Heart Yoga: The Sacred Marriage of Yoga and Mysticism

[5/9/2010] I have just started to read and practice this approach to Yoga and have found it very inspiring. I will update this review as I continue my practice of Heart Yoga.[5/16/2010] Continuation of preliminary review: ... the more I read and practice the material in this work, the more impressed I become regarding this significant work by Harvey & Erickson.In short, the top ten reasons why you should read this book:10. The authors are careful to provide suggestions for the proper preparation for practice.9. The purpose and theory of the sequence of poses is given before practice begins.8. The authors are careful to provide suggestions for the proper ending of practice with transition back to "everyday life" (as informed or changed by the practice).7. The sequences of the postures used provides several ways to achieve a relaxed, open, connected, receptive internal state.6. The text and practices offer an appropriate level of challenge for the reader/practitioner. I felt neither talked down to, preached to, or that my time was being wasted by fluff. The authors treat the reader as a fellow explorer in practice.5. The authors clearly indicate a description of the feelings associated with each posture in the sequence.4. The authors offer several descriptions, both in metaphor and by sensations acquired, for the internal states entered into each posture.3. The book approaches activism for social justice issues as a natural evolution of one's practice. No obligation, no guilt, no panic, no depression, no self at all, just nature and tenderness.2. Practicing Heart Yoga offers a path to understanding the connection to, and the conduit between Heaven and Earth. Continue practice results in the dissolving of the conduit and entrance into ... into ... into ... I know not what it is, but there must be a name for it.1. Like a great movie or musical recording, you will find yourself repeatedly returning to this book for inspiration and understanding of your practice.

In some respects this is a very good book. I may be a little cynical because I've already been exposed to a lot of these concepts previously and it really wasn't what I was expecting. If you are just looking for a good heart-centered book of yogic wisdom, there are other options out there, such as compilations of the works of Swami Kripalvanandji (AKA Shri Kripalvanandji, Kripalvananda, Swami Kripalu or Bapuji) such as Pilgrim of Love Pilgrim of Love: The Life and Teachings of Swami Kripalu. So you understand where I am coming from - I will say that I lived almost 3 years at an ashram that certifies instructors and was immersed in the energy and interacted with the people many times over. I was also privy to much of the teachings as I frequently filmed instruction and later edited audio. I didn't go through the yoga training myself but I was in attendance to many morning yoga practice sessions and many yoga nidras at different times of day, many darshans and satsangs and lectures and am also certified as a yoga nidra facilitator. That being said I feel that this book should be marketed as a way to get more out of an asana practice or for instructors that are looking to move beyond a simple asana class with just a little "snippet of wisdom" and into something where philosophy is integrated into the asana sequence. Instructors, don't get me wrong, you need to be confident if you are going to make use of this book. It's not a cookie-cutter approach where you are told to instruct your students to do a specific asana and you expound a set piece of wisdom while they do it, do the next sequence and say some thought provoking quote... You yourself will have to integrate this knowledge and feel what the writers intended you to feel in the asana with the addition of the knowledge. After some time taken in your own practice what you have absorbed will come out in your instruction if you allow it and are confident (letting prana guide you.) If you haven't had much exposure to yoga philosophy, this book is set up in such a way to provide you with some of the concepts in digestible chunks. You can get something out of this without doing the asanas (postures). It's definitely a "heart-centered" approach and there is a good section for couples. I'd suggest whether you are following along solo or as a couple, that both parties have at least some yoga asana experience and are open to yoga philosophy. If you are not familiar with some basic postures, following along might get to be a bit too much because it takes you out of the moment. For those that are more jnana (intellectual) yoga and don't identify with the more "fluffy" side, you probably won't like this. I wouldn't call it froo-froo or woo-woo but is definitely more on the bhakti side. Poetry is interjected and there is a wide variety (it's far beyond just Rumi-esque.) There are some suggested sequences, for instance, the "Joy of Service Sequence" on page 177. I can understand why each of these postures were chosen for this particular subject. The writers aren't just choosing at random. If you move slowly through this and hold, instead of just going through the motions (even if a little slower than usual, make it about feeling rather than "ok I'll slow down") it will probably take you 50-65 minutes with sivasana and 35-40 minutes if you just go through each asana at a moderate pace and only stay a few minutes in sivasana. I highly suggest moving slowly through each individual aspect of the posture, feeling all along way and then holding, making small movements as necessary, feeling what your body needs, and not judging it and not trying to be perfect and not trying to get to some level of achievement - in this way you will begin to understand the importance of not just the postures the writers have chosen, but the sequences suggested.

I bought this book for my daughter, who has developed a passion for yoga. This gem of a book is interspersed with beautiful poetry mostly speaking of love for and of the Divine. This reinforces the core teachings and values of every beautiful religion and spiritual path. There is nothing I would want more for my daughter, myself, and all God's children. This book is an enormous blessing. Even the descriptions of the yoga poses are stated in such inspirational terms that it imbues yoga with a spiritual beauty of love that has true transformative, healing potential.

I like this book, but it mostly yoga routines, and most of the routines have a lot of the same asanas (postures) so you are just getting a lot of repetition in the book. But the idea and concept of the book is beautiful and I truly appreciate how it is getting back to the true roots of yoga. If you are a yoga teacher who teaches yoga that is ONLY for fitness, then you should buy this book, read it, and begin implementing it into your classes. As yoga teachers we need to be teaching yoga as it is intended, and not dumbing it down like we have been doing in the west. Enjoy the love! Namaste.

Likely the best Yoga book I've ever read. The description of asanas and sequencing is outstanding. The book is full of amazing quotes from great poets such as Kabir, Buddha and more. A dream read.

I have'nt finished the book but it has touched me deeply and I am about to order 2 more coppies for friends. It speakes to your inner self that already knows this stuff, the book re-awakens our own inate nature. This is how I have always taught my Yoga and The book re-inforces my beliefs. It has meditations and Savasana's that really allow you to let go. I read from it during my classes and take it with me always. Amazing!!!!!!!!