The Yoga Matrix

The Body as a Gateway to Freedom

By: Richard Freeman

Narrated by: Richard Freeman

Within the Yoga Sutra, an ancient text about the practice of yoga, only two verses mention asanas, or the postures we commonly associate with yoga in the West. Patanjali, the legendary sage and author of this 2,250-year-old work, was concerned not solely with physical development or even mental development. In fact the original purpose of yoga was - and remains - to function as a complete spiritual path where the body serves as a gateway to enlightenment.

In The Yoga Matrix, the renowned instructor Richard Freeman immerses us in the rich teachings and sutras that inform the many schools of yoga and reveals how the body can serve as the ultimate laboratory, temple, and place of pilgrimage for spiritual inquiry. Looking back 5,000 years, Freeman uncovers the living roots of yoga philosophy and observes how they have grown into many schools, techniques, and philosophies that are united by a vast, interpenetrating matrix that holds the key to understanding yoga's full depth and greater purpose.

Freeman first traveled to India in 1968, where he began a lifetime of study with the living masters of yoga and its mysteries. Now he teaches these authentic lessons and their original subtleties, with the questions and concerns of the serious Western student in mind. What is the yogic view of reality? Why was yoga first developed? How is progress traditionally measured? What are the principles of working with the body's subtle energy? Where do I start?

From profound concepts at the center of this ancient cosmic philosophy to the cherished teaching stories and chants that enrich its daily practice, here is a complete audio curriculum with the power to catalyze your daily yoga practice.

©2007 Richard Freeman (P)2007 Richard Freeman

Mind-blowing

Very balanced, grounded, and well-researched. Really enjoyed it. Covers all the bases that yoga instructors need.

Deep look at yoga and yoga philosophy

If you really want to understand the heart and history of yoga, this is an excellent place to start. Deliver is a little dry, but it’s thoroughly engrossing.

One of the best!

I’ve listened to this multiple times. Potent wisdom, articulate and right on point. I’m going yo listen again and again.

Timeless message and voice.

Richard Freeman is superhumanly human.
One needs 7-10 years of reading, listening, practicing, and then repeat the process again and again to truly START understanding the message in the book.

Excellent

Profound invitation to world of yoga. It is worth listem more than once. Shows the true meaning of yoga practice.

deeply intriguing

a deep philosophical look at yoga from a Westerner who is followed the yoga path for probably 50 years. deeply knowledgeable and deeply caring

Comprehensive, Informative and Clear

I found the information to be clearly outlined in easy, relatable sections. His voice was calm, friendly and sincere. This is some of the same information I learned in my yoga philosophy classes at the Ashram, so a good review.
Yoga, in the western world, has been equated with exercise and fitness. Asanas are a part of what yoga is but not the whole. Yoga, as explained in this book, is a way of life, a discipline that offers many pathways to enlightenment.
I'm going to buy more of his books and look up his website for classes.

REAL

What a blessing to have had a chance to practice with Richard Freeman! I return and return and return to the Yoga Matrix for inspiration and more💛

Disappointed

Boring, monotonous, and not inspiring at all! The attempt to educate was feeble and most of what was covered seemed unnecessary

Unpleasant narration

How could the performance have been better?

had to abort listening after 3 chapters despite deep interest in the content. the narration is mechanical, to much pauses between words, impossible to listen to over time. the narrator has a pleasant voice but the pitch and tone is unbearable.