The Ocean of Yoga
By Amy Landry
Foreword by Dr. Raj Balkaran
A definitive guidebook to the core principles and practice of yoga—from its traditional roots to the latest contemporary developments.
Immerse yourself in the timeless practice of yoga with this essential and accessible guide. With a commitment to honoring rather than modifying the tradition of yoga, experienced teacher Amy Landry unveils the vast ocean of yoga—from its rich history, texts, and traditions to the core principles and practice.
Explore:
- A captivating overview of the history and evolution of yoga
- Key facets of subtle yogic anatomy, including prana, koshas, nadis, kundalini, chakras, vayu, and a map of the mind
- A practical framework inward that expands beyond the popularized eight-limbed approach
- Teachings on the tangible techniques, such as traditional joint movements, purification practices, mudra, meditation, mantra, and approaching yoga through an Ayurvedic lens
- Diverse paths, including Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, Raja, Hatha, Laya, and Tantra
- Guidance on living (and teaching) yoga through stewardship and lineage, while using the four aims and stages of life as anchors
- Foundational yoga texts, featuring the revered Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, alongside some lesser-known treasures
- The sanctity of Sanskrit, sound, and so much more
With a clear and inspiring voice, Landry offers pivotal insight to any student or teacher seeking a genuine connection to the depths of yoga.
"A richly informed guide to yoga and its manifold paths and practices. Landry passionately traces yoga’s ancestral roots while carefully delving into the cultural cross-pollination and outcomes of this sacred way of life. The Ocean of Yoga is an excellent tome for both practitioners and students to widen their approach to an intuitive form of practice." —Maya Tiwari, author of The Path of Practice
"This book seamlessly brings topics under one umbrella rather than leaving students to gather precious nuggets across different sources. The Ocean of Yoga is what the title promises—vast and timeless." —Mini Shastri, founder of Om Yoga Shala
"With context and care to scaffold your practice, The Ocean of Yoga generously offers inquiry, depth, respect, and refuge." —Elena Brower, best-selling author of Hold Nothing
"A carefully composed and comprehensive guide to yoga in its most undiluted sense. Equally pedagogical and passionate, this book takes a respectful approach to the historical roots and the many paths of yoga while keeping the reader informed about academic debates on the subject. It is impressive in detail and never sacrifices depth for approachability. Yet it meets the reader where they are, not assuming any previous knowledge, and urges them to reflect on their practice. A skillful synthesis of an enormous subject, this book will take you by the hand and guide you across the great ocean of yoga." —Tova Olsson, author of Yoga and Tantra
"Finally Amy releases the book the yoga community has been waiting for. The Ocean of Yoga is a full-spectrum understanding of the science of yoga by a person who doesn’t merely study it academically but lives the tradition and keeps it alive by her example." —Ray Raghunath Cappo author of From Punk to Monk and host of the Wisdom of the Sages podcast
"Amy Landry’s book offers a meaningful compilation of yoga’s history and concepts, presented in a way that is both accessible and engaging. I am confident it will serve as a helpful resource and companion for anyone wishing to strengthen their foundation in yoga, whether as a practitioner or a teacher." —Prasad Rangnekar, founder of Yogaprasad Institute
"Amy Landry’s The Ocean of Yoga is a luminous guide that takes us beyond the asana into yoga’s deeper truth, where philosophy, subtle anatomy, and practice meet in radiant unity. With insight and compassion, Landry honors the sacred lineage while opening up the living wisdom of yoga. Written with clarity, devotion, and depth, this book serves as both a companion for seekers and a resource for teachers. It is a tapestry of knowledge and spirit that reflects the very soul of yoga." —Dr. Manasa Rao, founder of Yogayush
"Amy Landry’s The Ocean of Yoga is a wonderful handbook for students of yoga. Containing a vast overview of traditions, practices, and terminology, this book will no doubt become a trusted source of yogic knowledge for spiritual seekers to return to again and again." —Eddie Stern, author, researcher, and founder of Broome Street Yoga
"A passionate reminder that there’s much more to yoga than sequences of postures. Amy Landry’s approachable primer covers everything from ethics to subtle anatomy, providing signposts for deeper inquiry." —Daniel Simpson, author of The Truth of Yoga
"Amy has skillfully navigated the vast ocean of yoga with profound depth—much like a submariner—in this charming new book." —Srivatsa Ramaswami, author of The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga