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True Yoga: Practicing With the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment
USA Best Book Awards 2016 Award Winning Finalist in Inspirational CategoryTrue Yoga is an inspirational guide through the Eight Limb path of yoga. It reaches beyond the popular physical practice to the timeless teachings of consciousness transformation outlined in the Yoga Sutras, making the wisdom and universal spirituality of the ancient yogis understandable and practical for all. Discover effective methods for maintaining positive thoughts, managing stress, improving communication, and building new habits for success. Whether challenged by work, health, relationships, or parenting, this book will help readers achieve lasting happiness and freedom from the stress of modern living.Integrating the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras into an accessible format, using daily practices, self-inquiry questions, and inspiring affirmations, Lee puts the formula for enduring happiness within your reach." True Yoga outlines the grandeur of this path we call Yoga, and how it encompasses and refines our inner and outer lives. It is a real gift."― Nischala Joy Devi, author of Healing Path of Yoga and The Secret Power of Yoga"This beautiful, wise, and exceedingly practical guide on how to live our true yoga is destined to be a classic."―Leza Lowitz, author of Yoga Poems, Yoga Heart, and Here Comes The Sun
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2016
101 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Lee
47 books35 followersNautilus Award winning author of 3 books: Spark Change: 108 Provocative Questions for Spiritual Evolution; Breathing Love: Meditation in Action; and True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment. Jennie Lee is a recognized expert in the fields of Yoga Therapy and spiritual living. She is a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with 20 years of experience in yoga philosophy and meditation practice, and an educational background in spiritual psychology. She has coached hundreds of clients out of limited or negative thinking to freedom and fulfillment.
She finds joy in sharing with others how to integrate the teachings of classical yoga and meditation into everyday life for inner peace, a deeper sense of purpose and a connection to one's spiritual self. She counsels via phone or Zoom internationally.
SPARK CHANGE AWARDS:
2020 Nautilus Book Award Winner: Silver Gift & Specialty
2020 Best Book Award Winner: Spirituality: Inspirational (American Book Fest)
2020 Book of the Year Award Finalist: Spiritual / Inspirational (International Authors Network)
2020 Mind & Spirit Book Award for Spirituality & Enlightenment (CIBA Finalist)
BREATHING LOVE AWARDS:
2018 Best Book Award Winner: Self Help/Motivational (American Book Fest)
2018 Book of the Year Award Finalist: Spirituality/ Inspirational (International Authors Network)
2018 I & I Book Awards Semi-Finalist: Instructional and Insightful Non-fiction - Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs)
Top 10 Inspiring Books (Aspire Magazine Jan. 2018)
Top 10 Inspiring Books (Aspire Magazine Oct. 2020)
TRUE YOGA AWARDS:
2016 USA Best Book Award Finalist: Spirituality / Inspirational
Stanford University YogaX Yoga for Mental Health required reading
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 18, 2018
I just revisited this book, which we use for the beginner yoga teacher training at my studio. It's a great introduction to the eight limbs of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. We've tried many books over the years for this purpose. Others have either been over newer-to- yoga-philosophy students' heads, too dry, or too rooted in Western new age* rather than classical yoga.
Each chapter is a look into one of the limbs of the Sutras. Jennie Lee offers explanations of the limbs, even some of the harder ones to explain like samadhi, that are accessible to everyone. At the same time, she gives students who are familiar with Sutra philosophy some new angles from which to view the limbs. At the end of each chapter she has daily practices, questions for further reflection, and affirmations. I always appreciate yoga philosophy books that offer a practical approach so that concepts can be more deeply integrated. After all, yoga is about doing, not superficial knowing. :)
This book is consistently well recieved by our students & gives us a platform for great group discussions.
Recommended for anyone new to yoga philosophy or not so new but wanting to give their inner yoga nerd a slightly different spin on things to consider.
* Some of Lee's terminology can sound a smidge new age-y, but I think this has to do with how new age was influenced by yogis who brought yoga to the west early on and used westernized terms. Yogananda Paramahansa, the author's guru, was one of these yogis. Jennie Lee is clearly well versed in classical yoga philosophy and, in this case, I think the slightly new age-y terms add to the accessibility of the ideas.
Each chapter is a look into one of the limbs of the Sutras. Jennie Lee offers explanations of the limbs, even some of the harder ones to explain like samadhi, that are accessible to everyone. At the same time, she gives students who are familiar with Sutra philosophy some new angles from which to view the limbs. At the end of each chapter she has daily practices, questions for further reflection, and affirmations. I always appreciate yoga philosophy books that offer a practical approach so that concepts can be more deeply integrated. After all, yoga is about doing, not superficial knowing. :)
This book is consistently well recieved by our students & gives us a platform for great group discussions.
