Living Love:
The Yoga of Yama and Niyama
A WINNER OF THE 2022 GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING
Prestigious C.O.V.R. Award Winner for 2021 Iconic Books
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Blending Yogic Philosophy with Practical Techniques for Happiness, Energy, and Personal Power
This is a book that extends far beyond yogic practice, spreading the mindfulness and awareness from yoga to the rest of your life. It advises on how to handle negative thought patterns and energy and suggests things to do to gradually transform your life or tap into an energetic new perspective on life.
"Written with love and supported by a lifetime of knowledge and personal experience, Living Love, The Yoga of Yama and Niyama is one of those special books that will stay with you, occasionally nudging your mind and behavior in certain ways, and bringing you inevitably closer to lightness and joy if you're willing to take the journey." -Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½
"Kind, wise, and reflective of timeless truths, this yoga manual merits careful reading and rereading." -Kirkus Reviews
Living Love is a poetic and profoundly moving book, with deep spiritual and psychological insight, it helps us better relate to ourselves and the world around us, as well as to access unitary wholeness of being, leading to greater happiness, mental balance, and spiritual depth.
Delving into the first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga, given in Patanjali’s classic Yoga Sutras, Living Love is a spiritual guidebook that can bring these foundational practices of yoga alive in your life, helping you to:
- Live in integrity
- Have compassion for yourself and others
- Heal emotional wounds, sadness, and anxiety
- Develop habits and behaviors that will support your well-being
- Lead a value-based life for spiritual awakening and self-realization.
Practical exercises are included at the end of the book to help you put it all into action.
The practices of Yama and Niyama are yoga’s method for purifying our minds by changing our attitudes and behaviors to allow more subtle spiritual awareness to awaken within us. We are constantly bombarded in life by various experiences that can be disruptive. Learning to cope with life’s difficulties and live in equanimity, deepening our spiritual connection is the foundation of yoga. There is nothing in yoga more essential than these practices.
Be in the heart and soul of yoga! Let Living Love help you transform your relationship with the world around you and find your way to your spiritual truth!
Maetreyii Ma Nolan PhD, the author, has many years of both personal meditative experience and an intuitive connection to Source that gives her the profound insights in these writings. She is a highly qualified teacher of meditation, spiritual wisdom and yoga, as well as a clinical psychologist in private practice.
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WHAT THE READERS THINK ABOUT THE BOOK
Authentic Yogic Teachings
This book is deeply rooted in ethics and eastern philosophy It's refreshing to have this in-depth perspective from an author who has been trained in both western psychology and yoga practice. Sometimes, yoga is taught as merely physical exercise in America. This book shows that it can be so much more. Thank you! - Amazon Reviewer★★★★★
Great Material
This is a beautiful and thoughtful discussion of the yamas and niyamas. I appreciated many of the clear examples and applications. Definitely one to read again and again. - Joe, Amazon Reviewer★★★★★
I felt a deep sense of peace as I read this book. The words seemed to wash over me as they helped me to understand the practices of Yama and Niyama." - R. James ★★★★★
“Living Love has been a great source of inspiration for me. It contains ancient teachings of yoga, thought provoking concepts and practices, and deep spiritual and psychological insight.” -Ben Davis★★★★★
“Practical mysticism at its best. This book delves into happiness better than any psychology. For a genuine life-changer, we need only to read and take up and expand on the suggestions.” – Millicent ★★★★★
“Living Love is imbued with peace, which is embodied in the book and passed on to the reader. Being faced with some difficulties in my life, I pick up living love and read why things are a certain way, and how with this understanding, I can work with them.” -Una Zakas ★★★★★
“Love this teaching on the Yamas & Niyamas that comes from embodied wisdom. This rendition will guide you to the experience of unity in everyday life.” – Amazon Customer★★★★★
