Melissa K Lavery
The words in this book are primarily based on the wisdom of 'The Yoga Sūtras of Patāñjali,' a compilation of 'threads' (sūtras) that put into words all that is yoga. The source material for most of this book comes from this text, translated by Śrī Svāmī Saccidānanda. Although many forms of yoga exist, 'The Yogic Lifestyle: A Foundation for Freedom' is based on the teachings of Aṣṭāṅga Yoga and the eight-limbed path to achieve ultimate liberation. But instead of displaying this information in order of those limbs, I have chosen a different path, one that can be easily understood from the circumstances that surround us in a contemporary and Western society. A person does not need to be a yoga practitioner or have any experience with yoga to gain wisdom from the Yoga Sūtras. This book focuses on relationships first (ultimate union) as a guide to moral integrity and purity. Next is health, as one needs a sound body, mind, and spirit to achieve union. And third, the text focuses on abundance, not necessarily in gaining vast amounts of riches, but the kind of prosperity that allows us to actualize financial freedom and supportive resources. It is through a yogic lifestyle that one can actualize liberation, changing the world from the inside out.
