Yoga and Veganism: The Diet of Enlightenment

In Yoga and Veganism, Sharon Gannon—co-creator of the renowned Jivamukti Yoga method—weaves together a compelling exploration of the intersection between the spiritual practice of yoga, physical health, care for the planet, and a peaceful coexistence with other animals and nature. Through clear and accessible language, Gannon unpacks the wisdom of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the oldest and most revered texts focused on the philosophy of yoga, and draws a fascinating course to greater enlightenment for the contemporary practitioner. With yama, or restraint, the Yoga Sutras outline the first step on the path to spiritual liberation through five ethical principles that help guide our relationships with the world around us: Ahimsa teaches us how to avoid personal suffering through not harming others, while satya reveals how telling the truth allows us to be better listened to. Through asteya, or nonstealing, we learn the secret of wealth. Brahmacharya reveals how refraining from sexual misconduct leads to health and vitality, and finally, aparigraha opens our eyes to the ways in which greed holds us back from true happiness and is destroying the planet. Yoga and Veganism shines a light on these five guiding principles, demonstrating how the practice of yoga is tied to an ethical vegan lifestyle, which opens the path to both physical wellness and spiritual enlightenment. Featuring a selection of delicious recipes from the author along with personal essays from individuals whose lives have been transformed by veganism—including filmmaker Kip Andersen (Cowspiracy) and activist Ingrid Newkirk (president of PETA)— Yoga and Veganism provides a framework for yoga students and teachers looking to bring their asana practice into alignment with the philosophy at the heart of the discipline, as well as with the Earth around them and all of the beings within it. From a cofounder of Jivamukti Yoga, a guide to how the spiritual practice of yoga enriches both planetary and personal health—includes vegan recipes. In this book, the co-creator of the Jivamukti Yoga method explores the intersection between the spiritual practice of yoga, physical health, care for the planet, and a peaceful coexistence with other animals and nature. Through clear and accessible language, Sharon Gannon unpacks the wisdom of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the oldest and most revered texts focused on the philosophy of yoga, and draws a fascinating course to greater enlightenment for the contemporary practitioner. With yama , or restraint, the Yoga Sutras outline the first step on the path to spiritual liberation through five ethical principles that help guide our relationships with the world around us: Ahimsa teaches us how to avoid personal suffering through not harming others, while satya reveals how telling the truth allows us to be better listened to. Through asteya , or nonstealing, we learn the secret of wealth. Brahmacharya reveals how refraining from sexual misconduct leads to health and vitality, and finally, aparigraha opens our eyes to the ways in which greed holds us back from true happiness and is destroying the planet. Yoga and Veganism shines a light on these five guiding principles, demonstrating how the practice of yoga is tied to an ethical vegan lifestyle, which opens the path to both physical wellness and spiritual enlightenment. Featuring a selection of delicious recipes from the author along with personal essays from individuals whose lives have been transformed by veganism—including filmmaker Kip Andersen ( Cowspiracy ) and Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA— Yoga and Veganism provides a framework for yoga students and teachers looking to bring their asana practice into alignment with the philosophy at the heart of the discipline, as well as with the Earth around them and all of the beings within it. Title Page Dedication A Note on the Text A Note on Sanskrit Transliteration Foreword Prologue Invocation: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu Introduction Chapter 1: What Does Yoga Have to Do with Veganism?: Questioning Old Habits Chapter 2: Asana: Our Connection to the Earth and All Beings Chapter 3: Ahimsa: Nonharming Chapter 4: Satya: Telling the Truth Chapter 5: Asteya: Nonstealing Chapter 6: Brahmacharya: Good Sex Chapter 7: Aparigraha: Greed, Excess, and Poverty Chapter 8: Living the Life of a Jivanmukta: Spiritual Activism Chapter 9: Transformational Stories: The Life-Changing Power of Veganism: Personal Accounts from Notable Vegans Chapter 10: Getting Started on a Vegan Diet: 21-Day Cleansing Diet Chapter 11: Delightful Dining: Vegan Recipes for Human and Animal People Alike Chocolate Layer Cake Vanilla Sugar Icing Vegan “Poached Eggs” on Toast Spirulina Millet Leafy Green Pesto Dal Curry Miso Vegetable Noodle Soup Lasagna Pad Thai Vegan Wild Bird Suet Steamed Veggies Kasha Delight Raw Zucchini-Carrot Salad Chapter 12: Frequently Asked Questions Chapter 13: Yoga on the Mat 1st Chakra: Muladhara 2nd Chakra: Swadhishthana 3rd Chakra: Manipura 4th Chakra: Anahata 5th Chakra: Vishuddha 6th Chakra: Ajna 7th Chakra: Sahasrara Epilogue Resources Acknowledgments About the Author Glossary Index Copyright