Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is the key text of yoga. Yet for many yoga practitioners, its deeper treasures remain either unknown or mired in obscurity. Ranju Roy and David Charlton focus on 18 of the most important sutras and show how each one illuminates the relationship between the body, the breath, and the mind in a practical, clear, and contemporary manner. The sutras are carefully deconstructed, put into context and then developed into ideas for practice. The authors examine the interplay of three key terms: support, direction and space. They suggest that only by taking support on something can you establish a clear direction; and only then can a space open up to grow into. This formula can be applied as successfully to the body (in asana) as to the breath (in pranayama) and the mind (through meditation). With illustrated asana sequences and suggested practices, Embodying the Yoga Sutra is both a practical as well as a deeply philosophical book. Roy and Charlton give readers a whole new vocabulary with which to understand yoga as a living, vibrant and dynamic tradition. (Source: GoodReads)
Embodying the Yoga Sutra by Ranju Roy & David Charlton
Nicky Smith says
A small gathering this month, but it was a quality discussion thank you Chris and Maree. Feel free to watch the recording of the discussion and/or leave a comment on what you resonated with in the book.
Deb Muscio says
Thank you Nicky, Chris and Maree. I have just watched your recording of the gathering – apologies again that i did not make the gathering on zoom. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and agree with many of the points you raised from parts of the book discussed. It was great to listen to your thoughts as i finished the book two weeks ago now, and your discussion was great revision of the contents as it was quite dense. May I also add it was great the authors included the glossary as not being the best at remembering the definitions of the sanskrit words, the glossary was invaluable and has helped me to now remember some of those meanings (I had to flick to the glossary often even for the same words!) It is a great keeper in my Yoga bookcase and will be pulled out regularly. Looking forward to the next installment of book choice and gathering. Thank you Nicky 🙂
Nicky Smith says
Hi Deb, thank you for the comment and glad you enjoyed and finished the book. Don’t forget to vote in the book poll for our next choice. Looking at broadening out to inspiring non-fiction books with a focus on yoga and well being generally.