Synopsis
This is a refreshingly clear, generously illustrated guide to standard yoga postures, or asanas. Iyengar, a renowned yoga scholar and instructor, uses multiple angle photographs of most of the poses alongside detailed instructions, notes on their Sanskrit names, their origins, and the principles of spiritual health behind them. In this way, the book serves not only as a home guide for beginners, but as a reference on which postures relieve what ailments, and how asanas connect together to incorporate physical and spiritual wholeness. Sections are devoted to the immune, urinary, nervous, respiratory, and hormonal systems, and a great deal of attention is lavished on asanas that alleviate stress. Iyengar also brings guidance to the use of props, which are tools used to help beginners hold difficult poses, something not often not discussed in yoga literature. Lastly, he presents a 20-week home course, which moves slowly from beginning to much more difficult poses. In its ability to link both spiritual and health motivations with easy-to-follow guidelines, this book is an invaluable reference for all levels of practice.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 2001-03-01 |
| Size | | Length: | 416 pages | | Height: | 11.5 in | | Width: | 8.8 in | | Thickness: | 1.0 in | | Weight: | 67.2 oz |
Publisher's Note
Around the world, increasing numbers of people are turning to yoga as a means of keeping fit and reducing stress. In this comprehensive and highly illustrated guide B.K.S. Iyengar, the world's leading teacher of yoga, shares his unique, holistic approach. For Iyengar, yoga is more than just a form of exercise; it is a holistic experience that benefits the body, mind, and spirit. He outlines the philosophy and ideals behind this ancient practice and explains how yoga can help to counter the stresses of modern living. Designed for every level of ability, age, and physical condition, there are detailed instructions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Clearly illustrated, step-by-step instructions explain how to perform each yoga asana, or posture, correctly, while a unique 360-degree view of the final pose shows exactly how to position each part of the body. A special section introduces B.K.S. Iyengar's innovative use of props, enabling beginners or the less flexible to practice the classic yoga asanas more easily and effectively. A further section illustrates sequences of asanas to treat or prevent a wide range of ailments. In addition, there is a 20-week yoga course, personally formulated by B.K.S. Iyengar, which progresses from simple to more challenging postures. Without a doubt, Yoga: The Iyengar Way is the definitive guide to the practice of yoga by the master.
Industry Reviews
"Not only a how-to, Iyengar's book also includes a concise explanation of yoga's spiritual dimension."
Publishers Weekly (02/12/2001)
"Featuring nearly 2,000 color photos and with the reader-friendly graphic design DK Publishing is famous for, the new book is not as comprehensive as the older volume (it includes about one-third as many asanas as LIGHT ON YOGA) but it is accessible and visually engaging….A fitting bookend to the master's earlier book and an important addition to the literature of asana."
Yoga Journal - Phil Catalfo
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