The Mirror of Yoga: Awakening the Intelligence of Body and Mind Paperback – March 13, 2012

This book is a modern classic. It is both eloquent and elegantly written from the heart. It has such depth that every time you read it you discover more layers in the text. Richard Freeman epitomizes the modern yogi and scholar. His commentaries on the Gita and the Yoga Sutras, make them immediate and accessible. Probably the most important book on yoga philosophy, from his generation, and completely written from the heart.

I've been using Richard Freeman's "The Mirror of Yoga Awakening the Intelligence of Body and Mind" as a resource since it first came out. As I get older my attention turns more and more to my relationship with the world and with myself. As a result, I return to "The Mirror of Yoga" repeatedly for insight on so many important philosophical lessons of yoga: what is real truthfulness? what are the many ways I might be causing harm, including to myself? how can I really experience a pose and my breath? Most significantly to me: how can I increase my experience of peace, joy and meaning within myself and in my relationships? Richard shows us the answers to these questions, leading to a conclusion on page 182 that the practice and, importantly, the understanding of yoga, can ultimately bring us to a place in which "we are not ruled by the structure of separateness from which the mind creates suffering." Helping us learn to get to this place is, in and of itself, a reason I find this book an essential read.

This book is a page turner! It is dense with information and history but so readable and enlightening. It is one step ahead of all my questions and thoughts.Bravo Richard Freeman!

Richard Freeman drops knowledge bombs of shakti!!! Best book on yoga philosophy ever! Highly recommended for all on the path of revealing the mystery of life. Om

Richard Freeman is a wonderful, highly experienced teacher of Eastern tradition. In this book, he discusses the eight limbs of yoga and how one can apply them directly to life. He also tells many stories about the history of yoga. Many of these stories I have chosen to share with my own students in the yoga studio, which were very well received. This is one of those rare books that I come back to time and time again. A true gem in my yoga library. Many thanks to Mr.Freeman for this offering.

This is a deep book which requires a great amount of concentration and focus to read. It takes already existing yoga ideas and blends them to create an entirely new yoga philosophy. Definitely helps you gain greater insight into the life-enhancing yoga philosophy.

Check out the generous 40+ pages included here as a "Look Inside" preview! Yes, I've only made an advanced purchase of the book. But if there were no other pages, it would still deserve all five stars. If something happened to my copy in the mail, and I only got twenty of the pages, or even five...okay, I'd be be bummed out. But it would still get five stars. A lifetime of practice, bridging East and West, kindly teaching what he's learned. And now, this sublime book. Okay, maybe the other pages are blank. Or they're just photos of Mr. Freeman making faces at the camera. Still...I feel such deep gratitude. THANK YOU!

Beautifully written from one of the most intelligent yoga scholars this side of the pond.

What a wonderful book. Can not rate it enough. The content was very well delivered.Learn more than I was expecting.I highly recommend this book to any wanting to learn more in-depth on the topic of yoga.

To my understanding, Richard has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga for over 40 years. To anyone who doesn't know the system, it involves a significant, and very physically demanding, daily commitment, often comprising of doing the same system of postures over and over. Somehow, in the years that i've been practicing myself, this 'routine' has never become boring. Richard Freeman's book, shares his thoughts on the depths of the practice from a physical and mental standpoint, and reading this book gives the opportunity for a seasoned practitioner to add reams of 'mental tapestry' and hard earned wisdom to the daily practice. To the novice, it may not be an easy read, but again, it would be worth the effort and would provide insight into just how much more there is too it, than bending and stretching. His words are the closest I've yet to see, for describing something that is often described as too wonderful for words.Give it a try, for it is worth it however, this old adage does apply: "without practice the theory is obvious. With practice, the theory is obvious" (Sri K Pattabhi Jois)

Excellent book, may require a couple of reads but so well explained and put together. Would recommend this to all teachers and serious students in grasping the deeper aspects of yoga.

great product would definitely recommend it

One of the best reads I've had in a while. Thank you !