Book Description
Featuring over 150 yogic postures from the main schools of yoga,including Iyengar and Astanga Vinyasa, this guide provides a comprehensive illustratedstep-by-step book to achieving the postures and advice on altering them where necessarywith easier postures highlighted for beginners. The book also includes more advancedpositions for experienced yogists, which will inspired them in developing their practice.

In addition to postures, the book includes notes on various types of yoga practices as wellas a summary of well-known traditional schools of yoga and how they vary. Also insideis advice from the author on breathing techniques and the benefits of yoga in healing,pregnancy, de-stressing and meditation.

Christina Brown qualified as a yoga instructor at the Sivananda Ashram in southern Indiain 1995. She has also trained in Iyengar Yoga at the Sydney Yoga Centre and in Deradun,India and in yoga therapy at the Yoga Therapy Centre in London. She currently teachesyoga in Sydney, Australia and holds a degree in complementary medicine from theNatural Care College in Sydney. She lives in Sydney, Australia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

The Yoga Bible is great
I started taking Yoga while I was in college. During the Spring and Fall semesters i could take the classes and I loved them. My teacher told the class this book has several yoga positions in it. I bought this book and now practice yoga at home. The book shows pictures and explains how to do the positions. Its a great way to unwind and relax your mind after a long day.

Excellent Reference
I use this book all the time! It explains postures very well, and it has a lot of other useful information for beginners. I think it is essential.

Great book!
This book gives a good introduction to Yoga before practicing Yoga. For every pose, the author guides you on what's best for you. At the end, it gives a quick reference on which poses to perform for different health issues. This book has been a blessing for me. I refer it every morning for practicing yoga.

Easy to follow
Great book for beginners! Has numerous poses that are step by step and has a picture of a real person doing them (my previous experience has been with stick figure drawings). Very easy to follow format, with sections on standing poses, seated poses, twists and abdominal poses, etc. Under each pose there is a box that tells you the counter poses so you can basically create your own routine. My reason for giving it 4 stars instead of five is that it is a little small and dosen't stay open really well when you are trying to follow a pose.

tiny but toughbook
Small books this size rarely lay flat. It would be essential to view poses and have the book lay flat. The binding is so thick and tough that you can literally stand on the book without fear of any damage what so-ever, and it stays that way. The page numbering is in the middle of the page which was a little aqward at first.Major flaw for advanced practitioners: the index uses the English terms for poses and then in parentheses the classical name. So you can't look up the pose using the Sanskrit name.Overall a nice book. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (9)

great for instructors
One of the best yoga books to assist the beginning instructor on how to adjust and assist the student.Wording is descriptive and to the point.Wish there were more poses than 30.Maybe the author will come out with a second book with 30 more poses...

Another wonderful offering from Judith Lasater
For the most part, I think this book offers some great, clear advice. I tend to feel that Judith is a bit overly cautious. Most women I know have told me they feel much better after doing an asana practice around their period while Judith would have you skipping many of the most basic postures!

Aside from that, I think this book makes a great addition for those seeking to look a bit more deeply into the practice of yogasana, both as students and as teachers.

Needs Some Life
This book is very good for beginners in that the descriptions are clear and concise and it gives alternatives if someone has difficulty with the poses and/or needs props. I also enjoyedthe section in the back where the poses are put together in routines of various lengths and purpose. I seldom use this book in my home practice however as I find the stern and serious expression of the model to be a turnoff. To me yoga should be full of joy and life!

'Essential' is right.
I have been practicing yoga for close to five years and teaching for less than one.This book is the best instructional yoga guide I have ever seen.The asana directions and descriptions are clear and concise, the variations are good and the anatomical focus notes for teachers are also excellent for students.If I were going to recommend one yoga reference book, this would be it.

