Aaron Hoopes offers a framework for understanding the coordination of body, mind and spirit based on his own practical experience of teaching Martial arts, Shanti Yoga and meditation. I enjoyed the straightforward and uncomplicated writing style, and the good quality paper and printing layout made reading it a pleasure. Having read many books on the art of living, I realise that this one contains the essence of them without frills or personal anecdotes. Someone coming to the subject completely fresh will receive a great deal of sensible advice and can start the journey towards self understanding with comfortable reassurance that the author knows what he is writing about.
Part One, the Body, introduces readers to their own physical body and the basic requirements for it to function well. There will be those who have no idea of what they should ideally eat and drink, while for others it will be a reminder of why it is a good idea to give up certain habits completely or at least adopt a policy of moderation in them all. "The body in which we exist is our present reality and that is the only place from which we can begin a quest for perfection" the author says, and gives in detail well known ways to keep it healthy. Avoid, of course, drugs, drink, and over eating, and don't forget your aerobic exercise.
The section introducing Conscious Breathing explains why it is a good idea to increase the lung capacity through increased diaphragm movement. Many people have only a vague idea that they should breathe properly, but do not know how. The author describes what he calls Attention breathing and Abdominal breathing. He includes a few Dynamic breathing exercises with photos to illustrate the postures necessary for their practice. His own strong convictions and belief in the power of developing breathing to bring about harmony and a relaxed approach to life should inspire readers to start breathing deeply and smoothly as they read on.
Next, three concepts are introduced: the Ordinary Mind, the Universal Mind, and Quietism. The Ordinary mind is the world of the Ego and unconsciousness and the one we function from most of the time We are a mass of moving moods with the Ego controlling these.. For someone in a state of confusion and wanting to learn to become focused, just sitting still for five minutes is a starting point. The next step is learning to accept all thoughts, without judging any of them negatively.. From there you advance to realising your real nature, which connects to the Universal Mind, a way of thinking where you see "the essential unity behind the changing experiences and phenomena of life" and after practice you will have calmed the Ordinary Mind and accessed this place of peace and tranquillity.
"Quietism is the state of pure calmness unfazed by the rapid pace of the world around and within us..." The author advocates developing this beautiful state of mind through the practice of focusing, or just watching and noticing, a natural scene, such as the sky, trees, the sea, mountains or fire. Concentrating on the qualities of the scene, such as fluidity, or solidity, you become identified with the subject itself. Then the focus is narrowed to a part of the body itself, aided by different breath counting methods. The idea is to gain control over the mind through these concentration exercises and attain a deep state of Quietism within yourself. The author's tone is encouraging and it is all made to sound attainable to anyone prepared to practice regularly. You are then ready to develop spiritual consciousness.
The author links the elusive idea of spirit to the balance of opposites, of yin and yang, with yoga exercises one way of achieving this in the body. From his training in the practice of yoga, Shiatsu, Chi Gung and other martial arts, he offers a variety of exercises to coordinate the body and mind, energise the body so that feelings of well being and spiritual awakening can be felt. Finding your spirit may prove overwhelming, so he provides a chapter on integrating the new developments and enjoying your life much more. Meditation and breathing practices are seen as keys to all the progress you make.
This is a gentle and wise guide to perfecting yourself, or in other words, creating yourself as you would like to be, reaching your potential, and living peacefully. You certainly need to have a certain determination and focus to be able to follow the instructions to get results, and to be motivated to do so. The book will be appreciated by those seeking a practical Buddhist based approach to developing inner strength.
