Torah Yoga

This highly original book introduces a fascinating new approach to yoga and Torah by combining the practice of classic yoga postures with traditional and mystical Jewish wisdom. Each chapter begins by presenting a central Jewish spiritual concept that engages readers of all faiths on a personal level. It offers an in-depth exploration of the concept, quoting and commenting on sacred Jewish texts from the Pentateuch (Five Books of Moses) and other sources. It then guides its readers with mastery and clarity through a meditation and a set of fundamental yoga postures--clearly illustrated by beautiful photographs--for both beginning and advanced yoga students. The Torah concept is actualized and experienced through the practice of these postures. Torah Yoga helps to heighten awareness of body, mind, and spirit?it illuminates the heart of Jewish wisdom. 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 Meditation.

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.

Supported Standing Forward Bend with Chair.

Standing Forward Bend over One Leg.

Revolved Triangle Posture.

Hero Posture.

Resting 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 Forward Bend.

Seated Angle Posture.

Supported Cross-Legged Forward Bend.

7. Remembering to Rest.

Opening Meditation.

Supported Extended Child Posture.

Resting Side Twist.

Supported Fish Posture.

Supported Bridge Posture.

Gentle Inversion Posture.

Relaxation Posture.

Glossary.

Notes.

Annotated Yoga Bibliography.

The Author.

“…Hatha Yoga can enhance…spiritual practice [of other faiths] …Diane Bloomfield…has succeeded brilliantly examining this” (www.yogaandhealthmag.co.uk) 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 more information about Diane and Torah Yoga. "The Link Between Two Ancient Teachings"

In Torah Yoga, for the first time, yoga and Torah teacher Diane Bloomfield presents a fascinating approach that combines the practice of yoga with traditional and mystical Jewish wisdom. Torah Yoga is both a unique way of learning Torah (from the Pentateuch and other sacred Jewish texts) and a practical guide that teaches dozens of classic yoga postures. Daily alignment, constant renewal, and expanded consciousness are some of the topics illuminated in this dynamic synthesis of yoga and heartfelt Jewish wisdom. Torah Yoga contains over one hundred beautiful photographs that clearly illustrate the various postures.

"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 uniting the head, the arm, and the heart, as in the practice of laying on tefillin, Diane 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 teachings that many of us have been seeking."
–Honi Rosen, administrator, Israeli Yoga Teachers’ Association

"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

“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 uniting the head, the arm, and the heart, as in the practice of laying on tefillin, Diane 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 teachings that many of us have been seeking.”
—Honi Rosen, administrator, Israeli Yoga Teachers’ Association

“Diane Bloomfield’s beautiful photographs and sensitive writing 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