Downward Dogs and Warriors: Wisdom Tales for Modern Yogis

by Zo Newell

Downward Dogs and Warriors expounds the rich oral tradition of India's mythological stories with the yoga postures that evolved from them. Each chapter begins with a color photograph and richly detailed bazaar art of the deity associated with the creation of the posture. Have you noticed that colorful depictions of Indian gods and goddesses have made their way into the Western yoga scene, but are unsure how they can be useful in your personal practice? This book by a long-time yoga practitioner and scholar of religion provides an answer. It shows you how to use the physical postures of yoga along with deeply symbolic imagery for reflection, self-examination, and healing.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

110 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2007

Reviews

[Honore · Rating 2 out of 5]

This slim volume is a collection of Indian mythological tales that are the backdrop for various postures, a guide on how to do said postures, and suggestions on things to reflect on/ journal about after having done the postures. It's too much in too little space. I would have much preferred if 75% of the book focused on the deity stories and 25% was reflecting/ journaling prompts. The artwork and stories are great, but they were presented as tiny slivers in this book.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was hoping to get more gems to use with my yoga students in class settings, but not so....Still, interesting.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing artwork full of iconography which is explained. Possibly the most heartfelt, raw and revealing introduction I've read. This book is way too short and I'm hanging on every word. Thankfully, there is the Myths of the Asanas book as well. More writers need to speak to this interesting topic of where the postures originated and the tales behind them. Will stay up again late reading. Definitely recommend for Eastern religion buffs, yoga home practitioners, students and teachers. Awesome book!

[Jeremiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Link about a dozen poses to vedic sacred texts. I would have liked stories about more poses and the discrete readings. This author is very well read. Would have also appreciated an intention and flow. Beautiful illustrations.

[Marine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, Zo Newell brings ancient tales into our modern yoga practice in such a beautiful and genuine manner.

[Ilenia Maria Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting info. Loved the artwork. Parables didn't always correlate strongly to the poses or artwork in my opinion. Questions were strong and insightful.

[Anjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it explanations with stories and pictures are awesome.

[Rajiv Bais · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's strange that Shiva is viewed as the founder of yoga despite no concrete evidence of his existence, I love Zo's emphasis that yoga shouldn't be turned into "Yogilates."

[Marianna Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this book before it is released to the public, and it is amazing. Although I have practiced yoga for many years, the concepts in this book ask the reader to explore stories from India in his/her personal practice. The book introduces the classical mythology of India through stories of Shiva, although it does not delve into Hinduism or any other religion. It is strictly related to good storytelling and personal exploration. This book is approachable for both new beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, although it is not a teaching manual in the traditional sense. The illustrations and photos are most helpful and are pleasing to the eye. There is much to learn and explore!

[SivaAnanth Muthuveeranan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's about Yogic postures and resemblance towards the mythological stories. Realisation required to feel this book. what interests me are the pictures and craving mind to relate the story with the pose.

Zo is very open towards her encounters in early life, which most of us wouldn't dare to share.
This book going to be my on/off reading, since the Yogic poses have to be performed rather than read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book. I have long wondered about the stories associated with yoga. There is no other book like this. It has added a new dimension to my yoga practice. I highly recommend it for those who practice yoga of any type.

[Gilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, I just wished there were more stories to more yoga poses! The mythological world of Indian gods was unknown to me and I felt this was a great little introduction to the roots of my yoga practice.

[Linda Seltenright]

Ever wonder how yoga poses got there name?! Loved your book Zo Newell!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent companion to a yoga practice - useful journalling questions.

[Salvatore Familia]

Downward Dogs and Warriors de-mystifies traditional India stories of gods and goddesses by showing their connection to universal human emotions. Connecting these stories to common yoga poses opens a deeper dimension of practice.