Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic

by Darren Main

Everyday, millions of people roll out their yoga mats or sit on their meditation cushions in an effort to quiet the mind and heal the body. Some practice Iyengar yoga, while others practice vinyasa or restorative yoga—almost all who practice yoga have touched something deep within themselves and had their lives transformed by this ancient practice. In Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic, Darren Main offers a fresh, down-to-earth approach to the time-tested practice and philosophy of yoga. He shows us the way to apply the ancient wisdom of India to every aspect of life. From work and relationships, to death and dying—allowing even our busiest days to become powerful and mystical adventures, filled with all the wonder and magic that was once reserved for those living as monks and nuns. This is not a book about perfecting yoga asanas or pranayama breathing techniques. It is a book about changing the way we see the world—transforming every experience and relationship into a yoga practice unto itself. Since teachers like Swami Vivakananda and Paramahansa Yogananda brought yoga to the West, yoga students and teachers alike have sought to integrate the practice and philosophy of yoga into modern life. Find out why this best-selling yoga book has been used in yoga teacher training programs the world over and has become a modern spiritual classic.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Audiobook, Meditation

Paperback

First published February 15, 2002

About the author

Darren Main is a yoga and meditation instructor and author. He facilitates workshops and gives talks on yoga and modern spirituality throughout the United States and abroad and is the host of the internationally syndicated Inquire Within Podcast and the Living Yoga Series.

He teaches Yoga on the Labyrinth inside San Francisco’s iconic Grace Cathedral. He currently resides in Northern California with his son Jaden.

Reviews

[Rachel Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As inspiring on the 10th read as it was on the first.

If you read one book on yoga in your lifetime make this the one.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
very enjoyable exploration of how to build yoga and the goal of union into our busy modern lives.
some interesting stories and anecdotes as well as some which grated a little.
his insight was at times profound and I think this will be a good I return to again.

[Mark Coel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read. It explains clearly and with humour how to implement a spiritual approach in your daily life.

"Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic" van Darren Main is een boek dat de eeuwenoude praktijk en filosofie van yoga vertaalt naar het moderne, vaak hectische stadsleven. Main beschrijft op een humoristische manier de hedendaagse yogi als een "urban mystic" – iemand die streeft naar spirituele diepgang, maar tegelijkertijd geconfronteerd wordt met de eisen van werk, relaties, geld en het dagelijkse leven. In plaats van je terug te trekken uit de wereld, benadert het boek yoga als een "middenweg" die rust en eenheid kan herstellen in ons drukke bestaan.

Het boek is geen handleiding voor yogahoudingen of ademhalingstechnieken, maar richt zich op de filosofische achtergronden van yoga. Main put uit zijn ervaring als docent en haalt inspiratie uit klassieke teksten zoals Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Hij legt uit dat ieders ware zelf (zijn zogenaamde Atman) vaak bedekt is geraakt door de drukte en stress van het leven – door yoga kunnen we deze innerlijke "diamant" weer laten stralen.

In het eerste deel introduceert Main de basisprincipes van yoga en maakt hij ze toegankelijk voor een Westers publiek, met voorbeelden uit ons dagelijks leven. In het tweede deel duikt hij dieper in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra en vergelijkt deze met wijsheden uit andere tradities en wetenschappen. Het boek is helder, praktisch en wil inspireren om zelfs de drukste dagen te kunnen transformeren tot momenten van verwondering en mystiek, zonder dat je het leven van een monnik hoeft te leiden.

De centrale boodschap: yoga is niet weggelegd voor kluizenaars, maar kan een bron van compassie en helderheid zijn binnen het moderne leven. Daardoor is het boek geliefd bij westerse yogadocenten, spiritueel geïnteresseerden en zoekers naar balans in het leven.

Ik was er indertijd zo door getroffen dat ik een groot deel heb vertaald naar het Nederlands en heb opgestuurd naar de auteur zelf ter goedkeuring als aanloop naar een eventuele Nederlandse editie. Het idee bloedde na enkele enthousiaste mails helaas dood...

