Buddhism and yoga share a common history that goes back centuries. But because yoga and Buddhism came to North America from Asia as two separate traditions, their commonalities in the West often seem invisible. Most people choose to study either yoga or Buddhism and generally don’t combine the practices. Michael Stone brings together a collection of intriguing voices to show how Buddhism and yoga really do share the same values and spiritual goals. The contributors’ themes are rich and varied, yet they all focus on the common threads among the traditions that offer guidance toward spiritual freedom and genuine realization. Topics include the Zen view of enlightenment through the body; cultivating life-force energy; concepts of emptiness; foundations of mindfulness; Tibetan yoga; and experiencing emotions through the body. Contributors include: Frank Jude Boccio, Ajahn Amaro, Chip Hartranft, Sarah Powers, Christopher Key Chapple, Eido Shimano Roshi, Mu Soeng, and Jill Satterfield.
Reviews:
“This book is an in-depth investigation of the interweaving strands of yoga and Buddhism. Its broad range of perspectives provides a wealth of illuminating insights. A valuable resource.”—Joseph Goldstein, author of A Heart Full of Peace and One Dharma “Gives the flesh and bones of why Buddhism and yoga are a perfect fit. Lucid, wise, and rich with detail, this is a must-read for yogis of all traditions.”—Roshi Joan Halifax, author of Being with Dying About the Author:
Michael Stone is a yoga teacher and psychotherapist in private practice who lectures widely on yoga, as well as on mindfulness meditation in clinical psychotherapy practice. His approach to yoga focuses on the integration of theory and practice in a way that is rooted in tradition yet responsive and alive in contemporary culture. He is the founder of Centre of Gravity Sangha, a community of yoga and Buddhist practitioners based in Toronto, Canada. Michael offers classes and retreats that focus on integrating yoga postures, breathing practices, and meditation with textual study. For information about his work, visit his website at www.centreofgravity.org. |
