Yoga And Vegetarianism

Description

Drawing on both the author's extensive studies of Vedic traditions and her longtime interest in animal rights, "Yoga and Vegetarianism" shows how the physical and spiritual practice of yoga is historically and structurally tied to a vegetarian lifestyle.When they are used in tandem, she argues, yoga and vegetarianism form a strong framework for physical and spiritual attunement and promote an overall healthy life. "Yoga and Vegetarianism" emphasizes the importance of understanding of Ahimsa, the practice of non-harming and nonviolence, as the first step in marrying yoga and vegetarianism. All actions, says Gannon, originate as thoughts, so the 'perfection of action' that yoga strives for must come from a perfect thought. What is a perfect thought? According to the book, it is a thought free of selfish desire, anger, and hate. This brings us back to Ahimsa and to vegetarianism. Freeing oneself of needless cruelty, harm, and injustice - which includes eating meat - can transform both the individual and the world. This book shows how.

Reviews

"Sharon Gannon (has) inspired and encouraged us to think of yoga not just as a system of exercises but as a door to the infinite." Sting"

Author description

Sharon Gannon has co-authored two books on Yoga with David Life, Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body & Soul and The Art of Yoga. She is the author of Cats and Dogs are People Too. She contributes the Focus of the Month, a monthly essay, and is the compiler and translator of the Jivamukti Chant Book. She has contributed essays and short stories to Semiotext(e).