Perfect form
I'm the proud owner of this book and use it every day.While yoga is not exactly brand new to me, I still consider myself a beginning student.Most helpful have been Lasater's clear instructions, as well as the many beautiful photos throughout.I particularly commend the model, Theresa Elliott, who has executed each pose so beautifully.She makes it all look so effortless, which is as much an art as it is a practice. I would recommend this book without reservation to any yoga student, at any level. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

A Perfect Yoga Book
Not only is this a perfect book for athletes, it is also perfect for non-athletes.It is an excellent introduction for those new to yoga, and would be a great new resource for yoga instructors.As a cyclist and a yoga teacher in training, I found this writing to be the most elegant and direct explanation of the broad principles of yoga of any book I've read.It introduces the concepts of yoga and then provides examples of how they are to be applied in the real world.Resources are provided for those who want further study.

Sage Rountree's introduction to yoga in the first part of the book is worth the price itself.For anyone curious about yoga, this explains everything needed to approach it safely and with confidence.For athletes, she specifically discusses how the different types of yoga can be appropriately incorporated into their training program.The middle of the book is dedicated to the poses, breathing and meditation.Each pose is illustrated and fully described as to how to safely get into the pose, along with modifications.Relaxation and breathing are well covered with an emphasis on how important they are to an athlete's recovery time.The last part of the book discusses how to use yoga within the cycles of a training plan and finishes with several sequences for specific needs, such as stretching, warming up and restorative poses.Many of these sequences are great for any busy person wanting to "sneak" in some yoga during their hectic day.This author seems to be one of the few who understands that many who are interested in yoga are also very busy.

This is just a wonderful book.I hope it gets the attention of a very broad audience because it has so much to offer.It has now become the first book I would recommend to anyone asking about yoga.

The Yoga Guide I've Been Looking For
As a busy professional, dedicated age group triathlete, and regular yoga class student, I've experienced both the physical and mental benefits of yoga in my racing and my life.However, I've really struggled to practice yoga at home - without a teacher telling when, where, and how.Sage Rountree's book is what I've been looking for: a practical, user-friendly guide that speaks my "athlete language" and includes step-by-step yoga rountines that complement specific portions of my training. The pictures are beautiful - and depict realistic pose modifications that make yoga much more enjoyable when I'm feeling especially tight. I also have a deeper (and more functional!) understanding of yoga's history and philosophy thanks to Sage's clear description of yoga's 8 limbs - and how they translate to the athlete's world.A helpful book for those very new to yoga AND those hoping to practice outside the gym or studio. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (11)

Inspirational
Short and concise meditations, the perfect way to start the day with a positive and uplifting thought.A helpful reminder of what is really important in our (often) hectic lives.

A year of living your yoga: Daily Practices to shape your life
It is a quick way to start your day with a positive thought.It is light but with deep meaning if you take the time to think about the idea you are given.

I read this book every morning.
I love the philosophy in this book.It not only emcompasses my yoga practice, it guides my life practice.I start every day reading the message for the day.

A beautiful way to start your day
Each night when I go to be I read the next days thought. Then through the day I try to action it. It is amazing that each days entry seems to be exactly what you need to think about. An amazing book, will help you build compassion to every moment.

easily fits in the hand and in life
Judith - your wisdom just keeps extending.This book has found a home and will be used beyond "a year". ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Very good book
After doing a lot of PT for my knee and going nowhere, I decided to buy 3 books about knees. I liked this one very much and also "The knee crisis handbook", which has explanations about several types of knee injury. My only complain is that some asana explanations (Warrior, Triangle) talk about the front knee, and says nothing about the rear knee, which can be misaligned as well if you let your knee drop (which normally happened to me).

Must Have For the Road to Recovery
I had knee pain due to runners knee (patella tracking) and started physical therapy.I did PT twice a week for 4-5 months and the pain worsened and became chronic.I could not exercise and even sitting at work was painful.I went to an orthopedist and had x-rays and a MRI to rule out other issues and he found nothing other than the patella tracking issue and suggested me to continue on with more PT.At this point I decided to try yoga, even though the PT felt it would be a waste of my time.I got this book since it was specifically for knees and went through the full routine for a week and felt much better and went cold turkey on PT as it was doing nothing other than thinning my wallet.Within a month I could exercise again (not run though, too much pressure under the kneecap still).After 3-4 months I can run again with no discomfort.For maximum sustained benefit Yoga needs to be practiced consistently and I do find if I go too long my knees will both me slightly, much like the author warns of.The poses in this book are basic and were not intimidating to me with the exception of Hero Pose which I did not attempt for a few months, but now I can comfortably hold the pose for a few minutes with no support.Explanations are excellent and pictures are sufficient.Overall a must buy for those with knee pain.