“This book can help anyone who is pursuing the path of personal development and it is unique in combining the ancient wisdom of yoga and modern psychology. This is the best book I found on the market addressing the ethical principles of yoga, Yama and Niyama. I highly recommend it to all who are interested in yoga and those who practice meditation and want to move forward in their spiritual life. The book addresses the deep insight of the workings of the mind and how it is important to self- reflect on one's own day to day activities. I found it very helpful for walking the path of honesty, compassion and loving kindness. it is a great book to keep next to your bed and read a few paragraphs before the sleep.”- Ananda Deviika' Ma' A'charya`, Yoga Minister ★★★★★
This is a rare and wonderful work. It is rare because many millions of people practice yoga but few focus on Patanjali’s first two “Limbs” and their place in the experience of enlightenment. The book is wonderful because it resonates with the beautiful and thrilling wisdoms and joys of that great reunion. Reading the book is a little bit like being there. Here is a poetic, penetrating, practical, therapeutic guidebook giving an understanding of the Yama (avoidances) and Niyama (practices) of Yoga. - Sylvia Hawley ★★★★★
“Yoga for Your Mind and Actions, Maetreyii Ma reviews the ancient Yogic secrets of how to transform one's life from one of suffering - to a life of compassion, wonder and bliss. Her latest book, "Living Love" details the necessary steps and techniques to accomplish this. These teachings strengthen, balance, and stretch the mind, like yoga asana practice does the body, and they are the underlying basis of true yoga practice. Read and keep this book handy, and practice its teachings, and you will find yourself living your love and loving your life!” - John Wolfe ★★★★★
“Maetreyii's book offers a beautiful reflection of when wisdom has become inherently experienced. It softens our gaze to sense and move and become the tone of our inner natural state of being. This quote summed it up for me: "Compassion is an attitude, a feeling, a reflection of all embracing, unconditional love. It holds nothing back and doesn’t run”. -Angela White ★★★★★
Living Love is a practical guide to living your life in harmony with all of life's struggles and challenges. It can soothe your soul when you feel overwhelmed with the circumstances of your life... uplift you spiritually and inspire you to know that no matter what is happening, you are more than your circumstances. It is the kind of book you will want to read over and over again. ~ Luminessa Enjara ★★★★★
“Yama and Niyama are ancient, cardinal truths that show us how to live properly for happiness and spiritual growth. I have been aware of Yama/Niyama most of my life and it is an unbelievably important guide for life. I appreciate the beautiful, poetic style this book is written in and find it very inspirational, I also agree with the other reviewer who suggested reading a bit before sleep at night. Or maybe at some other time when you can ponder or meditate on it.”- BH ★★★★★
This book is deeply rooted in ethics and eastern philosophy It's refreshing to have this in-depth perspective from an author who has been trained in both western psychology and yoga practice. Sometimes, yoga is taught as merely physical exercise in America. This book shows that it can be so much more. Thank you! - Amazon Reviewer★★★★★
Great Material
This is a beautiful and thoughtful discussion of the yamas and niyamas. I appreciated many of the clear examples and applications. Definitely one to read again and again. - Joe, Amazon Reviewer★★★★★
I felt a deep sense of peace as I read this book. The words seemed to wash over me as they helped me to understand the practices of Yama and Niyama." - R. James ★★★★★
“Living Love has been a great source of inspiration for me. It contains ancient teachings of yoga, thought provoking concepts and practices, and deep spiritual and psychological insight.” -Ben Davis★★★★★
“Practical mysticism at its best. This book delves into happiness better than any psychology. For a genuine life-changer, we need only to read and take up and expand on the suggestions.” – Millicent ★★★★★
“Living Love is imbued with peace, which is embodied in the book and passed on to the reader. Being faced with some difficulties in my life, I pick up living love and read why things are a certain way, and how with this understanding, I can work with them.” -Una Zakas ★★★★★
“Love this teaching on the Yamas & Niyamas that comes from embodied wisdom. This rendition will guide you to the experience of unity in everyday life.” – Amazon Customer★★★★★
