The Radiance Sutras - by Lorin Roche (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The gateways to wonder and delight are flung open wide for all to enter. At once a beautiful love song and an encyclopedia of yogic techniques, the cherished text known as the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra shimmers with new effulgence in Lorin Roche's The Radiance Sutras. Lorin brings us his unique perspective on each of 112 Sanskrit teachings, along with his one-of-a-kind guidance in how to meditate with, embody, and practice them--what he describes as "answering the call of the sutras you love."

Here is an invitation to experience directly the ecstatic depths of yoga as revealed by the divine partners Shiva and Shakti, through an intimate exploration of:

The divinity that is permeating your body at this very moment
- The alchemical power of Sanskrit
- Yoga meditation--harmonizing all the elements and levels of your being
- The depths of your connection to the energies of life
Taken as a whole, this teaching is startling in its breadth and the huge range of human experience that it encompasses. This is a book to savor one phrase at a time, over a period of days or years or a lifetime. With The Radiance Sutras, yoga and meditation students everywhere can nurture their own relationship with these living wisdom teachings.

Review Quotes

"Meditation teacher Roche (Meditation Made Easy) gives a contemporary interpretation of an ancient text: the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. The book includes an incisive foreword by yoga luminary Shiva Rea, who observes that following even one of the titular sutra is 'enough to change a life.' Roche explains that he calls the text 'The Radiance Sutras' because the writings are so luminous: the compendium is set as conversation between two lovers, Shiva and Shakti, and covers breathing, tasting sleeping, making love, and sensory vehicles for "realizing your nature." With each entry presented in Part One, Roche includes the Sanskrit script, transliteration, and pronunciation. Part Two, 'Invitations and Illuminations, ' offers 112 meditation practices (yuktis) that guide readers toward falling in love with their own existence. Readers with advanced meditation experience will appreciate the intensity of Roche's knowledge of and experience with this ancient text, and newcomers will be drawn to the beauty and radiance of the verses, as well as the accessibility and creativity of the practices." --Publishers Weekly

"If you love Rumi, Hafiz, The Tao, if you love words dancing out of the mystery, welcome to The Radiance Sutras: these are among the most profound and luminous verses you will ever read." --Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

"If you are wild and longing for a more profound experience of love, this book is the perfect companion and teacher. If you're afraid to explore the inner reaches of your heart but long for that freedom, you can trust the magnificent journey The Radiance Sutras offer. You will be blessed by this book--it will forever change you in the most positive, surprising ways." --Judith Orloff, MD, author of The Ecstasy of Surrender

"Lorin Roche's poetic renderings of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra are a gift to anyone who loves the inner world. They arise from the currents of his own meditation, grounded in deep practice. These verses can draw light into your sitting practice and shed wisdom into your days. Keep this book by your bed, hold its inspiration in your heart, and let these verses pulse through your life with the radiance of the tantric revelation." --Sally Kempton, author of Meditation for the Love of It and Awakening Shakti

"The most inspiring rendering of the Vijnana Bhairava I have ever encountered. Juicy, hip, intelligent, and the best companion for your daily life. We all need daily reminders to 'celebrate the boundary where body meets infinity.'" --Margot Anand, author of The Art of Everyday Ecstasy

"Lorin Roche is a tantric troubadour! His engaging and lively versions of The Radiance Sutras capture the joy and spontaneity of the original Sanskrit and are a unique window onto the meditative experience." --David Gordon White, author of Sinister Yogis and Kiss of the Yogini

"A treasure trove of invaluable spiritual jewels. Pick up any of these jewels and behold, as precious esoteric knowledge suffuses your entire being with ineffable joy, love, and 'knowing." --Raz Ingrasci, chairman, Hoffman Institute International

About the Author

Lorin Roche
Lorin Roche signed up for a research project on the physiology of meditation in 1968 when he was eighteen years old and has been a meditator ever since. He teaches a form of practice that he calls Instinctive Meditation, which works with each person's uniqueness from the inside out. Lorin has written several popular books including Meditation Made Easy.

Shiva Rea
Shiva Rea teaches vinyasa flow yoga worldwide. She has studied many forms of yoga and dance in India, Africa, Nepal, Jamaica, and Bali. She is a well-known contributor to Yoga Journal and holds an MA in Dance from UCLA's World Arts and Cultures Program, where she also teaches.