Description
This highly original book introduces a fascinating new approach toyoga and Torah by combining the practice of classic yoga postureswith traditional and mystical Jewish wisdom. Each chapter begins bypresenting a central Jewish spiritual concept that engages readersof all faiths on a personal level. It offers an in-depthexploration of the concept, quoting and commenting on sacred Jewishtexts from the Pentateuch (Five Books of Moses) and other sources.It then guides its readers with mastery and clarity through ameditation and a set of fundamental yoga postures--clearlyillustrated by beautiful photographs--for both beginning andadvanced yoga students. The Torah concept is actualized andexperienced through the practice of these postures. TorahYoga helps to heighten awareness of body, mind, and spirit'itilluminates the heart of Jewish wisdom.… (more)
Library's review
'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 united the head, the arm, and the heart, as in the practice of laying on tefilin, Dliane 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 tachings that many of us have been seeking.'-Honi rosen, administrator, Israeli Yoga Teachers' Asociation
'Diane Bloomfield's sensitive writing and the beautiful photographs 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
Diane Bloomfield is the creator of Torah Yoga and teaches it throughout North America, Israel, and Western Europe. Visit www.torahyoga.org for Diane's current teaching schedule and for information about Diane and Torah Yoga.
Contents
Acknowledgments
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 mediation
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
Suppoprted standing forward bend with chair
Standing forward bend over one leg
Revolved trangle posture
Hero posture
Restng 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 foward bend
Seated angle posture
Supported cross-legged forward bend
7 Remembering to rest
Opening meditation
Supproted extended child posture
Resting side twist
Supported fish posture
Supported bridge posture
Gentle inversion posture
Relaxation posture
Glossary
Notes
Annotated yoga bibliography
The autho