Freeing the Body, Freeing the Mind: Writings on the Connections between Yoga and Buddhism

by Michael Stone (Editor), Robert A.F. Thurman (Foreword)

In this collection of provocative essays by prominent teachers of Yoga and Buddhism, the common ground of these two ancient traditions becomes clear. Michael Stone has brought together a group of intriguing voices to show how Buddhism and Yoga share the same roots, the same values, and the same spiritual goals. The themes addressed here are rich and varied, yet the essays all weave together the common threads between the traditions that offer guidance toward spiritual freedom and genuine realization.

Contributors include Ajahn Amaro Bhikkhu, Shosan Victoria Austin, Frank Jude Boccio, Christopher Key Chapple, Ari Goldfield and Rose Taylor, Chip Hartranft, Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, Sarah Powers, Eido Shimano Roshi, Jill Satterfield, Mu Soeng, Michael Stone, and Robert Thurman.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Frank Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology, edited by Michael Stone, is an important contribution to the dialogue between (classical) yoga and buddhism which had been derailed for a couple of centuries, but is now going at full-tilt in the west. In fact, this renewed dialogue may be one of the greatest contributions the west is making to these two yogic cultures!

In the interest of full disclosure, I have a chapter in this anthology, and know several of the other contributors, including Chip Hartranft, Jill Satterfield, Sarah Powers, and Michael Stone. Thankfully, I can with full integrity say that these are among the better contributions, along with excellent essays from Ajahn Amaro, Ari Goldfield and Rose Taylor, and Roshi Pat Enkyo O'Hara.

I am a fan of Daniel Odier's Desire as well as his other work on tantra, so I was fairly disappointed with his short and superficial contribution. Shosan Victoria Austin, a soto zen priest and Iyengar-yoga teacher, offers a highly uneven essay, with too many broad strokes, historical and philosophical errors (regarding both Patanjali and buddhism, and some inconsistency in her use of terms that undermine much of the good material found in her essay.

Sadly, the zen contributors ended up the weakest (outside of Roshi O'Hara) because Eido Shimano Roshi's short piece seems a bit of a throwaway. Christopher Key Chapple's contribution on the brahma-viharas is quite good, but I was disappointed to see him take a more classical yoga approach to them, without at all addressing the buddhist approach, which casts them as 'the immeasurables' by expanding their reach to all beings equally.

Mu Soeng offers a strong essay, with a bit of provocation (that I was glad to see) around the concepts of restraint and renunciation. Finally, I will say that I am happy with my contribution, which, in many ways, condenses my book, Mindfulness Yoga: The Awakened Union of Breath, Body and Mind into roughly 7,000 words!

For further commentary on each of the chapters in this important work, please visit: http://www.mindfulness-yoga.blogspot.... where I have been holding a 'virtual book club' since last September. You'll find my posts in the archives.

[Unit of Raine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. I mean, it's interesting to read formal essays on Buddhist and yogic theory, dogma, practice, etc. But I don't think I'm there. I'm not *that* interested in the theory, history, original texts, etc.

And I can't believe that it's a SHOCKING REVALATION that Buddha was a yogi first before reaching enlightenment and founding Buddhism. The two belief structures are so similar: definition of suffering, goals, steps, practices, etc.

On the plus side, between the book and the Kandmpa classes, I now understand that the temple next to me is actually a yoga temple (not cult) and that I would probably love it. Good to know after living NEXT TO IT for three years. *sigh* I’m slow on the uptake.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because entering my yoga teacher training and reading pure-yoga texts I began to wonder why so many teachers include Buddhist teachings and beliefs. Clearly I was missing a piece of the puzzle - and this book filled in the gaps.

I really enjoyed this anthology of essays from practitioners of both yoga & Buddhism which outline the points of connection and difference between the two.

Over the course of the book you learn about the intertwined history of yoga & Buddhism, the places where teachings overlap and where they do not.

It sounds like it would be stuffy and academic but almost all the pieces include personal stories, reflections and learnings of the authors - making for an engaging read.

As a long-time appreciator of Michael Stone’s writings, I deeply appreciate the consideration with which these pieces have been brought together, and Michael’s own contributions are as always engaging and inspiring.

The anthologic nature of the book makes it easy to read in pieces - to pick up and put down as needed.

Definitely one for the collection of anyone exploring yoga and/or Buddhism to understand how the practices can support and benefit each other.

[Jessica Bryzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and engaging collection of stories investigating the interplay between yoga and Buddhism. I deeply appreciate this collection, as its essays have answered questions that have long lingered in my mind as a practitioner of yoga and now stepping into Zen. I love Michael Stone’s writings and have read all of his other books, so I was disappointed at first when I realized this book wasn’t just Stone’s words, but a collection of other perspectives. After reading the book, I really appreciated learning and hearing of all the variation and similarities of practices. I’m leaving more inspired to continue my own person journey, and also I have a much deeper desire to learn from others on what leads them on their journeys.

[Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth reading, but a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the chapters did not resonate with me at all, but the chapters by Chip Hartranft, Chris Chapple, Jill Satterfield and Ajahn Amaro were worth the price of the book as they were excellent. Some very interesting points of just how close Patanjali's 8 limbs are to the Buddhas 4 Noble Truths and 8 Fold Path.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Few have tried to articulate this intersection - difficult to accurately discuss 'yoga' and 'buddhism' separately (the latter term a western construction), let alone together. Stone's writing makes the intersection accessible for people to enter and consider.

[Jayney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been curious about the connections between Yoga and Buddhism. Where I am currently living (Chichester, West Sussex) yoga classes are very focused on the body and the most accessible classes are the fashionable hot yoga classes. There's no Ashtanga or Inyengar classes for about 50 miles. (& with the bottle neck road conditions and dire public transport system in the UK that's really far!) As a consequence I have turned to buddhism to deepen my self reflection, meditation and to recieve teachings.


This book is a balanced collection of essays with various perspectives on the similarities of yoga and buddhism. I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in either yoga or buddhism and also people who are curious about yoga as a spiritual practice.

[Jayme · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a collection of articles from Buddhist/Yoga Practitioners. I found it hit-and-miss and felt that there was a grating lack of coherence in the book. I skimmed through most of it, enjoyed some chapters (Sarah Powers, in particular, was a highlight) but parts of this book were so very dry and academic that they left no impression.

[Todd Mayville · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/1...

[Alysa Volpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to grasp and flowed well. Enjoyed greatly