Product Description

In this book, professional photographer and yoga teacher Cat De Rham brings her own personal vision to the yoga sutras in words and pictures. Written over 2000 years ago, the yoga sutras are a step-by-step guide to the attainment of true liberation. There are eight stages or limbs of this quest: the eight limbs of yoga. The book is structured around the eight limbs identified in the yoga sutras of Patanjali as follows: Yama - the practice of universal ethical disciplines; Niyama - the practice of individual disciplines; Asana - the practice of postures or body exercises to develop agility, balance, strength and vitality; Pranayama - the practice of regulating the breath; Pratyahara - the practice of mastering the senses; Dharana - the practice of focusing the mind; Dhyana - meditation; and Samadhi - union with the Supreme Being.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #661766 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-03
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
Cat de Rham is a professional photographer and yoga teacher living in London. She was born in Malaysia & grew up living on a sailboat in South East Asia. It was in the process of reconciling the idyllic & natural environment of her childhood with the realities of urban life that Cat developed a deep interest in ancient healing arts & spiritual practices. Michele Gill has a longstanding personal interest in spiritual practices and spent five years working with a team of researchers investigating the effects of complementary therapy on the quality of life and health of people living with serious illnesses. She currently lives in London where she runs a portfolio career working as a mediator, facilitator & trainer in the area of conflict management & resolution.

Excerpted from The Spirit of Yoga by Cat de Rham, Michelle Gill. Copyright © 2001. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The ritual of practice
The moment you unroll your mat you are entering a disciplined practice. Honour it as such
Begin each practice by sitting or standing for a few minutes in silence. This creates a psychological break from concerns of everyday life and helps to bring the focus and intent necessary to complete your practice
Always end by resting the body in shavasana. This allows the effects of your practice to settle peacefully in the body. It is also time to refresh the mind by letting go and slipping out of mind-talk. The practice of asanas will have quited the mind. Shavasana is the time to enjoy theis effect.
When leaving shavasana, gently roll over to one side and wait for a few moments before opening your eyes to allow the body and mind to adjust to the "real" world. Bring care and attention when rolling up your mat, keeping your focus alive until the very end. Eventually this focus will start to flow out of your practice and into your life.

Customer Reviews

A wonderful book ...
I stumbled across this book in the local book shop. Firstly, the overall presentation is beautiful. The photos are awesome. Secondly, I particularly liked the fact that this wasn't another book on asanas. It addresses the issue of yoga, & is a book you can dip into time & time again. It's simple, yet reflective. Well worth getting & certainly worth recommending to others interested in appreciating what yoga is about, & has to offer.

A beautiful book to keep and to give as a gift
I discovered this book by accident, and I am very glad that I did. It is beautiful in every respect - pictures, words and sentiment. I have bought more copies to give as presents to friends and family

Exquisite
An absolutely gorgeous book full of beautiful and inspirational quotes and photographs. Well worth buying and dipping into. This book is sure to become one of your most treasured possesions.