Recommended for anyone new to yoga philosophy or not so new but wanting to give their inner yoga nerd a slightly different spin on things to consider.
* Some of Lee's terminology can sound a smidge new age-y, but I think this has to do with how new age was influenced by yogis who brought yoga to the west early on and used westernized terms. Yogananda Paramahansa, the author's guru, was one of these yogis. Jennie Lee is clearly well versed in classical yoga philosophy and, in this case, I think the slightly new age-y terms add to the accessibility of the ideas.
April 5, 2016
For those that want to deepen their yoga practice, or develop a code by which to live, this book is excellent. Each chapter ends in positive affirmations that you can bring in to your meditation practice or intention setting. Lee collates interpretations from a handful of scholars on the Sutras to develop one more very readable work on living out the 8 limbed path.
November 9, 2020
⭐️ 3-3.5
There’s a lot of great things about this book, and I definitely believe it’s life changing for some, but it wasn’t that for me.
On the great side, I love the translation of the yoga sutras from multiple sources, the daily journaling/practices, and how it was section almost like a guidebook.
I tried to read this like a guidebook, starting each morning (or, tried to) and base my day around it. I definitely think this needs to be read slowly (probably a chapter a week) so that the practices and message sinks in and can be practiced. For me, I felt like I was forgetting information and the message didn’t sink in.
Overall, a quality book when practiced right and when you’re fully engaged. If not, it’s easy to get lost or bored and miss the heart of it completely.
There’s a lot of great things about this book, and I definitely believe it’s life changing for some, but it wasn’t that for me.
On the great side, I love the translation of the yoga sutras from multiple sources, the daily journaling/practices, and how it was section almost like a guidebook.
I tried to read this like a guidebook, starting each morning (or, tried to) and base my day around it. I definitely think this needs to be read slowly (probably a chapter a week) so that the practices and message sinks in and can be practiced. For me, I felt like I was forgetting information and the message didn’t sink in.
Overall, a quality book when practiced right and when you’re fully engaged. If not, it’s easy to get lost or bored and miss the heart of it completely.
March 31, 2024
Beautiful and impactful
May 11, 2023
Maybe this book and yoga philosophy isn't for me. It tended to make me angry. 😠 😡
April 25, 2024
Honestly my therapist recommended this book to me and it took me 5 months to actually read it, but I’m so glad I did. Jennie Lee beautifully presents the 8 Limbs of yoga. She gives historic context for the Sutras and very clearly lays out the meaning of each practice. I will read and re-read this book from time to time to include her suggestions in my daily life and yoga. This book is incredible for anyone looking to connect the mind, body & spirit, especially (& obviously) through yoga. This book is an incredible look into the yoga sutras and how to apply them to everyday life. It was an easy to understand book and I loved loved loved the meditations at the end of each chapter. Every girl in their 20s should read this and learn how to start the practice of listening to your body and resting your mind & soul 💅
August 2, 2017
I read this as a text for a yoga teacher training. It was a wonderful look into the yoga sutras and how to apply them to our everyday life. It was an easy to understand book and I loved the meditations at the end of each chapter. I have been meditating on these thoughts even after completing the book.
July 8, 2019
Jennie Lee beautifully presents the 8 Limbs of yoga. She gives historic context for the Sutras and very clearly lays out the meaning of each practice and readies us for the others. I will read and re-read this book from time to time to include her suggestions in my practice. This book is a gem. Real Wisdom and definitely True Yoga.
August 2, 2020
This is one of the best books about Yoga. Jennie Lee changed my life with her books and teachings. She is one of the top, most-trusted resources in well-being and her books show it. I've had a chance to preview her upcoming book Spark Change and it too is brilliant. - Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, Hay House author of PERCOLATE - Let Your Best Self Filter Through
October 18, 2022
Easy to read. Not a lot of ‘fluff’, as in filler, which then required me to underline most of the book. I do agree with another reviewer who said it was a challenge to let sink in, and I think that is because it is very succinct and to the point without wasting words. Great and accessible introduction to the 8 limbs of yoga, which sound so simple yet….
July 26, 2018
Good study/review of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga for yogis and yoga teachers
April 1, 2020
Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the 8 limbs of yoga. The Yamas and Niyamas are especially well covered.
March 11, 2021
This was a great read. Lee had an excellent breakdown of the sutras.
June 15, 2021
Great addition to the bookshelf of yoga education ;)
February 7, 2022
This is a fantastic, practical interpretation of the 8 limbs of yoga in the Yoga Sutras.
April 17, 2023
This was a great audiobook! I really got a lot out of the lessons and came to have a better understanding of how Yoga can benefit all aspects of life.