Yoga for Health Knees: What You Need to Know for Pain Prevention and Rehabilitation
Excellent Book.Well illustrated and easy to follow.Well designed for people with joint problems, who want to strenghthen their bodies through yoga.

What a steal!
Knees bees. Whatever. Just got this book a week ago, so as far as helping knees per se, don't know, but most impressed with it. These few yoga exercises limbers up the entire hip, leg area. It identifies which side is tighter. She even rightly points out to go barefoot often to strengthen feet that have been too conditioned to shoes.

I'm not a fan of static stretching, although athletic and engage in speed skating, weightlifting, running, hiking, but this book could stand alone as a stretching book, utilizing yoga.

For such a cheap price, it's a steal.

More than healthy knees
This guide book should not only be read by people with knee problems, but also by those wanting to develop the bodily awareness that comes from an understanding of basic yoga asanas. While I don't suffer from knee problems, I was drawn to Sandy Blaine's concise descriptions and the attention to detail for the 17 poses presented. This is particularly true for her advice on how to internally support our knees without locking them. ... Read more

Book Description
How to balance Yoga practice. As Yoga matures in the U.S., this is a new approach to balance physical and mental health, for serious students and beginners.All yoga forms emphasizing either muscle (Yang) or connective (Yin) tissue. Today, all popular Yoga forms are Yang--muscular. Yin Yoga is unknown, but vital, as a balanced Yoga practice has many benefits, including better preparation for meditation. Yin Yoga focuses upon connective tissue, which does not stretch or respond to brief stresses as muscle will, so Yin postures are held a long time, with the muscles relaxed. Acupuncture meridians are also in connective tissues and Yin Yoga is specifically designed to stimulate them.

Divided into two sections, the second part of the book deals with chakras, breathing exercises and meditation, and is • fully illustrated • with clear, concise descriptions of Yoga postures ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Yipee for Yin!!
I really love this Yin, I do wish that this book was bound as a spiral, as it would be easier to refer to the poses during the practice. It has helped my back and hamstring issues so much.
I highly recommend it!

Yoga is new for me
Although I've been been physically active since childhood, I hadn't ever delved into yoga. Other than a few classes here and there, I was a total beginner. In fact, I still am. This book was recommended to me by a friend of mine who has been practicing yoga forever and I love it. I truly love it, it has been far more helpful to me than any class or DVD I've ever taken or done. It just feels good.

Educational tool for Teachers & Yogis
Paul Grilley's book is easy to undertand and is formatted in a visually helpful way. Cuts right to the chase. No fluff. Helpful to teachers and to yogis who want to learn more about Yin Yoga.

Yin Yoga by Paul Grilley
Nice little book -- loads of information in a concise, easy to read format.Sample practices are useful, but you will need to memorize and understand them before practicing.The format of the book -- softcover, bound -- does not lend itself to being a useful "practice manual."The book won't really lay flat so that you can't refer to it or view specific postures, descriptions, or sequences readily while practicing.

Wonderful knowledge
Yin yoga is a wonderful book full of knowledge on another essential way of using or relaxing our body. It's very concise, precise, and has a lot of information presented in a nice way. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (19)

Judith is a gem.
Judith has so much to share about her knowledge of yoga.We are blessed as a yoga community that she shares so much with us.

Billions of stars in the Solar System?
Judith Lasater has written a fine book on yoga asanas for relaxation and pain relief, Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times, also drawing on her professional training and experience as a physical therapist. In *Living Your Yoga*, she offers advice on daily living, mostly from her own experience. She begins each chapter with a quotation in the original Sanskrit, rendered in Roman letters, from the Yoga Sutra of Patañjali or the Bhagavad Gita.

I'm not going to criticize the practical advice Lasater gives, but there are things about this book that seriously rub me the wrong way; please hear me out.

