The Yoga Matrix: The Body as a Gateway to Freedom

by Richard Freeman

Within the Yoga Sutra, an ancient text about the practice of yoga, only two verses mention asanas, or the postures we commonly associate with yoga in the West. Patanjali, the legendary sage and author of this 2,250-year-old work, was concerned not solely with physical development, or even mental development. In fact, the original purpose of yoga was―and remains―to function as a complete spiritual path where the body serves as a gateway to enlightenment.

On The Yoga Matrix , the renowned instructor Richard Freeman immerses us in the rich teachings and sutras that inform the many schools of yoga, and reveals how the body can serve as the ultimate laboratory, temple, and place of pilgrimage for spiritual inquiry. Looking back 5,000 years, Freeman uncovers the living roots of yoga philosophy, and observes how they have grown into many schools, techniques, and philosophies that are united by a vast, interpenetrating matrix that holds the key to understanding yoga's full depth and greater purpose.

Freeman first traveled to India in 1968, where he began a lifetime of study with the living masters of yoga and its mysteries. Now he teaches these authentic lessons and their original subtleties, with the questions and concerns of the serious Western student in mind. What is the yogic view of reality? Why was yoga first developed? How is progress traditionally measured? What are the principles of working with the body's subtle energy? Where do I start?

From profound concepts at the center of this ancient cosmic philosophy, to the cherished teaching stories and chants that enrich its daily practice, here is a complete audio curriculum with the power to catalyze your daily yoga practice.



Yoga, nondualism, and the present moment
• How the major schools of yoga relate to one another
• The Jeweled Net of Indra, and the metapattern of the yoga matrix
• Your body―its surprising place in the yoga matrix
• containers for meditation practice
• Nadis ―the body's rivers of energy
• Kundalini energy and how it awakens
• Five Element Theory―its application to yoga
• The Sankhya System―from solid earth to transparent mind
• The nectar of Tantra
• The nine obstacles to yoga practice, and how to overcome them
• Yamas and Niyamas ―yoga's core moral precepts
• The ultimate guru
• More than seven hours of chants, divine lore, and advanced yoga teachings

Genres: Philosophy

9 pages, Audio CD

First published February 28, 2002

About the author

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

Reviews

[Nabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, currently Listening to the very learned, calm-of-voice and composure, Yoga teacher Richard Freeman speaking about the ever fascinating, all-encompassing practice of Yoga. I'm starting to believe that this is a journey that is just at its infancy for me, and there is a very long yet fulfilling road ahead! I highly recommend this audio book (I bought affordably on Amazon as a downloadable mp3) for anyone interested in learning more about the history, philosophy, and "off-the-mat" discourse on these timeless teachings. Richard Freeman has a contemporary and sane take on this practice that is often misunderstood and misappropriated and mutated for superficial and temporary benefits. Not a religion; not a way to convert people and judge others; a gateway for understanding ourselves and how to live more compassionately and fully.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had very healing and yet indescribable experiences made possible by my yoga practice. I haven't felt like I needed to understand or "make sense" of them - I've just been grateful, and a bit confused, but overall grateful that they happened.

Then I re-opened "The Art of Vinyasa", my first text by Richard and Mary, and right there in the first few pages was the description of my experience. It turns out deep healing is a common outcome of a disciplined yoga practice, and I had completely missed that fact, perhaps because I was adamant that my interest in yoga was "just because it felt good". I branched out to read more of Richard Freeman's stuff and have found this book fascinating. I wouldn't recommend it as an introductory yoga text but for anybody with an established regular practice you might be interested.

[Dekel Persi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating is for the audiobook version. Narration is awful. 2 words, 1 second pause, in an infinite loop. Aborted in chapter 3

[Cat Sprague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite observations and teachings. A profound and extensive look into the body, mind, theory and practice of yoga and life. A must read even if you don’t practice. Read, reread and will read again.

[Bizzy Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audible version. Quite a difficult listen, very dense information to take in but I think a comprehensive overview of the sutras and teachings of yoga.

[Lizzie]

I was required to read this for my yoga training. It's pretty high level so good information but I think it went over my head. I wouldn't recommend this has light reading for beginners.

[Laura Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this - but highly recommend the audiobook so you can get full "Richard Freeman experience"

[Alpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

an in deapth study of yoga, a complete overview of the yoga system.

Best value is to download the 6 cd's from amazon.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chapter on Samkhya, Bhagavad Gita, yoga sutras of patanjali and 1 couple others. I think I listened to it 3 times, because its so much info condensed & Richard Freeman's voice is like butter.

[Mirkec]

Awesome interpretation of yoga sutra…

[Sb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great explanation of the many aspects of yoga in it's true origin. Richard Freeman's understanding of this concept is expressed through the views and princples that these feilds hold, yet from a non-judgmental, detached point of view.
A true teacher. Looking forward to exploring more of his work.