Richard Freeman

Richard Freeman has studied Ashtanga, Iyengar, bhakti, and traditional hatha yoga; Western and Eastern philosophy; and Sanskrit, all of which he incorporates into his Ashtanga yoga practice. Richard teaches at his studio, the Yoga Workshop, in Boulder, Colorado, as well as at studios and conferences throughout the world. He is also a frequent contributor to Yoga Journal and his video series, Yoga with Richard Freeman, inspires many people to take up yoga.

Mary Taylor

Mary Taylor is the cofounder, with Richard Freeman, of the Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado, which they started in 1988. Mary travels and teaches Ashtanga yoga throughout the world, both independently and in collaboration with Richard. In addition to teaching, Mary works closely with programs focused on bringing contemplative and yoga practices into the health care system for integrative therapies and self-care, and she is active in Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation.

"This new take on the Bhagavad Gita makes the heartfelt teaching accessible in a whole new way. By adding depth and dimension to this sacred text, Richard and Mary share a true gift with the world. I strongly recommend this new translation and commentary on the Gita to all students of yoga." —Kino MacGregor, author of Get Your Yoga On

"Freeman and Taylor have outdone themselves in this masterful new translation of the majestic Song of the Blessed God (Bhagavād Gītā), beautifully introduced by their down-to-earth yet revelatory study in the first half of this amazing work, When Love Comes to Light. With the creative and insightful translation of the central concept of bhakti as “love” (instead of the usual “devotion”), Freeman and Taylor do indeed cast a new and refreshing light on the peerless teaching the dear God Krishna bestows upon the powerful and thoughtful warrior Arjuna. In theistic cultures the 'devotion' focus tends to be seen as self-effacing worship of a great God beyond it all, and indeed the Gītā has often been understood in that way, as if it was basically the command of a Big God to a Powerful Warrior to do battle with the usual bad guys, with God on his side. But Freeman and Taylor plumb Krishna’s teaching more deeply and so reveal how, since Krishna in actuality is all and everything, love of Him is love of everyone, born of the realization of the sacredness of every being and thing in this universe that is Krishna’s way of giving Himself to all His beloveds. Through brave service and transcending wisdom, the beloved loving beings realize their interconnection to all other beings and things and become victorious in the great battle against the ignorant separation that leads to endless suffering of one and all. This great book, fruit of the authors’ lifelong teaching and skillful service to countless fortunate students, really does bring the true love of and by Krishna to light in all its glory. It will not fail to impart grace and joy to those lucky enough to read it." —Tenzin Robert Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhology

"This book casts the time worn but contemporary teachings of the Gita in a brilliant new light. On the battlefield of today’s complex world, this is a timely guide to help all of us on the path of yoga embody discriminating wisdom, skillful action, and compassionate presence. I love the textual references, embodied practices, and insights into the ways in which we are undeniably interwoven." —Tias Little, author of Yoga of the Subtle Body