The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga: A Practical Guide to Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit [Paperback]

While most current guides focus on yoga's asana (physical practice), this concise book emphasizes its spiritual aspects. Chopra (Ageless Body, Timeless Mind) and Simon (medical director, Chopra Ctr.) are both pioneers in the field of holistic health, having mixed Western medicine with natural Eastern hearing traditions. They lucidly explain the complexities of Vedic science and discuss how to apply its spiritual aspects to a yoga routine. Their overriding message is that if practitioners combine the components of a good yoga practice - breathing, meditation, postures (illustrated with photographs), bandhas (means of breath control), and Chopra's seven spiritual laws, they are promised physical, emotional, and spiritual rewards. Good for both beginners and advances students, this is an excellent choice for most yoga collections. ("Library Journal, July 2004)

"Just as no one would argue that gravity applies only to England because Sir Isaac Newton was British or that Einstein's theory of relativity was relevant only in Germany...the principles of yoga are not limited by time or space," say Chopra, author of "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and Simon, medical director for the Chopra Center. Their guide is written in such a clear, sensible way that those new to yoga will wonder why they've not tried it before. Seasoned practitioners will find themselves reinvigorated and may learn a new breathing technique or meditation. Starting with descriptions of the two most popular frameworks, Shankara and Patanjali, the authors then list the seven laws of spirituality that neatly correspond to the seven days of the week. Extensive explanations of several types ofmeditation-- chakra, so hum breath technique, awareness, attention/intention-- are followed by the most common breathing exercises and thorough instructions for a variety of asanas (poses). Photographs complete the instructional portion of the book, making it especially useful for beginners. The final pages bring the program together with a suggested routine that combines all of the above into a perfect blend of theory and practice. ("Publishers Weekly, June 28, 2004)

The remarkable benefits of yoga, which include improved flexibility, balance, muscle tone, endurance, and vitality, only hint at the extraordinary power of this deeply spiritual practice. When adhered to and practiced mindfully, yoga can unlock readers’ full creative potential, their capacity for love and compassion, and ability to find success in all areas of their lives. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga brings spirituality back to yoga. It shows how the Seven Spiritual Laws play a crucial role in yoga’s path to enlightenment while providing readers with a wealth of meditation techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and yoga poses. Whether a newcomer to yoga or an experienced practitioner, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is a portal to yoga’s deeper spiritual dimension and a beautiful step to a happier, more harmonious, and more abundant life.

Winner of the Nautilus Award

"This book takes yoga out of the mysterious and into the wonderful world of the practical. You will want to start your yoga practice immediately after reading the first pages of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga."
—Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, author of The Power of Intention, Manifest Your Destiny, and Real Magic

"The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is a spiritual gem, the kind of book that seems to take you by the hand and guide you into clarity and peace."
—Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love, Everyday Grace, and Illuminata

The remarkable benefits of yoga, which include improved flexibility, balance, muscle tone, endurance, and vitality, only hint at the extraordinary power of this deeply spiritual practice. When adhered to and practiced mindfully, yoga can unlock your full creative potential, your capacity for love and compassion, and your ability to find success in all areas of life.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga brings spirituality back to yoga. Chopra and Simon show how the Seven Spiritual Laws play a crucial role in yoga′s path to enlightenment while providing you with a wealth of meditation techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and marvelous yoga poses. Whether you are a newcomer to yoga or an experienced practitioner, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is a portal to yoga′s deeper spiritual dimension and a beautiful step to a happier, more harmonious, and more abundant life.

DEEPAK CHOPRA, M.D., is one of the world′s bestselling authors. His books have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. Dr. Chopra has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, and many other major television shows, and he was the subject of a cover story in Time magazine.

DAVID SIMON, M.D., is the cofounder, CEO, and Medical Director of the Chopra Center. With Deepak Chopra and Leanne Backer, he coauthored The Chopra Center Cookbook, and he is the author of Return to Wholeness and the Nautilus Award–winning Vital Energy.