April 8, 2024
Truly changed the way I think, feel, process.
February 9, 2022
This book is about applying the 8 limbs of yoga(ashtanga) in one's life. It's not just about the poses (asanas) as that is just one limb. The asanas and their practice are discussed but only in the context of how to apply it to a yoga lifestyle.
I am impressed with the author's use of personal stories to accompany the discussions of each limb. Often times, I feel authors will really make it a stretch to have a story fit. However, I found Jennie was not only on topic but also very vulnerable with what she shared. Her stories are not fantastical and I could and did see myself in several of her stories. She and the stories were all relatable.
There is only one gripe I have about this book and this is what kept it from getting a five star review: the narration. The author read it herself. I truly wish they would have chosen a seasoned voice talent to have read this. Jennie's voice is dull, dry and uninteresting. Her reading the book took away from it rather than enhancing the experience. (I listened to the Audible version of this book.)
On a final note, if you are wanting to learn more about the yoga lifestyle and how to incorporate the ashtanga (8 fold path of yoga) this is a book I'd recommend for a beginner and also for someone such as myself, someone that has knowledge of the subject but would like to learn more on it and how to incorporate it into one's own life.
I am impressed with the author's use of personal stories to accompany the discussions of each limb. Often times, I feel authors will really make it a stretch to have a story fit. However, I found Jennie was not only on topic but also very vulnerable with what she shared. Her stories are not fantastical and I could and did see myself in several of her stories. She and the stories were all relatable.
There is only one gripe I have about this book and this is what kept it from getting a five star review: the narration. The author read it herself. I truly wish they would have chosen a seasoned voice talent to have read this. Jennie's voice is dull, dry and uninteresting. Her reading the book took away from it rather than enhancing the experience. (I listened to the Audible version of this book.)
On a final note, if you are wanting to learn more about the yoga lifestyle and how to incorporate the ashtanga (8 fold path of yoga) this is a book I'd recommend for a beginner and also for someone such as myself, someone that has knowledge of the subject but would like to learn more on it and how to incorporate it into one's own life.
February 14, 2016
Review from Raising Fairies and Knights
My fault, but I was a little confused at this book and what I was getting into. I thought it was a guide on yoga, poses and movements. It was more on the yogi’s lifestyle. How to try and tackle life with the best possible attitude and outlook on life. There are questions to ask yourself along the way to try and put things into perspective. If you are looking for a book to help you gain the yoga mindset and tackle life with a more laisse-faire attitude then this is probably a good book for you. There are also some breathing exercises to try out.
This is not really the book for me, I enjoyed the information and could feel myself relaxing while I was reading the book as it put things into perspective and I tried not to let simple things bug me that would otherwise stress me out. In general though, this is not really my kind of book. I was looking for more ideas on yoga and maybe breathing and meditating exercises. I am sure this is a great book for a lot of people though who are looking to gain the yogi mindset.
http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.c...
My fault, but I was a little confused at this book and what I was getting into. I thought it was a guide on yoga, poses and movements. It was more on the yogi’s lifestyle. How to try and tackle life with the best possible attitude and outlook on life. There are questions to ask yourself along the way to try and put things into perspective. If you are looking for a book to help you gain the yoga mindset and tackle life with a more laisse-faire attitude then this is probably a good book for you. There are also some breathing exercises to try out.
This is not really the book for me, I enjoyed the information and could feel myself relaxing while I was reading the book as it put things into perspective and I tried not to let simple things bug me that would otherwise stress me out. In general though, this is not really my kind of book. I was looking for more ideas on yoga and maybe breathing and meditating exercises. I am sure this is a great book for a lot of people though who are looking to gain the yogi mindset.
http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.c...
July 10, 2016
***I received an advance copy from NetGalley for my honest review***
I expected to come across supernaturalism and spirituality in this book, because it is after all a book about yoga. That really wasn't why I was interested in reading it though. I am not a "spiritual" person. However, there are some aspects of this book that science can back up to help with both physical and mental health. I think those two aspects can help people in their daily lives. The book was well organized and coherent. The author is competent and knows the subject well. She is also engaging as she asks the reader to participate in growth activities. There were parts that were repetitive, but overall this was a good introduction to yoga.
I expected to come across supernaturalism and spirituality in this book, because it is after all a book about yoga. That really wasn't why I was interested in reading it though. I am not a "spiritual" person. However, there are some aspects of this book that science can back up to help with both physical and mental health. I think those two aspects can help people in their daily lives. The book was well organized and coherent. The author is competent and knows the subject well. She is also engaging as she asks the reader to participate in growth activities. There were parts that were repetitive, but overall this was a good introduction to yoga.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews