An accessible introduction to an embodied spiritual practice for anyone seeking profound and lasting self-transformation.
“Mussar practice aims to help us become more whole in our lives. It is focused on helping us move from partialness or even brokenness toward wholeness. Yoga embodies a similar concept.... By marrying Mussar practice and yoga practice, this book opens a new pathway to developing greater wholeness.... The wholeness that comes of our efforts in turn affects both body and soul, and we experience the fruit of our efforts in the form of inner peace.”
—from the Foreword
In this clear and easy-to-use introduction to Mussar Yoga—a blending of Jewish and Eastern spiritual practices—you will learn how to explore the physical dimension of ethical behaviors and attitudes such as humility, generosity, enthusiasm and gratitude through yoga poses and the yogic practice of breath work. Intended for the novice as well as the yoga expert, and for people of all faiths, each exercise is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, helpful photographs, mantras and journaling exercises.
With practice, Mussar Yoga can help free you from bad habits and self-destructive behavior, increase your capacity for compassion and acts of goodness, and help you develop a more fulfilling, meaningful life.
“Wow, wow, wow! I love this book! I will repeatedly turn to it for personal inspiration and to share with our yoga communities, including our teachers and teacher training programs. [A] book for people of all faiths and yoga practitioners everywhere.”
—Tami Schneider, owner, Cleveland Yoga
“Brings together two remarkable spiritual traditions. Reminds us that we are ‘meant to shine with the radiant light’ of our pure souls and gives us an excellent and beautifully written guide to get us there physically, spiritually and intellectually.”
—Erica Brown, scholar-in-residence, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington; author, Inspired Jewish Leadership: Practical Approaches to Building Strong Communities
“Practical instruction through spiritual writings, real-world deeds and yoga movements lay out a spiritual path to self-realization that anyone can follow.”
—Steven A. Rapp, author, Aleph-Bet Yoga: Embodying the Hebrew Letters for Physical and Spiritual Well-Being
“Extraordinarily well written and presented.... Thoroughly ‘user friendly’ ... very highly recommended for personal use and community library collections alike.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Takes the traits of Mussar to the mat of yoga.... Helps us embody truth in a way that transforms body, heart, mind and soul.”
—Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author, Perennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent: Sacred Teachings—Annotated and Explained
“A carefully considered work that opens windows on two meaningful practices.... Edith Brotman’s commitment to the integration of the two in her own life compels the reader to do the same.”
—Rabbi B. Elka Abrahamson, president, The Wexner Foundation
Alan Morinis is the founder and dean of the Mussar Institute. A leading contemporary interpreter of Mussar teachings and practices, he is the author of Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: One Man’s Journey to Rediscover a Jewish Spiritual Tradition, Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar, and other books.
