The Psychology of Yoga: Integrating Eastern and Western Approaches for Understanding the Mind

A long time ago I was given the chance to interview Georg Feuerstein for a radio show I used to have in the San Francisco Bay area. Recently, while on Sounds True, I noticed Georg has a spoken version on Yoga Wisdom. Suddenly, I was reminded of how much I enjoyed learning from him in the past. Having recently caught up on more of his writings (including this one), I was able to once again be impressed by how much depth of knowledge he has on this topic. For someone like myself, who has read a fair amount about the philosophy of yoga, this book was very enjoyable. I particularly liked when he got more in depth because that is what I was looking for. Before buying it I had read some reviews on some of his various books on yoga and some people had criticized him for being too picky at times and correcting interpretations others had made of various yoga teachings. This actually did not bother me at all. On the contrary, his in depth understanding and mastery of the topic is just what I wanted. But, then I enjoy being a serious student of this topic and Georg helps me along those lines. What a gift he gave to us in his many writings and bringing the deeper wisdom of yoga (from the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions) to the West. Having recently discovered he is no longer with us in body, all I can say is I am glad his Spirit lives with us through his many writings!

Georg has written an excellent book, for understanding Psychology from the Yogic Perspective. There is so much material on Asana and the Physical Practice of Yoga. This work is a breath of fresh air, and returns us to the original Yoga, which was not about mastery of the body only, by mastery of the Self, the mind, the emotions. Without meditation, Yoga is merely exercise. Georg dives deep not only into the Mental Aspects of yoga, (with many references to scientific studies), but also the concept of Energy Anatomy- that we have "layers" of being- i.e. physical, energetic, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, etc.... and explains how true Yoga Practice is about integration.

Sometimes it takes an outsider to get the true essence Yoga, this Indian exercise/philosophy/contemplation/art, but more than that, a key to the heaven on earth. I salute the author for diving in depth in Hindu mythology and distilling the true nectar from the colossal system of knowledge. If you are into waking up happy, working with satisfaction, in harmony with your family, society and nature and sleep in peace, this book is for you.Suman

Must read for those serious about the yoga tradition beyond asanas.

This is to answer those who found G.F a difficult author to read. You have basically two choices. Go for a Dummies writer who gives you baby food. Or a profound understanding of a path that requires intelligence, discipline, depth and application. Yoga is not democratic for all. Which doesn't mean elitist Meritocracy. But readiness.

An amazing scholar of in-depth yogic philosophy, with a superb knowledge left for students and teachers to devour at length these profound teachings that ground any practice of yoga.

Very formal and difficult to understand. Much dry technical information. Not an easy read.

One of the bibles on yoga psychology.

Giod

This book is wonderful, please make available the book " The Yoga Tradition" by the same Author, and "The Power of Yoga" by Dr. K Krishna Bhat.

Covers a topic that I rarely find in yoga books, so, this is a rare and valuable find. At first glance, the book is a well written, organized, in depth, and scholastic in approach.

Excellent book!

Excellent book. Great understanding of the author!