“This book can help anyone who is pursuing the path of personal development and it is unique in combining the ancient wisdom of yoga and modern psychology. This is the best book I found on the market addressing the ethical principles of yoga, Yama and Niyama. I highly recommend it to all who are interested in yoga and those who practice meditation and want to move forward in their spiritual life. The book addresses the deep insight of the workings of the mind and how it is important to self- reflect on one's own day to day activities. I found it very helpful for walking the path of honesty, compassion and loving kindness. it is a great book to keep next to your bed and read a few paragraphs before the sleep.”- Ananda Deviika' Ma' A'charya`, Yoga Minister ★★★★★
This is a rare and wonderful work. It is rare because many millions of people practice yoga but few focus on Patanjali’s first two “Limbs” and their place in the experience of enlightenment. The book is wonderful because it resonates with the beautiful and thrilling wisdoms and joys of that great reunion. Reading the book is a little bit like being there. Here is a poetic, penetrating, practical, therapeutic guidebook giving an understanding of the Yama (avoidances) and Niyama (practices) of Yoga. - Sylvia Hawley ★★★★★
“Yoga for Your Mind and Actions, Maetreyii Ma reviews the ancient Yogic secrets of how to transform one's life from one of suffering - to a life of compassion, wonder and bliss. Her latest book, "Living Love" details the necessary steps and techniques to accomplish this. These teachings strengthen, balance, and stretch the mind, like yoga asana practice does the body, and they are the underlying basis of true yoga practice. Read and keep this book handy, and practice its teachings, and you will find yourself living your love and loving your life!” - John Wolfe ★★★★★
“Maetreyii's book offers a beautiful reflection of when wisdom has become inherently experienced. It softens our gaze to sense and move and become the tone of our inner natural state of being. This quote summed it up for me: "Compassion is an attitude, a feeling, a reflection of all embracing, unconditional love. It holds nothing back and doesn’t run”. -Angela White ★★★★★
Living Love is a practical guide to living your life in harmony with all of life's struggles and challenges. It can soothe your soul when you feel overwhelmed with the circumstances of your life... uplift you spiritually and inspire you to know that no matter what is happening, you are more than your circumstances. It is the kind of book you will want to read over and over again. ~ Luminessa Enjara ★★★★★
“Yama and Niyama are ancient, cardinal truths that show us how to live properly for happiness and spiritual growth. I have been aware of Yama/Niyama most of my life and it is an unbelievably important guide for life. I appreciate the beautiful, poetic style this book is written in and find it very inspirational, I also agree with the other reviewer who suggested reading a bit before sleep at night. Or maybe at some other time when you can ponder or meditate on it.”- BH ★★★★★
Professional Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
A spiritual guidebook explains basic tenets of yogic philosophy and how they can be integrated into everyday routines...
..In this book, the search for happiness is characterized as “the greatest adventure of human life.” And the way to begin that hunt is to commit to the practices of Yama and Niyama, the first two “limbs” of the eightfold path of Ashtanga Yoga.
..In this well-written guide, Ma (Feminine Mysticism, 2014 etc.) a licensed clinical psychologist as well as a teacher, deftly examines the structure of society, including how survival-based fears drive many of humanities most destructive deeds against itself... Getting the most out of this valuable guide requires personal self-examination and a willingness to consider fundamental yet simple lifestyle changes, such as showing gratitude and committing to performing a daily selfless act of service to another.
Kind, wise, and reflective of timeless truths, this yoga manual merits careful reading and rereading.
Self-Publishing Review★★★★1/2
"There are many different reasons to practice yoga - for health and wellness, as a means of stress relief, or as a larger part of a spiritual belief system and path for your life. In Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyama, author Maetreyii Ma takes readers on a journey through the self, blending yogic philosophy with practical techniques to help increase happiness, energy and personal power.
For some people, the way that many yoga enthusiasts speak can come across as irritatingly enlightened or even condescending, so it can be an extra delicate line to navigate as an author... The ability to transform spiritual or celestial concepts into tangible practices and useful wisdom is a powerful skill for a writer, but given that Ma doubles as a psychologist and a yogic philosophy teacher, her mastery of the right language comes as no surprise.
