Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic

Similar to his yellow brick road stance, the metaphors and comparisons in this book are childishly rudimentary and again several of students felt insulted, assuming these lower than layman's examples were what I equated to their intelligence. He gives people zero credit for being able to conceptualize even the most basic concepts of yoga. Nevermind the fact the first chapter is about quieting the ego, yet his name is at the top of every page. We know you wrote it, my guy. It's a pathetic cash grab by another white guy with a top knot. Save your money.

Darren Main helps the modern yogi understand the more complex concepts of yoga philosophy and ancient yoga texts using illustrative anecdotes and experiences. This is a great book to pick up if you practice yoga but havent explored the philosophy side of the practice.

I am halfway through this book and cannot put it down! Darren Main puts a modern spin on ancient tradition, making yogic philosophy accessible to everyone. Written with grace and humor, this is the ultimate guide for the "urban mystic."

This book by Darren John Main "Yoga and the Path Of The Urban Mystic" is really outstanding. It is one among a collection of excellent books to emerge in recent times that are about the inner part of yoga beyond asana. This book leads you through the eight limb path (ashtanga) of yoga and gives insight in down to earth language how to apply these principles to real life. Darren is an outstanding writer and has deep insights and a practical way of looking at the Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Highly recommended for Yogis who want to deepen their practice beyond the asanas as well as for anyone who wants a down to earth introduction to these principles of yoga. Also highly recommended are "Bringing Yoga To Life" by Donna Farhi, "Yoga And The Quest For The True Self" by Stephen Cope, "Living Your Yoga" by Judith Lasater and "Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy" by Michael Lee. Also check out the CD sets "Yoga For Emotional Flow" by Stephen Cope )which has three excellent guided meditations and "The Yoga Matrix" by Richard Freeman which is a six CD set that gets very deeply into the philosophical aspects of the yoga system. Namaste

this book is really fun and easy to read. it's unpretentious, honest, and good natured in its discussion of the mental hurdles, internal conflicts, and regular friction that arise in our lives daily. anybody who has read a lot of what they call mystical, esoteric, or religious texts will especially enjoy the combination of simplicity, sincerity, and depth, that the author has infused this book with. i'd recommend this to absolutely anyone, whether they're interested in yoga or not -- it made a huge difference in my perspective. thank you, darren.if you practise hatha yoga and are looking for more insight into the non-physical aspects of the practise, you may find as i did, that this book feels like your favorite yoga instructor: full of insight yet unpretentious; warmly encouraging yet demanding.

Darren does a wonderful job of presenting the yogic spiritual principles and then showing us ways to weave spiritual action into our modern day lives. This book is warm and accessible urging progress and allowing us to let go of the anxiety producing drive for perfection. Darren's personal examples and explanations come from a place of authenticity and compassion inspiring the reader to practice not just on the yoga mat, but in the car, standing in line at the grocery store, and in the workplace. This is a great book to read and a fantastic book to keep coming back to. I highly recommend this book to anyone, yoga practitioner or not, who seeks guidance in connecting with the deeper principles of a meaningful life.