are asked by every generation, and Patanjali's answers (given in the third century BC) form one of the oldest spiritual texts in the world. Alistair Shearer's superb introduction and translation bring these ancient, vital teachings to life in the modern world and are for all those who seek the benefits of self-knowledge.
How did a venerable Indian spiritual discipline turn into a £20 billion-a-year mainstay of the wellness industry? What happened along yoga's winding path from the caves and forests of the sages to the gyms, hospitals and village halls of the modern West?This comprehensive history sets yoga in its global cultural context for the first time, leading us on a journey from arcane religious rituals and medieval body-magic, through Christianity and the British Empire, to Indian nationalists and the twentieth-century West. Yoga has now become embedded in powerful social currents including feminism, digital media, celebrity culture, the stress pandemic and the quest for authentic identity.Shearer's revealing history boasts a colourful cast of characters past and present, in an engaging tale of scholars and scandal, science and spirit, wisdom and waywardness. This is the untold story of yoga, warts and all.
The Upanishads present essential teachings of the Perennial Philosophy, exploring profound spiritual concepts and insights that transcend time and culture. These ancient texts delve into the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate purpose of life, offering a rich philosophical framework that encourages deep contemplation and understanding. Through their exploration of metaphysics and ethics, the Upanishads invite readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of all existence and the quest for enlightenment.