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The Science of Yoga
- The Risks and Rewards
- Narrated by: Matthew Boston
- Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins
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The Science of Yoga
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Summary
In this remarkable book about yoga, William Broad, a lifelong practitioner, shows us that uncommon states are integral to a hidden world of risk and reward that lies beneath clouds of myth, superstition, and hype.
Five years in the making, The Science of Yoga draws on more than a century of painstaking research to present the first impartial evaluation of a practice thousands of years old. It celebrates what’s real and shows what’s illusory, describes what’s uplifting and beneficial and what’s flaky and dangerous—and why. Broad illuminates how yoga can lift moods and inspire creativity. He exposes moves that can cripple and kill. As science often does, this groundbreaking book also reveals mysteries. It presents a fascinating body of evidence that raises questions about whether humans have latent capabilities for entering states of suspended animation and unremitting sexual bliss.
The Science of Yoga takes us on a riveting tour of unknown yoga that goes from old archives in Calcutta to the world capitals of medical research, from storied ashrams to spotless laboratories, from sweaty yoga studios with master teachers to the cozy offices of yoga healers. Broad unveils a burgeoning global industry that attracts not only curious scientists but true believers and charismatic hustlers. In the end, he shatters myths, lays out unexpected benefits, and offers a compelling vision of how the ancient practice can be improved.
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What listeners say about The Science of Yoga
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Leyla
- 26-06-15
Very informative and interesting book!
I found this book very insightful, I got through it very quickly, listening at every opportunity and disappointed when it ended. I plan to listen to it again to make sure there wasn't anything I missed. Well structured and an excellent performance. If you are interested in yoga, science and history I would highly recommend this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- A. Harris
- 24-07-21
Essential Reading.
There can be few who are interested in the subject of yoga who would not benefit from reading this book.
While pointing to the benefits of yoga, it unflinchingly shines a light into some of the more dubious claims and practices.
As someone who is largely self taught, this was an essential read and has helped me to improve my approach. Will listen again.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- tonya potter
- 28-03-19
interesting and informative
A well balanced, well researched account of the evolution of yoga and its current best (and worse) evidence reported with interesting anecdotes and a clear passion for the fields of both yoga and science and an interest in honesty regarding the both. Really inspirational!
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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- Unclepigg
- 26-04-16
Not hugely interesting
Lots of information and history of yoga, some Intersting revelations. However most of the book seems to refer to how yoga "could" do this and that, and the future of yoga "could" be like this or it "could" be like that. The narrative is very monotonous too.
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
- Milie
- 11-04-18
review
really good overview of the science around the discipline. It brings clarity on the whole topic and allows the reader to build a more objective opinion rather than only relying on word of mouth science.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Kate
- 01-02-19
Great book
If you are interested in yoga then this is a great book. Full of really interesting facts.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- G. Pretorius
- 23-12-12
Excellent Information
I loved this book. As someone who has not practised Yoga I thought I would listen to this as a way of making sure what i got myself into. Very useful in pointing out the benefits but also the dangers of Yoga before getting into the practice. I will now think twice and ask some important questions of any instructor before taking a class.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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- Carel
- 01-12-15
A technical study and reference work
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
Yes. Lots of information about the history of the various styles with detailed background information.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Science of Yoga?
The shocking injuries. Who would have imagined yoga could cause strokes!
What aspect of Matthew Boston’s performance might you have changed?
His voice is a little bit of a monotone. I found my attention wandering sometimes.
Do you think The Science of Yoga needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
No. Unless there are dramatic new findings it seems unlikely to need updating.
Any additional comments?
I would recommend this book as giving a very fair background to yoga. Lots of evidence based studies are quoted. Lots of myths are exposed. The dangers are explained and so are the benefits. It feels very honest.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Miss
- 06-03-13
Good book
Really enjoyed this book, well researched and clearly written covering a wide range if yoga through the last 50 years will definitely recommend it.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 15-01-22
Fascinating and open-minded exploration
As the subtitle tells the listener, this book explores the risks and rewards of yoga in great detail. The author spends the first half of the book exploding myths about yoga such as oxygen uptake in pranayama, but goes on to describe scientific studies into the profound psychological, physical, spiritual, creative and sexual benefits of yoga. It was truly fascinating and very well researched. His goal is to inform the listener to create better yoga.
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