Reviews

Reviews of Japanese Yoga: The The Way of Dynamic Meditation

From the Publisher Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation is part of Stone Bridge Press's MICHI: JAPANESE ARTS AND WAYS series. From chado—"the Way of tea"—to budo—"the martial Way"—Japan has succeeded in spiritualizing a number of classical arts. The names of these skills often end in Do, also pronounced Michi, meaning the "Way." By studying a Way in detail, we discover vital principles that transcend the art and relate more broadly to the art of living itself. Featuring the work of H. E. Davey and other select authors, books in the series MICHI: JAPANESE ARTS AND WAYS focus on these Do forms. They are about discipline and spirituality, about moving from the particular to the universal . . . to benefit people of any culture. From Amazon.com Reviewers Learn techniques to master your mind, body, spirit, April 23, 2007 By Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/07) Japanese Yoga: the Way of Dynamic Meditation introduces the form of Shin-shin-toitsu-do, which means "the way of mind and body unification." The author describes it as "the direct investigation of universal principles for living." He believes that we can transform our lives by following this practice. It was created by Dr. Nakamara Tempu, also a sensei, when he went to India in the early 1900's to study yoga. In developing Shin-shin-toitsu-do Dr. Tempu incorporated his knowledge of martial arts, western medicine and psychology, and healing into this form. Shin-shin-toitsu-do is different from Indian yoga. It uses a variety of stretching exercises, breathing methods, methods of seated and moving meditation, massage-like healing techniques, auto-suggestion techniques, and mind and body coordination drills. Included are also principles for the unification of the mind and body. This practice is very practical and can be used in our everyday life. We are encouraged to use this practice because it will teach us to transcend our bodies and it places a higher importance on mental and physical health over material wealth. In reading and learning about this practice, I appreciated the humbleness of Mr. Davey. He encourages the reader to look inside ourselves to find truth, not at him. I think that this is a great book for anyone interested in meditation and healing techniques. I think that people with a passion for the Japanese martial arts will really benefit from the training. It is in no way difficult to follow and Mr. Davey keeps it very interesting. He also provides resources to accessing instruction and supplies, and a glossary for quick reference. My personal interests lie in Japanese martial arts and healing. I am pursuing my third degree black belt in karate and have been attuned to mastery level in Reiki. I was very excited to read "Japanese Yoga," because I felt that in addition to assisting me with my everyday life, it will also help me to achieve my next levels of training in the other art forms. Physically and mentally, I will benefit, especially as I feel myself physically aging. I also think that incorporating something new into my life will bring an additional excitement to my training. Leading life in a positive way, April 8, 2007 By Ashwini Aragam (Lansdale, PA) One of the key principles of Japanese Yoga or shin-shin toitsu do is being and staying positive. When you stay positive, the ki or the energy starts to flow in you. When you turn negative, the ki stops flowing. It is as simple as that! H. E. Davey writes in a simple and most effective manner to instill in one this simple principle. If you are practicing Yoga for some time, you will know that Yoga is not all postures. Living life to its maximum is yoga; letting that universal energy flow through you uninterrupted is yoga. The author writes about the teachings of his master-Nakamura sensei. While acknowledging the roots of Japanese Yoga lies in the ancient practice from India, Nakamura sensei went on to form the foundations of Japanese yoga through his own interpretations and experiences. As with staying positive, concentration of the mind is a big part of the book. There are several exercises/techniques (candle gazing, listening to the fading of the ringing bells to eternity) explained in the book and how, with such exercises once can connect to the universal energy. The exercise with a pendant is a simple and profound way to illustrate the effects of the mind on the body. You will find the many gentle stretching and ki stimulating exercises easy to learn and practice. This is one of the yoga books that I could read through without the express need to 'know' the steps of postures, the sequences and combinations of different categories of postures, etc, etc. I found the book to be simple and devoid of the numerous asanas that one needs to learn to 'practice' yoga. You need to read quite a bit of the book to get a sense of what Dynamic Meditation is. That's how this book is different. If Yoga were to be condensed into a two-page booklet readied for a crash course, then there wouldn't be so many books on the subject. Each author and each way of yoga uses a different and often unique way to get the message across. H. E. Davey speaks from his own experience and practice in writing this book and in it you will find a different and welcome way of practicing yoga. This book will be a unique addition to your Yoga library. The connection between the Body and Mind, August 13, 2005 By Abdul Nasheer "Nasheer" (Singapore) `Japanese Yoga' is comparatively an easy book to read and to follow. The author has a good gasp of Japanese culture and its philosophies. His explanations are relatively easy to follow. I think the paradox of Japanese is that they don't say much as most of their communication is through their actions and Davey has managed to explain many of