...This is also a book that extends far beyond yogic practice, spreading the mindfulness and awareness from yoga to the rest of your life. It advises on how to handle negative thought patterns and energy, suggests things to do to gradually transform your life in a healthy way, and holds up a mirror to personal failings so readers can honestly assess themselves. It is easy to forget that yoga is also a belief and a lifestyle, not just a fitness fad, and this book reminds readers of that in a myriad of insightful ways. It is never too late to establish a code of ethics, or begin to live your life based on simpler disciplines and ideals.
...Purely as a writer, Ma also shines, expressing her ideas with passion, without ever pushing into the realm of zealotry. Her extensive experience as a yoga professional is clear, and her thoughts are confidently expressed and logical. This book celebrates a way of thinking that she herself has clearly practiced for a long time, and that familiarity is wildly apparent in the text.
This is a great read for someone looking to unlock a new side of themselves, or tap into an energetic new perspective on life. Written with love and supported by a lifetime of knowledge and personal experience, Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyama is one of those special books that will stay with you, occasionally nudging your mind and behavior in certain ways, and bringing you inevitably closer to lightness and joy, if you’re willing to take the journey."
A spiritual guidebook explains basic tenets of yogic philosophy and how they can be integrated into everyday routines...
..In this book, the search for happiness is characterized as “the greatest adventure of human life.” And the way to begin that hunt is to commit to the practices of Yama and Niyama, the first two “limbs” of the eightfold path of Ashtanga Yoga.
..In this well-written guide, Ma (Feminine Mysticism, 2014 etc.) a licensed clinical psychologist as well as a teacher, deftly examines the structure of society, including how survival-based fears drive many of humanities most destructive deeds against itself... Getting the most out of this valuable guide requires personal self-examination and a willingness to consider fundamental yet simple lifestyle changes, such as showing gratitude and committing to performing a daily selfless act of service to another.
Kind, wise, and reflective of timeless truths, this yoga manual merits careful reading and rereading.
Self-Publishing Review★★★★1/2
"There are many different reasons to practice yoga - for health and wellness, as a means of stress relief, or as a larger part of a spiritual belief system and path for your life. In Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyama, author Maetreyii Ma takes readers on a journey through the self, blending yogic philosophy with practical techniques to help increase happiness, energy and personal power.
For some people, the way that many yoga enthusiasts speak can come across as irritatingly enlightened or even condescending, so it can be an extra delicate line to navigate as an author... The ability to transform spiritual or celestial concepts into tangible practices and useful wisdom is a powerful skill for a writer, but given that Ma doubles as a psychologist and a yogic philosophy teacher, her mastery of the right language comes as no surprise.
...This is also a book that extends far beyond yogic practice, spreading the mindfulness and awareness from yoga to the rest of your life. It advises on how to handle negative thought patterns and energy, suggests things to do to gradually transform your life in a healthy way, and holds up a mirror to personal failings so readers can honestly assess themselves. It is easy to forget that yoga is also a belief and a lifestyle, not just a fitness fad, and this book reminds readers of that in a myriad of insightful ways. It is never too late to establish a code of ethics, or begin to live your life based on simpler disciplines and ideals.
...Purely as a writer, Ma also shines, expressing her ideas with passion, without ever pushing into the realm of zealotry. Her extensive experience as a yoga professional is clear, and her thoughts are confidently expressed and logical. This book celebrates a way of thinking that she herself has clearly practiced for a long time, and that familiarity is wildly apparent in the text.
This is a great read for someone looking to unlock a new side of themselves, or tap into an energetic new perspective on life. Written with love and supported by a lifetime of knowledge and personal experience, Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyama is one of those special books that will stay with you, occasionally nudging your mind and behavior in certain ways, and bringing you inevitably closer to lightness and joy, if you’re willing to take the journey."