Michael Stone (2) (1974–2017)

This is the second book I've read by Michael Stone, and I enjoyed it equally as much, if not more than the last. Stone gets to the heart of what ails society - in his view, materialism and greed - and teases out how the Yamas and Niyamas can address these problems. This is a very skillful adaptation of yoga philosophy for modern life. Every chapter held moments of inspiration, thanks to Stone's beautiful prose, and cutting insights into the relationship between consumerism, overwork and show more everyday misery; while suggesting the Yamas and Niyamas as a path toward happiness. I found it to be very affirming of my lifestyle of reducing debt and consumption that I've been inspired to take.

Here's a quote:
"Consumerism does not refer to basic subsistence nor to a general life of enjoyment or pleasure but rather to seeking satisfaction through buying things. This is more than being caught by the sensuality of goods; we are caught in a mythology in which there is a correlation between duhkha and consumption whereby consuming things, we imagine, will overcome or even satisfy our unsatisfied mental states."

In other words, shopping won't make you happy! Lol
The book might feel a bit harsh for those who aren't accustomed to reducing consumption, with maybe a slight lack of hopefulness - which may unfortunately reduce its appeal. However for geeks like me, it's a delight. show less

The true path of yoga calls for a commitment to social responsibility in addition to one’s personal practice on the mat—here is a fresh viewpoint from a psychologist and teacher of yoga and meditation.

Yoga practitioners are increasingly looking to deepen and expand their practice in the areas of environmental awareness and social responsibility. Yoga magazines are featuring articles on subjects from fighting poverty to going green. In response to this need, this book shows how the yoga show more tradition offers a greater path to being a responsible member of the global community.
With simplicity and clarity, Stone offers these ancient instructions for understanding the broad effects of our actions, and for avoiding getting caught up in habitual distraction and emotional reactivity. He gives practical ways to instead cultivate compassion, insight, and inner contentment, which are the basis for engaging consciously with others. show less

Extremely detailed and sometimes confusing for the non-traditional yoga student focusing on yogic philosophy. Even though I did not understand a lot of the language of the book, there were a number of valid points that I would like to go back over and research with greater detail.

There is more to the tradition of yoga than toning and strengthening. At the root, there is a vast and intriguing philosophy that teaches the ethics of nonviolence, patience, honesty, and respect. Michael Stone provides an in-depth explanation of ancient Indian yogic philosophy along with teachings on how to bring our understanding of yoga theory to deeper levels through our practice on the mat—and through our relationships with others.