Torah Yoga
Experiencing Jewish Wisdom Through Classic Postures
1. Auflage April 2004
192 Seiten, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
This highly original book introduces a fascinating new approach to
yoga and Torah by combining the practice of classic yoga postures
with traditional and mystical Jewish wisdom. Each chapter begins by
presenting a central Jewish spiritual concept that engages readers
of all faiths on a personal level. It offers an in-depth
exploration of the concept, quoting and commenting on sacred Jewish
texts from the Pentateuch (Five Books of Moses) and other sources.
It then guides its readers with mastery and clarity through a
meditation and a set of fundamental yoga postures--clearly
illustrated by beautiful photographs--for both beginning and
advanced yoga students. The Torah concept is actualized and
experienced through the practice of these postures. Torah
Yoga helps to heighten awareness of body, mind, and spirit?it
illuminates the heart of Jewish wisdom.
Introduction.
Using This Book.
1. The Hidden Light.
Centering Meditation.
Mountain Posture.
Triangle Posture.
Warrior Two Posture.
Standing Forward Bend.
Simple Sitting Twist.
Bridge Posture.
2. Constant Renewal.
Opening Meditation.
Seated Mountain Posture.
Extended Child Posture.
Downward Dog Posture.
Locust Posture.
Cobra Posture.
3. Leaving Egypt.
Opening Meditation.
Extended Side Angle Stretch.
Wide Legs Standing Forward Bend.
Staff Posture.
Head Beyond Knee Forward Bend.
Reclining Mountain Posture.
Knee-to-Chest Posture.
Reclining Leg Stretch.
Reclining Twist.
Resting with Legs on Chair.
4. The Essential Self.
Opening Meditation.
Chair Twist Posture.
Supported Standing Forward Bend with Chair.
Standing Forward Bend over One Leg.
Revolved Triangle Posture.
Hero Posture.
Resting Fish Posture.
5. Body Prayer and Alignment.
Meet-Your-Spine Meditation.
Upward Reaching Prayer Posture.
Tree Posture.
Warrior One Posture.
Reclining Hero Posture.
Camel Posture.
Bow Posture.
6. Daily Satisfaction.
Centering Meditation.
Cobbler Posture.
Supported Cobbler Posture.
Sitting Forward Bend.
Seated Angle Posture.
Supported Cross-Legged Forward Bend.
7. Remembering to Rest.
Opening Meditation.
Supported Extended Child Posture.
Resting Side Twist.
Supported Fish Posture.
Supported Bridge Posture.
Gentle Inversion Posture.
Relaxation Posture.
Glossary.
Notes.
Annotated Yoga Bibliography.
The Author.
"A must-read book for those of us wishing to apply the
integrated wisdom of these rich traditions to our own life journey
in a host of very practical ways."
--Michael Lee, founder, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy; author,
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy: A Bridge from Body to Soul
"To the Jewish ideal of uniting the head, the arm, and the
heart, as in the practice of laying on tefillin, Diane Bloomfield
has added--from yoga--the spine and one's breath. The
spiritual possibilities of this integration are impressive, and in
Torah Yoga one has an able, modest, but sure and confident
guide."
--Rabbi Daniel Landes, Rosh HaYeshiva, Pardes Institute of
Jewish Studies, Jerusalem
"Diane Bloomfield's Torah Yoga provides the
link between two ancient teachings that many of us have been
seeking."
--Honi Rosen, administrator, Israeli Yoga Teachers'
Association
"Diane Bloomfield's beautiful photographs and
sensitive writing point the way for readers to integrate mind,
body, and soul in a life-enhancing practice."
--Shulamit Reinharz, Jacob Potofsky Professor of Sociology,
Brandeis University