Finding Santosha

The Book

“In each gesture he shared a story, with each breath he shared a truth”

  • Finding Santosha artfully distills one man’s daily practice and teachings in a heart-warming journey through life, love, and Santosha. Intended to replicate the experience of being in one of Däs’ classes, the book was designed as an invitation to observe the essence of how the asanas (poses), pranayamas (breathing techniques), and pratanas (prayers) of Yoga tell a story beyond words.

    Informed by a team of Physical Therapists, Exercise Physiologists, Respiration Specialists, and Yogis, with over 100 years of experience, the practice reflects a curated blend of ancient techniques refined by modern science. As you and your loved ones navigate each of the 8 sections, representing the 8 limbs of Yoga, you will be guided through exercises specifically designed to improve postural and respiratory mechanics, encourage state regulation, and explore mindfulness.

    But you will also begin to illustrate a far more important story: what it means to be human. And just as the characters in 'Finding Santosha', by the end of the experience, you too will find yourself in a place that can only be described as home. That is the true gift in Däs’ teachings, they bring us closer to our true nature. And in turn, closer to others.

FAQs

  • How to read it

    Each page is designed to be read as a meditation, encouraging the reader to synchronize their breath with the messages shared. Each prayer offers an opportunity to reflect on the wisdom found in gratitude, compassion, and selflessness. And each pose helps to tell the story of contentment, constructing a sequenced routine that one can return to anytime they are feeling a bit off track.

  • What I'll learn

    More than anything, this project is a reminder that Yoga is not just the practice we share on the mat. Yoga is in every moment, every breath, and every action. It is the very union that is meant by its namesake: that we are who we are through each other. Inherent to this project is a wish that has accompanied Däs’ journey for more than 3 decades: a yearning to share his teachings with children.

  • What I'll support

    Accordingly, proceeds from this project will go directly developing infrastructure at the Lai’I Peace Center: 

     

    The vision of Sakyadhita Hawai'i's creation of the La’i Peace Center to benefit the community and the world. The land is ideal for offering peace education programs, meditation, Dharma teachings, retreats, and workshops on myriad topics. For more information on Sakyadhita Hawai'i and their current projects, please visit:

    https://hawaii.sakyadhita.org/center 
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How much additional funding is required to achieve your goal?

$22,600 - This will cover the cost of illustrations, design, printing, and shipping of Finding Santosha.

Why are you self-publishing?

Principally, we want to ensure all proceeds from the project are donated to charity. We have also made a commitment compensating our contributing editors, illustrators, and designers at dignified rates to avoid compromising the quality of the finished product.

When will the book be completed?

About 6 months after a successful fundraising campaign.

What if you are not successful in raising the funds required to finish the project? 

We will cap our fundraising period at 90 days. After 90 days, if we have not met our goal, all donations will be returned to benefactors. 

What ages is the book for?

While the book's messages are suitable for all age groups, readers aged 8 and above can generally understand them without assistance.

How long is the book?

Though only 4000 words in length, the story is deliberately crafted over 150 pages, encouraging an experience mindfully synchronized with the breath.

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