demonstrated action into simple words. Although the book has fewer illustrations of yoga techniques which was rather disappointing but the explanation behind `Japanese Yoga' concept was well handled by the author. I will certainty recommend this book to any student who is keen to understand the basic principles and the source behind various exercises discussed in the book and those who are keen to understand the primary connection between the body and mind. affects you daily life from DAY ONE...., July 2, 2003 By J. Perre (Belgium) 'Japanese Yoga' is a surprising book that affects your daily life from day one that you practice it. The fact that I keep on practicing it everyday is a solid proof that the exercises are helpful in many ways. The author H.E. DAVEY reveals in a clear and instructive way the teachings of NAKAMURA TEMPU SENSEI. Both the psychological and spiritual background of his method is written in a down-to-earth way and without acting as a 'guru'. Each of the principles has a PRACTICAL pendant as an exercise or test to make you really feel what is meant. In this way these principles are not mere assumptions, but become true and real, here and now. For example: the principle that the mind moves and controls the body: the author includes several tests and exercises to make you find out for yourself what is meant. The practice of Japanese Yoga has a lot to offer: stretching exercises, improvement of posture and breathing, centered movement, healing skills, meditation etc. These are not too difficult for most people, if practiced in the right frame of mind. And they are beneficial indeed. The author suggests that there could follow a second volume of this book. I would be very pleased to read and learn more about Japanese Yoga. H.E. Davey also wrote "Living the Japanese Arts and Ways", 45 paths to meditation and beauty. This volume further explores the Japanese Ways (do) and is equally interesting and revealing. It looks at "body-and-mind-unification" through the traditional crafts and arts of Japan. Not Just a How-To Book, July 31, 2002 By Mike Donnelley If you're just interested in whether I liked this book or not, I'll get that out of the way first. I enjoyed this book and I expect to read it again in the near future. I should mention, before discussing the contents, that this book is well-constructed. I like to read on airplanes and took this book on several short trips. It not only fits well into carryon luggage, but also withstands the rigors of travel and hotels extremely well. This is not just a how-to type of book. Readers will not be overwhelmed by images of slim, svelte individuals in contortionist stances or situations. Rather, this book discusses the mental process of meditation. Any physical postures or exercises mentioned seem to be designed to facilitate the meditation process, not merely to lose weight or fit in with the burgeoning yoga crowd. I don't think there is any one good manner of addressing the mental processes, especially those of meditation. It is just too complicated an area. This author takes the approach of discussing some of the short-term goals of the incremental steps of his method, Shin-shin-toitsu-do, rather than ephemeral discussions of long-term, years-down-the-line goals. He repeats important points, usually from different angles and perspectives. This approach can be heavy-handed and burdensome, if not done correctly. Mr. Davey keeps his approach light. Just when it seems he is going to spoil things, he is off on another tangent that brings the reader back to the same goal. I couldn't read this book in one sitting, although it is not a ponderous tome. I felt the need to break it into many short, educational readings. Sometimes just a snippet, sometimes reading longer. The material was presented in an easy manner, free of self-importance, yet not disrespectful. I know I probably didn't pick up all the important material discussed, but I put it down with the feeling that I had found something that was important. I will read this book again, soon. Excellent, easy to follow guide for all ages, August 27, 2001 Reviewer: A reader This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in improving their mental and physical capabilities. It is more than a picture book of yoga poses; it is a thorough examination and guide to achieving a state of mind-body unification. The premise is "body reflects mind; mind reflects body" and a goal is positive relaxation. Japanese yoga (also known as "shin-shin-toitsu-do") was developed in the early 1900s by Nakamura Tempu Sensei, one of the first Japanese to receive a medical degree from the U.S. Who he was and how he came to combine yogic disciplines with his own discoveries and experiences is a fascinating story in itself; it also provides a solid foundation for the meditations and exercises to follow. In addition to demonstrating the stretches and movements designed to increase flexibility and coordination, the book offers practical ways to improve concentration and perception. Different forms of meditation and attention exercises are presented in a clear, concise manner-no shrouds of mystery or mysticism here, just a practical how-to guide that anyone with the inclination can follow. The book is applicable for all ages. The exercises are simple yet thoughtfully challenging (total mind-body unification can be a tall order), and there is enough variety not to be repetitive and boring. Davey is very good at taking us through each step. He explains not only the "how-to" for each but the "why" and "how" it relates to positive relaxation. I found this book immensely helpful and highly recommend it! Simply click on the "Buy Now" button to order your BRAND NEW autographed copy of Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation for just $18.95. (PayPal and all major credit cards accepted.)