Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/489304
By Derek Beres "T he rigors of yoga philosophy and practice have been overcompromised in focusing on the results, a pat- tern Patanjali explicitly warned against," cautions yoga teacher and author Derek Beres, "but we want the glory without the suffering." Throughout The Warrior's Path, Beres continues to focus on second-century sage Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, specifi cally the yamas and niyamas—the moral founda- tion of yoga and the groundwork to the asanas—as they per- tain to our modern lifestyle, and he doesn't mince words. Beginning each chapter with anecdotes, including his own current battle with cancer, Beres presents an extensive amount of scientifi c research and cultural observation investigating the role of yoga's dos-and-don'ts—prohibitions and disciplines—in modern culture through the lens of neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and moral and developmental psychology. He puts common practices and widely accepted truths under the mi- croscope and fi nds many of them want- ing. Beres takes an in- teresting perspective on each precept— connecting the idea of play to aparigraha (greedlessness), for example—but this is a serious read. The vast inclusion of information challenges the reader to navigate a dense fi eld to the ultimate destination. The "right" path is always to some extent subjective, but this insightful work can serve as a guide for the practicing yogi in re- thinking ways of putting time-honored precepts into practice, in yoga and in life. (Outside the Box) —Judy Tsuei The Warrior's Path Living Yoga's Ten Codes BOOKS art & soul T he video for Ghanaian singer Rocky Dawuni's lead single, "African Thriller," is every- thing you want from a solid reggae track: a cadre of female dancers a la Fela Kuti's stage show; a boxing ring where said females both dance and throw punches; and Dawuni leading the action as both spectator and emcee. A longtime champion of the merging of African homegrown sounds and reggae music, he nails this connection with his Afrobeat-inspired track that pays homage to Kuti and the Rumble in the Jungle. Social message are no surprise in the now L.A.-based musician's rich catalog: he's worked with the UN, Unicef and Product (RED) as an ambassador for tourism and outreach in Ghana. A stellar live performer and consummate professional, this subdued, rootsy record—his sixth release in 19 years—focuses on the best of reggae-pop from the genre's Golden Era, with plenty of socially conscious lyrics and rocksteady vibes. A beautiful, guitar-driven cover of "Get Up, Stand Up" highlights an 11-track gem of an album. (Cumbancha) —Derek Beres Rocky Dawuni Branches of the Same Tree MUSIC D euter has long been one of the top New Age musicians, with 60 albums over the last 45 years, and he is still making exceptional music. Just take a listen to Reiki Hands Of Love, featuring a combination of melodic tunes and hauntingly lovely ambient pas- sages. The music contains piano, synthesizer, fl ute, acoustic guitar, violin, cello, harpsichord and electric piano—all played by Deuter. Inspired by and designed to accompany the Reiki technique often used in conjunction with massage, Reiki Hands of Love can provide a gentle, nurturing energy that will compassionately support calming and healing in any circumstance. (New Earth Records) —Lloyd Barde Reiki Hands Of Love Deuter 32 wholelifetimesmagazine.com