Yoga Beyond the Mat

Alanna Kaivalya, PhD, is the founder of the Kaivalya Yoga Method and an internationally known teacher and author recognised by Yoga Journal as one of the Top 21 Teachers Under 40. She offers teacher training in the Kaivalya Yoga Method as well as Pure Yoga Immersion, and writes for Yoga Journal, ORIGIN, Mantra Magazine, and Sweat Equity Magazine. Alanna is also the author of Myths of the Asanas.

"[Alanna] guides and inspires students and teachers alike toward their own liberation, with patience, generosity, and wholehearted enthusiasm."—Linda Sparrowe, former editor-in-chief of Yoga International and author of Yoga At Home"This is the book I dreamed of when I started my yoga path...[Yoga Beyond the Mat includes] all the steps, tools, rituals, and wisdom for lasting bliss."—Dana Flynn, founder of Laughing Lotus Yoga"Alanna has pioneered a relevant, educational book; deep thinking and laced humor."—Ana T. Forrest, founder of Forrest Yoga and author of Fierce Medicine"Alanna reveals with great clarity and approachable language the nuances, shadings and shadows of this ancient ritual of wellness. I highly recommend it."— Dennis Patrick Slattery, PhD, author of Riting Myth"Alanna's rigorous scholarship interweaves with applicable and tangible to-do's that brings reality to your spirituality."—Jill Miller, creator of Yoga Tune Up® and bestselling author of The Roll Model"In today's hectic life, the revival of yoga-past when combined with soul centered engagement offers the remedy we seek...a breakthrough book."—Stephen Aizenstat, PhD, chancellor of Pacifica Graduate Institute"In this groundbreaking book integrating yoga, Jungian psychology, and personal mythology, Alanna Kaivalya recovers the spiritual dimension of yoga for contemporary Western practitioners."—Dr. Patrick Mahaffey, professor and associate chair of Mythological Studies Program at Pacifica Graduate Institute and author of Evolving God-Images"Alanna writes with honesty and clarity about the quest to find self-knowledge and bliss, perfectly balancing skepticism and enthusiasm. The result is a practical guide to the history and philosophy of yoga, and a useful map to living an integrated, satisfying and richly meaningful life."—Dave Stringer, Grammy-nominated Kirtan artist"Drawing on yoga, psychology, mythology, and ritual, Alanna guides readers on a transformative journey toward self-awareness and 'personal bliss,' through an amazing array of practices. Yoga Beyond the Mat is like a library of ideas for studying your self."—Kaitlin Quistgaard, writer and former editor-in-chief of Yoga Journal

• ContentsGuide to Practices List xvNote About the Use of Sanskrit in This Book xviiIntroduction 1Part One: The Outer World1: Yoga, Modern and Historical— A 5,000-Year Journey 132: Overcoming Obstacles to Your Spiritual Journey 213: The Spiritual Practice of Yoga: Planting Fertile Ground 474: Setting Off on the Path to Practice 69Part Two: The Inner Journey5: The Alchemy of Yoga 936: The Active Ritual of Yoga 1437: Yoga As Transformation 1738: Yoga: Entering the Blissful State 189Part Three: The Re-emergence 9: Embodying Your Bliss 20910: Living Your Yoga 225Conclusion: The End Is the Beginning 231Resources 233Bibliography 235