Georg Feurerstein is the founder and director of the Yoga Research Center, editor of Yoga World newsletter, and the author of more than 30 books. He discovered this ancient path of transformation at age 14 and by 19 had published his first book on it. The Sanskrit invocation used by many yoga masters before giving a teaching signals the serious intent of this 12-session, 7-hour course.
It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans have practiced some form of yoga. According to Feuerstein, the lost teachings of yoga are those spiritual insights and practices neglected by individuals who only use this discipline as a vehicle for physical fitness.
Yoga, arguably India's most precious gift to the world, has its origins in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. When practiced as a self-transcending discipline, it can lead to inner freedom, happiness, and peace. Yoga masters emphasize that those looking for instant enlightenment should look elsewhere. Many Christians and Jews use these postures and breathing techniques without slighting their own faith; in fact, many say that yoga deepens their efforts to become more attentive, present, and compassionate.
The underlying foundation of this well-articulated curriculum is found in the 10 principles of all yoga, including seeing it as a liberation teaching, a continuum of theory and practice, a discipline aimed at self-transformation, and a way to change the habit patterns of the mind. Feuerstein discusses the seven branches or schools of yoga and the ways they meet the very different needs and temperaments of all kinds of people.
We were very impressed with Feuerstein's overview of the moral foundations encompassed by this art and science. He explores the virtues of nonharming, truthfulness, greedlessness, self-restraint, and more. His explanation of the body as a tool for enlightenment is clear and precise along with his comments on the seven stages of psychospiritual growth. This in-depth curriculum concludes with wise counsel on living the yogic path in a "nine-to-five" world of pressure, stress, and anxiety.
