Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic

Publisher's Summary

Every day, millions of people roll out their yoga mats or sit on their meditation cushions in an effort to quiet the mind and heal the body. Some practice Iyengar yoga, while others practice vinyasa or restorative yoga—almost all who practice yoga have touched something deep within themselves and had their lives transformed by this ancient practice.

In Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic, Darren Main offers a fresh, down-to-earth approach to the time-tested practice and philosophy of yoga. He shows us the way to apply the ancient wisdom of India to every aspect of life. From work and relationships, to death and dying—allowing even our busiest days to become powerful and mystical adventures, filled with all the wonder and magic that was once reserved for those living as monks and nuns.

This is not a book about perfecting yoga asanas or pranayama breathing techniques. It is a book about changing the way we see the world—transforming every experience and relationship into a yoga practice unto itself.

Since teachers like Swami Vivakananda and Paramahansa Yogananda brought yoga to the West, yoga students and teachers alike have sought to integrate the practice and philosophy of yoga into modern life. Find out why this best-selling yoga book has been used in yoga teacher training programs the world over and has become a modern spiritual classic.

©2000 Darren Main (P)2017 Darren Main

Critic Reviews

“With gentle humor and obvious knowledge, Darren Main shares with us his practice and understanding of yoga.” -Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D. author of 30 Essential Yoga Poses and Living Your Yoga

“Darren Main gives us a how-to book on yoga, which offers us ways to transform the mundane into the mystical.” -Sharon Gannon, author of Jivamukti Yoga

“Darren Main is wonderfully talented at bringing the essence of living yoga off the mat fully to life for all who are on the yoga path.” -Mark Stephens, author of Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques

An invaluable resource for any student of yoga.

Any additional comments?

Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to apply the ancient traditions of yoga to a modern Western lifestyle in a way that is both meaningful and respectful. In combining a comprehensive overview of the "8 Limbs" of yoga philosophy with anecdotes from his personal life, Darren Main strikes a perfect balance between depth and accessibility that makes for an enjoyable and relatable read.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Clear and intelligent. A must for new yogis.

Where does Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I was so excited to see this as an audiobook. Darren Main explains yoga concepts in a way that is clear, intelligent and practical. Other yoga books can leave my head spinning with terms and spiritual loftiness that leave me more confused than enlightened. This book is a breath of fresh air to those that want to know more about the practice of yoga and in a way that makes sense in our hectic day to day lives. I especially love his personal stories that he uses to explain different concepts. I read this book a few years ago and have already recommended it to others. I wish it was read by the author himself, however the narrator does a great job too. So glad I can now listen to this book on my walks! I definitely recommend!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great for Yoga Teacher Training!

What made the experience of listening to Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic the most enjoyable?

Deep and digestible insights into the the theory,philosophy and practical application of Yoga. Darren does a great job making Yoga accessible and understandable in the modern day context.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic?

Great personal stories to illustrate how yoga can be applied in day to day life.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of yoga!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Eye opening and applicable to the modern yogi

I read this book during my yoga teacher training and loved how Darren was able to explain yogic philosophy in terms of everyday life. 3 years later, I bought the audio book and fell in love with this book again. There are so many little bits of wisdom in every chapter. I love choosing a random chapter during my commute for gentle reminders of finding ease in my daily life. The narrator also sounds like Darren as well! I love coming back to this book over and over again. It's like coming home.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Thoughtful reminder of what it's like to be a yogi

Where does Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was my first experience with audible and it didn't disappoint.

What other book might you compare Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic to and why?

Hmmm, I think this book is pretty unique - so I'm not sure what I would compare it to.

What about Jesse Dornan’s performance did you like?

He read the book with intention and it really came through with his voice.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic?

I would listen to Yoga and the Path to the Urban Mystic on my Bart commute into work and it was precisely what I needed to hear each day. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in there, that give you permission to be a normal yogi in a modern world. After all its all about conciousness and practice. It's okay that we slip up every once in awhile, how human of us.

Any additional comments?

It's truly a wonderful book for new and experienced yogis. Just a good reminder to stay grounded no matter where you are on your spiritual path.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wonderful listen

If you could sum up Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic in three words, what would they be?

insightful, inspiring, spiritual

What did you like best about this story?

the stories and examples given

Which scene was your favorite?

the scenes on contentment

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic?

This audio book taught me about being more patient and content with what I have. Since listening, I've learned to take a breath before panicking about anything that comes up in life!

Any additional comments?

Very inspiring and glad I listened to it!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Yoga on the Go!

Would you consider the audio edition of Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic to be better than the print version?

I'm a fan of both the print and audio edition. The audio edition makes it easier to listen to the book while commuting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic?

The explanations of the Yamas and Niyamas.

What about Jesse Dornan’s performance did you like?

I felt that Jesse captured the authors tone and style of story telling.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me contemplative about how I could incorporate more yoga philosophy in my day to day life.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great book!

If you could sum up Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic in three words, what would they be?

energetic, vivid, captivating

Who was your favorite character and why?

the Buddha

What about Jesse Dornan’s performance did you like?

Easy to listen to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story about how the author meditated in the morning and then went to the supermarket and get very stressed. This gave him and us a greater understanding into what yoga really means.

Any additional comments?

Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic tells an amazing story: the story of yoga. Darren Main illuminates the history, science, and practicality of yoga to both 21st century yogis and non-yogis alike in this easy-to-read text. You will not want to miss this captivating book!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Amazing!

Such a well written, easy to understand, down to earth way of translating the principles of yoga to modern life. A book I will read over and over learn something different each time ❤️

Insightful

It has been an insightful story to listen to along my path and it also brought clarity to moments of my life. Thank you, it has been helpful.

Hard core Hindu theology

So disappointed. I have been attending yoga classes for 6 months and am keen to learn more. This book appeared to offer greater insight without being dogmatic. Perhaps in the same way as Mindfulness offers meditation. This is not the case. For example, in the intro he states a Yogi can be a Christian, Jew, agnostic etc. Yet, by chap 1 he was referring to basic Christian beliefs as lies. He quickly advocates hard core Hindu beliefs. Not what I was looking for at all.