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Living Love:
The Yoga of Yama and Niyama
Yoga’s Teachings for Everyday Life
"Kind, wise, and reflective of timeless truths, this yoga manual merits careful reading and rereading." - Kirkus Reviews
"This is a great read...is one of those special books that will stay with you and bringing you inevitably closer to lightness and joy." - Self-Publishing Review
What if you could have more compassion and love for yourself and others?
A guidebook both beautiful and timeless in nature, this book will lead you through a process that can help you shift negative beliefs and thought patterns, transform your relationship with yourself and others and ultimately your life, awakening to the Divine Self within and all around.
Whether you are an experienced practitioner of yoga or a novice reading about yoga for the first time, the teachings in this book can help you ‘walk your talk’, work with life’s struggles and find real happiness.
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.
Her book, Living Love will help you:
- Have compassion for yourself and others.
- Heal sadness, anxiety, grief and other issues.
- Develop habits and behaviors that will support your well-being.
- Lead a value-based life for spiritual awakening and self-realization.
There are practical exercises included at the end of the book to help you put it all into action. Deepen your knowledge of these amazing and timeless teachings that yoga has given us for living in integrity and love and finding well-being! Do yourself a favor and read this book. You won’t regret it!
Read Excerpt
Live Life with Authenticity and Love!
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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` ★★★★★
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` ★★★★★
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.
Yama centers on avoiding actions that derail the mystical journey and cause harm to others, like lying or theft. By contrast, Niyama aims to foster serenity and a deeper connection to eternal truths through study and self-discipline. The text explores the qualities of love, mercy, appreciation, and empathy. It offers insights such as “Having compassion for living being, their pain and the harsh actions that come from their pain, is the root of forgiveness” and “Loving yourself is essential because it is by loving your own self that you become able to love others.” Understanding the causes of conflict and violence, reconciling clashes between instincts and ethics, and learning how to deal with negative judgements are other topics, along with behavioral exercises to help readers incorporate the instructions into their lives.
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. The concepts she lucidly explains have a universal quality, with echoes in the ideological principles of major religions like Christianity and Islam. A glossary at the back of the book is helpful, though the Sanskrit terms used throughout the text may be unfamiliar and off-putting to some readers.
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. Those whose lives have been changed by yoga want to share the experience with others, but it can often seem holier than thou. Ma, however, does an excellent job sharing stories and experiences, as well as expounding wisdom in poetic and therapeutic ways, without browbeating readers with overly heady or intangible metaphors. 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.
The order of the sections, stories and anecdotes makes perfect sense, gradually moving from basic instruction and broad philosophy to complex thought processes and unique strategies to unlock happiness on a long-term basis. If you want to approach this book as an academic, to study the practices and sutras, or meditate on the prayers and mantras, it is an easily digestible and functional guidebook. However, if you want to loosen the strictures of your mind and free your spirit, you can also read the book slowly, like poetry, and it can have a similarly enlightening effect.
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.
Yama centers on avoiding actions that derail the mystical journey and cause harm to others, like lying or theft. By contrast, Niyama aims to foster serenity and a deeper connection to eternal truths through study and self-discipline. The text explores the qualities of love, mercy, appreciation, and empathy. It offers insights such as “Having compassion for living being, their pain and the harsh actions that come from their pain, is the root of forgiveness” and “Loving yourself is essential because it is by loving your own self that you become able to love others.” Understanding the causes of conflict and violence, reconciling clashes between instincts and ethics, and learning how to deal with negative judgements are other topics, along with behavioral exercises to help readers incorporate the instructions into their lives.
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. The concepts she lucidly explains have a universal quality, with echoes in the ideological principles of major religions like Christianity and Islam. A glossary at the back of the book is helpful, though the Sanskrit terms used throughout the text may be unfamiliar and off-putting to some readers.
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. Those whose lives have been changed by yoga want to share the experience with others, but it can often seem holier than thou. Ma, however, does an excellent job sharing stories and experiences, as well as expounding wisdom in poetic and therapeutic ways, without browbeating readers with overly heady or intangible metaphors. 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.
The order of the sections, stories and anecdotes makes perfect sense, gradually moving from basic instruction and broad philosophy to complex thought processes and unique strategies to unlock happiness on a long-term basis. If you want to approach this book as an academic, to study the practices and sutras, or meditate on the prayers and mantras, it is an easily digestible and functional guidebook. However, if you want to loosen the strictures of your mind and free your spirit, you can also read the book slowly, like poetry, and it can have a similarly enlightening effect.
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."