Spirituality in Yoga

Spirituality has become a rare element in modern Yoga therapy as it is often mistakenly associated with religiosity. In trying to be secular, we have taken the soul out of the body. This book brings about a greater understanding of this most important part of a wholesome approach to wellness. Every pioneer chronicled here shares life transforming lessons they have experienced in their spiritual quest. This will motivate generations to come, as they learn to holistically bridge modern science and spirituality for the betterment of humanity. Healing is only possible when we become whole once again. Be wholesome, be one. – Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, DSc (Yoga) Ashram Acharya ICYER Ananda Ashram; Director, Institute of Salutogenesis & Complementary Medicine, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, IndiaWhile there are certainly upsides to the widespread dissemination of Yoga into Western cultures, the significant downside is that to increase its appeal, Yoga was shorn of much of its deep spiritual heritage. It became understood more simply as physical exercise. As a result, Spirituality is a rare element in modern Yoga and Yoga therapy. Spirituality in Yoga: Bridging the Sacred and the Human does us a great service by reminding us of and teaching us that Yoga is actually a truly holistic integrative practice. It is a bridge to developing our own wholeness and higher consciousness, and a pathway to creating a life of purpose and wellbeing. – Paul J. Mills, Ph.D. Professor of Public Health and Family Medicine, Author of Becoming: The Spiritual Lives of ScientistsSpirituality, defined as a secular characteristic based on experience of contemplative states, is at the core of the historical practice of yoga. Scientific biomedical research on spirituality arising from yoga practice is growing and providing credible evidence that yoga practices can and do precipitate contemplative experiences and related increases in spirituality. This research is part of a large body of continuing research in medicine emphasizing the importance of spirituality in health, well-being, and quality of life. This excellent book is a comprehensive and scholarly review and analysis covering the history, philosophy, sociology, science, and experience of yoga and spirituality, and is a must read for anyone interested in this important topic. – Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D., Corresponding Member of the Faculty of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Chief Editor of The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health CareLee Majewski’s Spirituality in Yoga is a luminous guide for those seeking meaning beyond dogma, offering a profound invitation to journey inward and rediscover the boundless depths of human consciousness through yoga. With remarkable clarity, Majewski interweaves ancient wisdom, contemporary research, and personal narratives to reveal spirituality as a lived experience-rooted in breath, body, and awareness-rather than a distant ideal. Bridging the chasm between science and spirit, she presents yoga not merely as a physical practice but as a path to wholeness, integrating mind, body, and soul in pursuit of higher consciousness. Whether navigating an existential crisis or seeking wisdom in modern life, readers will find in these pages a sanctuary of insight and inspiration, a beacon guiding them toward resilience, healing, and profound inner awakening. – Richard Miller, PhD, Founder iRest Institute and developer of the Integrative Restoration – iRest Meditation Program.