[Chris Hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

When many people think of the word "yoga", they think of the exercise poses that make up the typical Western yoga practice. But that is just one part of what yoga is. The poses are known as "Hatha Yoga". Yoga itself is so much larger and is actually a whole philosophy of life and spirituality. Darren Main's book, "Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic" is a great overview of the totality of yoga. Darren Main boils down the ancient yoga principles into an understanding that the typical Western urban individual can comprehend and practice. If you want a good understanding of the principles of yoga, this is a great book to help you on your path. It gets a little bogged down in the middle of the book...and that's why I gave it four instead of five stars...but that is because of the subject matter of those chapters. For anyone interested in understanding the philosophy and spirituality of yoga, this is a great book!

[Julia Coney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of my yoga teacher training. I loved it.

[Joel Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone who wants to develop a better understanding of yoga philosophy or to develop a deeper sense of what it means to be connected to a spiritual presence. The author writes in easy to understand language and with a pace that feels just right. The author provides some background on himself, on yoga and his introduction to it. He informs us how yoga affected him personally and then delves into the 8 limbs of yoga as written down by Patanjali. He goes into detail about each of the 8 limbs and describes the hierarchy and the pathway to enlightenment. After reading about the final limb and what it means to achieve oneness - however brief - it makes the reader want to deepen their practice and arrive at that place.

This book can easily be kept as a reference book when one has questions about the 8 limbs.

[Kaela · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me three years to finish this book. Because, in my opinion, it isn’t actually what it pretends to be. I felt patronized reading it, so conscious that it was a man writing this. So conscious of the tone, the overall Ego oozing from every word. So contradictory to what it is supposedly trying to convey. Very repetitive, and not so clear if you aren’t already exposed to these yogic concepts. There are some sentences that are good, though. But that doesn’t sell an entire book for me.

I just started Jessamyn’s “Yoke” - and the contrast of an authentic voice, a humble offering of tools, is INSANE. Will let you know what I think once I’ve finished that, but I do not recommend this book for those trying to deepen their yoga practice.

[Stacy Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to the word mystic in the title and the ancient traditions of yoga the author seeks to explain, this book is a readable, down-to-earth, modern interpretation of the eight limbs of yoga. It is one thing to practice the poses and flows of yoga. It is another to integrate breath and movement and mindfulness on the yoga mat. And it is yet another to bring the totality of yoga and its benefits into a modern, American life. Darren Main offers stories and suggestions to do the latter. You don’t have to cloister yourself away from the world to be a true yogi and, in fact, to be a modern yogi is to take what we learn on the mat about our humanity and be better members of our families, our communities and the world.

[Eric Prentice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and I was glad I did. I am a big reader but I wanted something to listen to while driving to work and school. I found this book very interesting and stimulating through its content. I did not agree with some things but it definitely made me think which is the whole point. As a beginner yogi, this book definitely made me want to dive even deeper into my practice. His honesty and his unapologetic flawed character dynamics made me connect even more with his words. I’m definitely going to listen to it again and look into more of the authors material.

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up as a bit of supplemental reading as I’m currently in the throes of yoga teacher training. While this book was not required reading for my training, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to explore yogic philosophy and deepen their personal practice. Some knowledge of the “eight limbs” of yoga may be helpful, but not necessary. Main’s voice here is accessible, and he successfully illustrates how the principles of an ancient practice remain relevant and applicable.

[Dominic Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 Limb Path Explained

When I came to yoga and learned about the eight limb path it all seemed a bit esoteric to me. Some of the concepts made sense (asanas,pranayama) others where just to far left. This book changed that and brought made all the concepts relevant to today’s world.

[Jennifer Ingley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book

The author has done the hard work of studying and processing the origins and history of yoga, and integrating the details into something that can fit into a contemporary lifestyle. His experiences are funny and friendly and moving. I’m happy to be able to thumb back through this work and revisit some of the chapters and understand more.

[Maria]

I read this as part of required reading for my yoga training program. It was a helpful intro to a lot of the foundational yoga concepts, and provided a jumping off point to explore deeper. Darren uses a lot of examples to make some of the philosophy more relatable and relevant to the modern day, which some may find helpful.

[Matthew L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are plenty of yoga books out there that will teach you new stretches and positions. This book offers a spiritual backdrop to your practice and shows you more about why it's important. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to learn more about the spiritual side to the practice and understand the many benefits of yoga.

[Simon Senior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful in my yoga journey

I found this to be very helpful in my yoga studies - I'm in the early part of yoga teacher training. It gives a good framework of the various concepts of yoga and how they may relate to me and my life.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical guide to incorporating the wisdom and practice of yoga into a busy, urban lifestyle. Rather than instructing how to do asanas, Darren focuses on the core yogic philosophies and how modern citizens can apply these lessons to their bustling everyday lives.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A most meditative read on my morning commute, yet I found it hard to pick up. Something about the narration was quote normative, but it was wonderful to read about the yoga experience and recognize so much from my own practice.

[Knit Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

un livre fabuleux pour bien comprendre la philosophie du yoga

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to read this again

[Ann Wehrman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic, insightful, honest.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent further reading on the practice of yoga.

[Gustavo J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book

Very good book for anybody who is interested in following a yogic lifestyle without having to live in a cave

[Danita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh...

[Melinda Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super readable! Love the personal stories and connections, makes so many concepts easier to understand. Can’t wait to read a second time.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Read it for my yoga teacher training program and am already ready to read it again!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book some years ago. I decided to revisit it with the audible version which I also enjoyed very much

[Yasmeen Almuhanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to yoga

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darren Main has an accessible, disarming style of writing; and this book was easy to read. I have, many times, tried to find a suitable entry point for a sustainable yoga practice in my daily life. And I did find some useful ideas and inspiration in here for incorporating a yogic-styled approach to the the fast-paced lifestyle of the aspiring urban mystic.

However, I found Main's expectations as to the amount of time I would be able to devote to a yoga practice daunting and a little disheartening. I recall a specific passage in which he notes that, "...some of you may only be able to spend 90 minutes a day in an active practice." 90 minutes?! A day? What kind of world is he living in? Well, one in which he is paid to write yoga books, teaches a practice, and can spend entire days in meditation - but, unfortunately, hard to relate to my own "urban" circumstance, which involves a full time job, two kids, and a number of other personal pursuits vying for my time and attention. With that realization, it made it tough for me to buy into the totality of the book and its message. Maybe my expectations were off. And maybe I need to re-read at some point without trying to assume there's any call to action as far as starting a practice is concerned; but just try to heed the overall philosophy.

[Ali L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read (or must read!) for anyone looking for a basic explanation of yoga philosophy.
With it's casual tone, this book is for the average joe looking to learn what yoga is all about....AND it's for yoga practitioners (like me) to be reminded of the same thing! As westerners diving into yoga, I think we get caught up with the physical (asana) practice without recognizing that that is only one piece of the puzzle. Darren paints the whole yogic picture offering relatable anecdotes help to simplify what could be an overwhelming topic, so that's it's totally digestible for the average person. As a yoga teacher, even though the topic was familiar to me, reading this book was a great way to re-learn, remind myself, and deepen my knowledge. I know I'll keep coming back to this book for explanation and inspiration both for my own life & for my teaching, as my yoga practice continues. I'm also hoping I can convince my loved ones to read it as well - the information is presented in a way that I think non-yogis will be inspired.

*my only dislike was how often the term 'urban mystic' was referenced :)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

During my 12 years of playing with yoga, taking classes at a variety of studios, practicing on my own at home, and even reading library books about the subject, I had never had anyone so clearly explain the basic tenets and frameworks of yoga as in Darren Main's book. I'd heard a sprinkling of chakras and bandhas and pranayama, but never in a cohesive, organically arranged presentation. Main's strength is in the way he presents yoga for a western audience, giving a sweeping overview of a complex thought system, using practical examples from contemporary society to illustrate the concepts. His sincerity and ability to synthesize information helped me overlook the occasionally off-putting self-aggrandizing stories and assumptions about a typical American lifestyle. Perhaps the most poignant aspect of Main's book is his coining of the term "urban mystic," creating and validating the idea that we can both seek the divine and live well in society. I found that idea uplifting and hopeful, and it resonated with my life experience.