Yoga by the Numbers
Numbers play a meaningful role in the philosophy of many spiritual traditions—and yoga is no exception. For example, the number one is the quintessential yoga number, representing unity and wholeness; number two sometimes stands for cooperative effort and other times for conflict; and there are twelve different names for the mantra OM, each one revealing a different aspect of this root sound.
With his distinctive blend of knowledge and humor, Richard Rosen unpacks the fascinating significance that numbers hold in the philosophy of yoga. He weaves stories and practices throughout, offering readers a hands-on way to explore the importance of numbers in their own practice.
"Yoga by the Numbers raises the question central to all yoga practice: how do we measure the immeasurable? From the number zero to the nadis to the stars, Richard Rosen’s extensive research takes us on a remarkable tour through the numbers in order to reveal the richness and complexity of the yoga tradition. Yoga by the Numbers is a must for all students and seekers on the path." —Tias Little, author of The Practice Is the Path
"In Yoga by the Numbers, Richard Rosen surprised and delighted me yet again with his droll humor and easy writing style, both of which drew me in immediately. I felt as if I was having an intriguing conversation with a knowledgeable friend." —Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD, PT, author of Teaching with Intention
"Richard Rosen has the wonderful skill of writing as if he is speaking to you; full of knowledge, insight and humility, with a sprinkling of humor." —Jonathan Sattin, founder of Triyoga UK
"Sifting through dozens of Sanskrit spiritual texts, [Rosen] examines the symbolic significance of numbers in yoga philosophy with an emphasis on yoga’s Hindu roots." —Publishers Weekly
"Fascinating, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking. . . . Essential reading for anyone who is engaged in the practice of yoga." —Midwest Book Review