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Paperback Edition of The Subtle Body Arrives

Stefanie Syman — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:53:02 +0000

The Economist summed up the book well: "Ms Syman takes a guru-centric approach, charting the path of the thinkers, spiritual leaders, celebrities and quacks that brought yoga into the mainstream. The result is well-researched and rich in character studies... Ultimately, the book is a cultural study of America, and the country's ability to assimilate just about anything." You can order it from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or go pick it up at your favorite Indie bookseller. And if you do read the book and happen to like it, I encourage you to write an Amazon review. If you're moved, you can post your review here.

Paperback is Coming Soon!

Stefanie Syman — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:52:01 +0000

The Subtle Body comes out in a convenient, easy to tote paperback next month. You can pre-order here. And check back for more news shortly!

Yoga's Brand Issues

Stefanie Syman — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:51:55 +0000

Recently, Dr. Aseem Shukla, co-founder of the Hindu American Foundation, lamented that “yoga has thrived, but Hinduism has lost control of the brand.” It’s a bizarre assessment, not only because of the present reality but because the tussles over yoga’s “soul” predate its arrival in the West. Today, you’d be hard pressed to find a yoga studio that doesn’t display an image or statuette of Ganesha or Shiva. There’s little doubt of the provenance of these deities, and Americans have long understood that yoga is intimately linked to Hinduism. But in a parallel universe Americans might have favored other yogas.

Is Yoga Christian?

Stefanie Syman — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:29:45 +0000

That was the question Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, was ultimately asking in his interview with me--one of the most interesting ones I've done to date. Listen here. And find out Mohler's answer to this burning question in his commentary here.

Leonard Lopate Interview on WNYC

Stefanie Syman — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:53:46 +0000

I talked to New York's supreme book interviewer/ radio host last week. My favorite question: can people get enlightened by $98 yoga pants? You can listen here.

#4 on the L.A. Times Bestsellers List

Stefanie Syman — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:23:42 +0000

The Subtle Body came in just below Michael Lewis and above Anthony Bourdain! (Scroll down for non-fiction). See the whole list.

She Almost Loves Me: the Kakutani Review for the Times

Stefanie Syman — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:21:34 +0000

"What Ms. Syman does do deftly is trace how the likes of Emerson (with his interest in Indian thought) and Thoreau (with his practice of meditation) helped create a context in which an American yoga could take root. And she provides a lively gallery of larger-than-life characters who would contribute to (or undermine, or co-opt) the progress of yoga in the United States..." Read more.

The Wall Street Journal and Trantric Yoga!

Stefanie Syman — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:34:00 +0000

Here's a piece I wrote for the Journal's Speakeasy blog about Tantra and its assimiliation.

The New York Times Review

Stefanie Syman — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:19:11 +0000

Pankaj Mishra reviewed The Subtle Body in the New York Times this weekend. I also talked to Sam Tanenhaus about the book for their weekly podcast.

Q&A With Yoga Dork

Stefanie Syman — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:14:14 +0000

I answered questions from Yoga Dork readers. Check out the conversation here.