The world of yoga is astonishingly rich in its array of schools and
practices. Yet, as diverse as they seem, they share a common aim: the
discovery of the essence of existence that can be found at the core of
our being, and the liberation that comes from that discovery. With this
worthy goal in mind, Richard Freeman presents an enlightening overview
of the many teachings, practices, and scriptures that serve as the basis
for all the schools of yoga--hatha, bhakti, jnana, karma, tantra, and
others. He shows how the myriad forms are ultimately related, and can
even be perceived to make up a vast, interpenetrating matrix,
symbolizing the unity, profundity, and beauty of the ancient tradition.
Richard's wide-ranging discussion includes the Upanisads and Samkhya
philosophies, the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, the eight limbs of astanga
yoga, the process and purpose of hatha yoga, and much more. He also
explores the role of the guru, chanting, meditation, and the yogic
imperative of offering service to others. All of this is applied to the
actual practice, giving the reader the tools to digest and apply the
wealth of information to daily life. The Mirror of Yoga will be a
welcome resource to all yogis who wish to better practice the profound
philosophy underlying their practice.
