-realization." - The Yoga Tradition

One of the things I've found most amazing is recently I've had several students in class who have experienced "floating away" while resting deeply in Savasana. Most of these people, including a teacher, have practiced Yoga for at least a year, but never been able to relax fully. I asked if the teacher they had previously practiced with, allowed time for Savasana at the end of class. They replied that the teacher had not. Some of the most comforting moments I've experienced have been through resting/meditating in Savasana. I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with others and to support others in opening up to this peaceful place...

Namaste! Read more