Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters: A Whimsical Journey into Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Exploring the Rich Philosophy of Yoga through Colorful Illustrations

Inspired by the profound questions about the workings of the mind posed in the Yoga Sutras, Kaori Hamura Long, an illustrator with a deep interest in yoga philosophy and meditation, effortlessly visualized each scene in the story. The result is a captivating book that combines art, storytelling, and ancient wisdom.

"Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters" offers a unique perspective on Patanjali's classic Yoga Sutras, seen through the eyes of a child. Through a whimsical narrative, readers are introduced to the concept that the mind can sometimes be a monster. By exploring the mind's intricacies and challenges, the book provides a gift for those seeking to understand Patanjali's philosophy in a relatable and accessible way.

Kaori Hamura Long's illustrations bring the story to life, capturing the essence of each character and scene. From the dreamy and imaginary landscapes to the colorful and magical creatures, the illustrations transport readers into a world where the mind shapes reality. Drawing inspiration from Indian folk art, known for its vivid colors and naive composition, Kaori's illustrations evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity.

The process of creating "Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters" involved collaboration between the writer and the illustrator. Kaori worked closely with Sonja Radvila, bringing the writer's vision to life through her illustrations. The artist's ability to imagine and interpret the writer's ideas resulted in a seamless partnership that beautifully captures the essence of the story.

The book, with its 205mm x 205mm dimensions and 101 pages, is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the design team. Kaori Hamura Long's illustrations were brought to life through a combination of traditional and digital techniques. Starting with sketches and storyboards, the artist then created detailed illustrations using pencils and paper. The final touches were added using digital tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator, resulting in vibrant and captivating visuals.

"Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters" is not just a book; it is an interactive experience. Sonja Radvila pitched the project on a crowdfunding website called Publishizer, which led to its publication by Atmosphere Press. The book is now available worldwide on platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, allowing readers from all corners of the globe to embark on this whimsical journey.

The creation of "Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters" spanned several years, with the writer approaching the artist in 2015 to begin working on character designs. Throughout the process, there were numerous iterations and story changes, but Kaori Hamura Long completed the illustrations in 2018. With the support of crowdfunding and a publishing deal, the book became a reality, reaching readers eager to explore the depths of yoga philosophy.

Undertaking the creation of "Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters" required extensive research and a deep understanding of yoga philosophy and Indian culture. Kaori immersed herself in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, studying the ancient texts and exploring the spiritual aspects of yoga. Additionally, she experimented with different artistic mediums to ensure her illustrations captured the essence of the story.

The collaboration between the writer, Sonja Radvila, and the illustrator, Kaori Hamura Long, presented its own set of challenges. However, their openness to each other's ideas and willingness to work together resulted in a harmonious partnership that brought the story to life.

With its enchanting illustrations and thought-provoking narrative, "Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters" has garnered recognition in the design world. The book was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Print and Published Media Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges the book's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.

"Young Yogi and the Mind Monsters" is a testament to the power of art and storytelling in conveying complex ideas. Through Kaori Hamura Long's illustrations and Sonja Radvila's captivating narrative, readers of all ages can embark on a whimsical journey into the depths of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, gaining a deeper understanding of the mind and its role in shaping our reality.