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The Sacred Tradition of Yoga: Philosophy, Ethics, and Practices for a Modern Spiritual Life
A guide to personal discipline and social ethics from a classical Sanskrit scholar, designed for the modern yoga practitioner.
In today’s complex world, how is it possible to truly live as a yogi? Traditional yoga theory offers fresh, insightful solutions to today’s practical lifestyle concerns, ranging from environmentalism to personal health and wellness. Tuning into classic yoga philosophy and teachings can bring to light our greatest strengths while showing us how to maintain a healthy body and clear mind while attaining inner happiness. Drawing from his personal experiences of yoga and insight into ancient Sanskrit texts, Dr. Shankaranarayana Jois connects yogic philosophy to how we approach food, work, education, relationships, and other conscious lifestyle choices to support our deepest longings for happiness, peace, and balance. Practical and insightful, The Sacred Tradition of Yoga begins with a clear and deep inquiry into the human condition, reminding us of true purpose of Yoga. The second half of the book focuses on the yamas and niyamas, the personal disciplines and social ethics of yoga. Throughout, Dr. Jois’ teachings honor ancient traditions and underscore the benefits we can gain from adopting a yogic way of life in the modern world.
In today’s complex world, how is it possible to truly live as a yogi? Traditional yoga theory offers fresh, insightful solutions to today’s practical lifestyle concerns, ranging from environmentalism to personal health and wellness. Tuning into classic yoga philosophy and teachings can bring to light our greatest strengths while showing us how to maintain a healthy body and clear mind while attaining inner happiness. Drawing from his personal experiences of yoga and insight into ancient Sanskrit texts, Dr. Shankaranarayana Jois connects yogic philosophy to how we approach food, work, education, relationships, and other conscious lifestyle choices to support our deepest longings for happiness, peace, and balance. Practical and insightful, The Sacred Tradition of Yoga begins with a clear and deep inquiry into the human condition, reminding us of true purpose of Yoga. The second half of the book focuses on the yamas and niyamas, the personal disciplines and social ethics of yoga. Throughout, Dr. Jois’ teachings honor ancient traditions and underscore the benefits we can gain from adopting a yogic way of life in the modern world.
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2015
20 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 3, 2015
If you are looking for a way in, a door to open and encourage your spiritual growth, this book is written for you. The Sacred Tradition of Yoga, by Dr. Shankaranarayana Jois, will help you develop a deeper understanding of self and soul, encourage you, through a fundamental understanding of the ancient yogic texts and philosophy, to live a more meaningful life, and help guide you through the day to day challenges of life circa 2015. This book has an authenticity that so many books on this subject are lacking, and in an insightful and humble manner brings true enlightenment to the reader.
May 10, 2017
This is an amazing book. It will be my go to book that I gift to friends. I keep this book by my bedside. I can open it to any page and truly resonate with what is being taught. It is practical and I can apply the teachings to my everyday life. It is also very well written and easy to understand for someone who does not have a great deal of experience with YOGA and is ready to absorb this truly wonderful gift. I do believe it is life transforming and connects you to your source. I am grateful to all those involved in creating this book.
June 27, 2015
The Sacred Tradition of Yoga is a precious collection of teachings that open the door to the heart. Savor each chapter and read it again and again! Inspiring and practical, it is a valuable resource to lean into on the spiritual path. By illuminating ancient yogic teachings in clear and beautiful prose, Jois points the way to the Truth.
May 17, 2017
This book is beautifully written, and holds a wealth of truly inspiring, insightful and deeply penetrating teachings on yoga. I can not recommend it enough.
September 30, 2018
The concept of yoga is complex. In the perspective of a millennial and a primary education student-teacher, yoga is a tradition that encompasses life in its totality in specific, compartmentalised terms. From my understanding, yoga is a tradition that emphasises common-sense values, mindfulness, and the internalisation of what our human organism is within. Dr. Jois takes a remarkable and needed consideration of how the present day obstacles such as materialism and other of the like encourage an “absence” of mindfulness. (Making me wonder whether yoga, or what is known to be yoga in the mainstream, has become a mode of escapism, a call for help out of the present day chaos.) This book clearly expresses an important part of yoga's roots whilst complimenting the ethos of choosing a yogic pathway. I would recommend this book especially to people who have no knowledge of yoga as an attempt, not necessarily to join a yogic pathway, rather taking steps towards a more mindful and purposeful life. I think one of the most valuable concepts of yoga is the notion of living in the present. This notion is very lost in the days of today, hence its necessary predominance in our lives.
September 21, 2015
It's a perfectly fine book for laying out the principles of yoga (though I have read better), but the "Modern Spiritual Life" part of the title is a complete misnomer. The modern experience was only referenced when it was easily connected, but there was no effort to take a look at the issues of modern life and then detailing how yoga principles could be used to address these concerns, which is what I thought I'd be getting when I purchased this book.
October 19, 2021
It has taken me six months to read this book because it is an incredibly dense text interpreting traditional yoga theory and yogic philosophy…also because I did not like it.
I love to practice yoga: the practice helps me to turn off the noise in my brain, unclench my jaw for damn once, and meditate on much-needed positivity. Because I love the physical and meditative practice, I wanted to learn more about the tradition and philosophy of yoga as a way of life. I didn’t want to simply be doing postures because they ~felt good~ without knowing their deeper meaning to the Indian people who developed them and fought colonialism to save them.
