Beyond Stretching: the Depths of Yoga

I get the feeling yoga is where Buddhism was in the 1950's or 60's (not an exact parallel, but stay with me). Though most people still see it as a form of exercise, an interest in the other arms of the practice is beginning to surface in popular culture. What I'm wondering is this: What are some worthwhile books people have read on yoga that encompass the entire tradition, not just asanas?

My daughter, Gwen Murphy, who is also a sculptor has recently become a certified teacher of Yoga.

Other than that, I know little about it, but she did commend my personal libraryʻs having The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
tr. and with introd. by Alistair Shearer, New York, Bell Tower/sacred Teachings, 1982. (The edition Touchstones has picked up has the same title, but is (translated?) by a Hindu author.)

You might want to have a look at The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice, by Georg Feuerstein. It's very well researched and quite comprehensive, but totally accessible.

I've got a copy of the Yoga Tradition on my shelf. Bought it sometime last year I think but haven't quite gotten around to it. Guess I need to get off my lazy geek butt and crack the spine.

> 4 Please do. It's a really good, academic, primer.

Looking at your post's date, you possibly already have. If so, did you enjoy it?

Dilara86: Sadly, not quite yet. However, its gotten bumped way up on the list as I'm in the midst of yoga teacher training and the teacher highly recommended taking a look at it.

I'm picking my way through it, and its amazing. I'm also reading Original Yoga which is excellent.

Aaand Original Yoga is now in my wishlist! Thank you DeusExLibris.