The Psychology of Transformation in Yoga - Paperback

by Vaidya Atreya Smith (Author)

The ancient sciences of Yoga, Ayurveda and Jyotish (Indian Astrology) have become mainstream subjects and professions in the Western world. Their popularity is growing on a daily basis due to the holistic and individualized approach that each encompasses. There is little doubt that these systems of health and transformation will continue to grow and expand in the modern world. Unfortunately, these systems have been introduced to the West without a clear explanation of the basic philosophy or vision that supports them. The spiritual vision of the universe is called Samkhya and is an existential experience of creation as seen by the Vedic Rishi's, or seers.

Author Biography

Vaidya Atreya Smith was born in Santa Monica, California in 1956 and began meditation at the age of seventeen. Atreya studied with the American Vedanta Society in Portland, Oregon in the late 1970's to early 1980's. He then joined a spiritual community in 1982 and met his current teacher Sri H.W.L. Poonjaji in 1991. He has lived in India for more than six years from 1987 to 1994. Atreya is the author of six books published in nine different languages on the art of Indian medicine and healing. He has also either written or edited four textbooks on Ayurveda for Western students. He has a degree in Biology and in 2005 was awarded the title of Vaidya (knower of Ayurvedic texts) in Varanasi for his work in Ayurveda. Since 1987 Atreya works as a professional healthcare and is a professional herbalist. He is also trained in Jyotish (Vedic astrology) and currently lives in the South of France.