The Lost Teachings of Yoga

by Georg Feuerstein

Yoga's original spiritual wisdom and practices. A leading scholar and practitioner of Yoga in the West for more than 30 years, Feuerstein introduces you to the wonders beyond Yoga's postures and breathing techniques, and points the way to the "inner strength and mental peace" that is Yoga's first objective. Taught by Feuerstein himself, this full 12-session, 7-hour course reveals the true history of Yoga, the gifted masters who brought it to the West, its many branches and the rich fruit they yield, Yoga's virtues and disciplines that "flower into enlightenment," subtle anatomy and the energy of prana or life force, the origins of asanas, and much more.

Genres: Audiobook, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, History, Hinduism

7 pages, Audio CD

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

Georg A. Feuerstein was an Indologist and, according to his associate Ken Wilber, among the foremost Westerns scholar-practitioners of yoga. After doing his postgraduate research at Durham University in England, he moved to the United States, eventually settling in Canada with his wife and sometime co-author Brenda.

Reviews

[Eugene Pustoshkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In general, I enjoyed this audio series immensely. Georg Feuerstein’s stance is very systematic and profound. It expands the popular view of yoga as postures into a more valid and accurate vision of yoga as a profound practice of transforming one’s consciousness. In many cases the author relies on Patanjali, but his narrative is in no way limited by it, for the perspective that he offers is a synthetic and includes various traditions (including Hinduist tantra and Buddhist yogas). The chapter on ethics and Feuerstein’s understanding of it in the audio book seems a bit too rigid to my taste and structure-specific (I suspect a pluralistic stage of consciousness development; and I would prefer a more integral stance, if speaking in Ken Wilber’s terms—but of course, it’s just my limited interpretation and I could be wrong in that assessment), yet everything else is great. The best part for me was towards the end, where the author offers experiential descriptions of various kinds of samadhi states. I got this audiobook from Audible, it was a wonderful experience of listening from my smartphone.

[Muse-ic ♬]

I'm not going to rate this because I don't feel like I'm in a position to properly do so.

I listened to this as an audiobook and it's very detailed and information-rich. As a result, I found myself zoning out a lot, so I don't think I was able to get out of this book what I was originally hoping to (i.e. a me problem, not the book).

Regardless I'm looking forward to reading more books about yoga and spiritual teachings!

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book interesting, while remaining mindfully engaged with the content was challenging, as the narrative had a melodic voice that often lulled me into a peaceful state of meditation rather than remaining focused and attentive to the material stated. I feel unable to adequately comment or review without re-listening to the content for a second time; simultaneously reluctant to do so due to the quality of the narration.

[Tom Weissmuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding resource to augment any study of yoga (aka the eight fold path). I read fiction, religious, spiritual, technical, and personal improvement books. I read every day, seek enlightenment (though not in a crazed frenzy to attain it), and truly hope to find wisdom in books. I enjoy reviewing good ones. This presentation of yoga is by far the best and most relevant book of 2018 for me. It is the best yoga book / presentation I have ever enjoyed (and I have read some classics, including others by this author.). It is consistent with other readings but the presentation won me over. The author, more knowledgeable and pragmatic than most who offer contemporary commentary on yoga, continues to deliver well researched material, spiced with his personal experience. Please do not miss the opportunity to review this presentation. I will add it to my library for further review. Ten stars out of five, for reaching beyond our physical realm. Enjoy!

[Max Pietsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably give this one 4.5 if that were an option.

Finished the first chapter and a half so far. Finding this book informative but not inspiring in that it tells the history and content of yoga well, but I haven't heard anything practical which makes me want to put it in practice. Maybe this is just my take on it, though. Others may love it. I have definitely found it informative so far, to learn about the different styles of yoga (hatha, raja, bhakti, tantra, etc) and the goal of unification with everything and loss of oneself, and about the importance of breath control in hatha yoga, etc. However I'm not going to change anything I'm doing based on this information, and hearing the author list off a bunch of what sound mostly like made up benefits (especially when he says hatha can cure almost everything) and tells the reader the right and wrong way to do yoga (based on historical teachings, but not because of a real reason) kind of are fine to hear but don't make me want to do it. Although tbh I'm more motivated by trying spiritual practices than about hearing about them in general anyways, but some scientific studies do motivate me. (Sorry this review is kind of rambling at this point.)

[Jonathan Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal!

[Maej · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this as an audiobook as it's read by Georg. I see myself returning back to these teachings throughout the years.

[Gina]

Checked out for Yoga month. The first chapter was interesting but then I was done.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, a little pompous/preachy.

[Cecilia Córdova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good perspective of yoga and its teachings. Good and easy language. Highly recommended.