Going in, I knew that some traditional yogic scholars adhere to certain sexist interpretations of the ancient texts, so, early on, I was glad to see that Dr. Jois gendered yogis (including full Realized yogis) as both “he” and “she” alternatively. Turns out, that was the only concession to modernity (and women) offered.
The “Yoga Is for Everyone! But for Women, Less” Awards:
3rd place: The author laments that girls are educated in schools, and supports a return to boys only in classrooms while girls are educated at home specifically by men. Cool.
2nd place: Women are incapable of properly pronouncing certain meditations and therefore should never do so. Amazing.
1st place: Menstruating women are UNCLEAN AND SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED EVER. Perfect.
Blessings for women yogis like my friend the miraculous Tabby Simison who helped me to understand that, like the Christian Bible, ancient yogic texts have hundreds of interpretations. There is much division between sects. Dr. Jois represents one sect. Apparently, I accidentally stumbled into a controversial world I didn’t know existed.
My main lesson I’m taking from this is that there is a LOT for this #whitewoman to learn about the ancient practice of yoga; however, I do not have to accept a man telling me I am unworthy for my mat and my meditation merely because I’m a woman.
I love to practice yoga: the practice helps me to turn off the noise in my brain, unclench my jaw for damn once, and meditate on much-needed positivity. Because I love the physical and meditative practice, I wanted to learn more about the tradition and philosophy of yoga as a way of life. I didn’t want to simply be doing postures because they ~felt good~ without knowing their deeper meaning to the Indian people who developed them and fought colonialism to save them.
Going in, I knew that some traditional yogic scholars adhere to certain sexist interpretations of the ancient texts, so, early on, I was glad to see that Dr. Jois gendered yogis (including full Realized yogis) as both “he” and “she” alternatively. Turns out, that was the only concession to modernity (and women) offered.
The “Yoga Is for Everyone! But for Women, Less” Awards:
3rd place: The author laments that girls are educated in schools, and supports a return to boys only in classrooms while girls are educated at home specifically by men. Cool.
2nd place: Women are incapable of properly pronouncing certain meditations and therefore should never do so. Amazing.
1st place: Menstruating women are UNCLEAN AND SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED EVER. Perfect.
Blessings for women yogis like my friend the miraculous Tabby Simison who helped me to understand that, like the Christian Bible, ancient yogic texts have hundreds of interpretations. There is much division between sects. Dr. Jois represents one sect. Apparently, I accidentally stumbled into a controversial world I didn’t know existed.
My main lesson I’m taking from this is that there is a LOT for this #whitewoman to learn about the ancient practice of yoga; however, I do not have to accept a man telling me I am unworthy for my mat and my meditation merely because I’m a woman.
May 18, 2017
As a yoga teacher and yoga practitioner I keep coming back to this book time and time again. It is an excellent reference book which I use to prepare for retreats, classes and general guidance with students & clients.
It is a heart inspired book; a great introduction for the seeker, and a gem for the mature practitioner. The nuggets of truth lie hidden in the many layers of our consciousness waiting to be revealed upon further inquiry.
I have been studying yoga with Dr. Jois for several years and together with the support of the Sadvidya Foundation(@www.sadvidyafoundation.org). have been able to incorporate these yogic practices into my life(especially Meditation and Proper use of Food). The rewards have been immense -a deeper faith, peace of mind and simpler lifestyle -bringing more harmony in relationships with family and community. If you want to know the true meaning of yoga, this book is essential in broadening your understanding.
The satisfaction comes from going back - always inspiring and relevant.
It is a heart inspired book; a great introduction for the seeker, and a gem for the mature practitioner. The nuggets of truth lie hidden in the many layers of our consciousness waiting to be revealed upon further inquiry.
I have been studying yoga with Dr. Jois for several years and together with the support of the Sadvidya Foundation(@www.sadvidyafoundation.org). have been able to incorporate these yogic practices into my life(especially Meditation and Proper use of Food). The rewards have been immense -a deeper faith, peace of mind and simpler lifestyle -bringing more harmony in relationships with family and community. If you want to know the true meaning of yoga, this book is essential in broadening your understanding.
The satisfaction comes from going back - always inspiring and relevant.
June 6, 2017
The Sacred Tradition of Yoga is a beautifully written book that illustrates a way forward for those of us longing to be in touch with our true nature and live a yogic lifestyle. I have given this book as a gift many times and I recommend it to any and all who are looking for a resource to support their practice.
May 18, 2017
Since reading this book, and applying the practical tools that Dr. Jois shares, I have experienced more Balance, Contentment, Peace, and Joy in my day to day life.
Dr. Jois lays out a map, to guide the reader into the inner equanimity of the Heart.
Grateful.
Dr. Jois lays out a map, to guide the reader into the inner equanimity of the Heart.
Grateful.
December 23, 2018
Given to me by my yoga teacher as it was written by his teacher. Very well written and organized. Great intro book to Yogic philosophy basics. I was impressed with how un-PC much of it was. Also fascinating to compare many aspects to Judaism.
April 19, 2016
A beautiful explanation of the teachings/philosophy of yoga. I read a little every day after my asana practice so it took a long time to finish the book. This turned out to be a good way to cover the different ideas by letting them sink in. However, these lovely thoughts are so hard to put into use in the modern world and the book does not really give any suggestions on how to do this. Still worth reading and referring back to.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews