Book Review: The Inner Tradition of Yoga

Synopsis:

A wise, accesible guide that makes the spiritual and ethical teachings of the yogic tradition immediately relatable to our practice on the mat–and in our everyday relationships and activities. Now revised and updated.

“There is no daily practice without some formal training; and there is no deep spiritual training without the mess of relational life. The two are one,” says Michael Stone. This wise, accessible guide—now revised and updated—makes the spiritual and ethical teachings of the yogic tradition immediately relatable to our practice on the mat and in our everyday relationships and activities. Stone draws from numerous disciplines—including Buddhism and psychotherapy—to provide an in-depth, completely clear explanation of yogic philosophy, along with teachings on how to work with the conditions of our life and fully appreciate yoga as a practice of being intimate with moment-to-moment reality.

What I Thought:

I’ve been saying on social media that this book has literally blown my mind. I say that about things that open my mind to a different way of thinking.

The book has given me a new perspective on yoga which I knew about but haven’t spent any time studying. I appreciated how the author explained the sanskrit terms associated with the practice and a new perspective to suffering, breath work, working with the mind and body as well as discussing meditation and stillness. Even if you don’t plan on taking a YTT but are curious about expanding your view on yoga I would highly recommend grabbing a copy.