The Sanskrit incantations must be very important to the author -- like the Latin Mass for traditional Catholics, or services in Hebrew for Orthodox Jews. She refers to the ancient Hindu scriptures in very much the same way that Christian authors of self-help books link their advice to quotes from the Bible. Very few readers of Lasater's book could understand the Sanskrit, and most readers who do probably can read Sanskrit script. Mercifully, Lasater provides English translations of the quotations.

Issues of daily life don't change much. The scriptures of any of the long-standing spiritual traditions hold much that is of relevance to modern life. But there is much that we can now understand better than the authors of ancient scriptures did. Despite this, fundamentalist Christian writers of today stubbornly insist on taking the Bible literally, and deny modern scientific discoveries. Somewhat differently, today's authors of yoga literature all too often attempt to buttress their beliefs and advice by calling on modern science without bothering to study it, or to consult with people who understand it. Lasater is like this.She cites only a short list of sources in her endnotes -- The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali: A New Translation and Commentary and the Bhagavad Gita in translations by a yogic believer; Buddhist scriptures and commentaries; self-help books; Dag Hammarskjöld's Markings; a phone call with a colleague who is a registered nurse.

On pages 117 and 118 or *Living Your Yoga*, I read the following:

"Although we may, at times, feel disconnected, we can rest in the certainty that all beings, all things, are interconnected. A dramatic example of this is the night sky. Twinkling against a net of inky black are billions of stars. It takes each one to make our solar system."

Hello, hello, where are you, Carl Sagan, when we need you? Our solar system has only one star, the Sun, not billions. Lasater is describing not the solar system, but the universe, and poorly: the naked eye can only perceive a few thousand stars. And even in locations without light pollution, and on a moonless night, eyes dark-adapted to see the sky in all its glory also will find it to be only a dark gray. There's enough background light easily to discern the horizon and dimly to identify surrounding objects.

How is it possible to be credible about metaphysics in this day and age without understanding something about physics? How is it possible to discuss the place of humans in the universe without understanding what astronomy has told us about it? The ancient sages did the best they could, but they lacked the tools and methods we have today. Modern science can't answer the eternal questions, but it can cast light on answers that have been put forth.

The idea of being connected to the entire universe is related to a mystical concept of a transcendental consciousness or Eternal Spirit which somehow pervades everything, beyond time and space. But is this really going on in the entire universe or only in the head of the believer? There is no simultaneity -- we observe the distant past of almost all of the universe, due to the limitation of the speed of light, and these parts could only receive any message or influence from us in their distant future. Humans are connected, we can hope, in the striving for peace and understanding, and the universe is, to be sure, connected in that all of it is made of the same stuff, but --

Transcendental consciousness and connectedness may be a comforting belief, and like all faith-based beliefs, it is beyond questioning by its believers, who are likely to tell you that all I've just said is unimportant. I see things differently -- yet I do not consider myself spiritually deprived. I perceive life and consciousness, mysterious and wonderful as they are, to be ever more precious because they are contained within each person's own physical being and lifespan. I do look up at the night sky in wonder, thank you, and I understand its vastness to exceed immensely anything the yogic sages could imagine.

Great Devotional Tool
Lasater makes living the Yoga Sutras easy to comprehend in contemporary times.This is a great book for a serious student of yoga or someone just interested in overall spiritual development.I enjoy her suggestions for activities to enforce the concepts and integrate the philosphy into daily life.

Buy two, one for the car and one for the bedside table!
Written in plain language using events that happen in the course of her day, Judith Lasater, Ph.D, P.T., writes a lovely book for yoginis who want to deepen their practice beyond postures and engage yoga as a way of life.My yoga instructor teaches from it.I keep a copy in my car and a copy by my bedside, it is that relevant for me as a career woman, mother, wife, and friend.If traditional religious teachings aren't providing all the answers for you, you may want to buy this book. It won't necessarily take the place of your religious practice, but it will certainly give you tools to connect at a deeper level to whatever you are searching for.

Moved to action
Thought provoking, at times life altering.Better if read aloud in a group setting among similarly minded people.Very doable/actionable suggestions. ... Read more

Book Description
Updated to celebrate the Yogi's 90th birthday, this perennialbestseller is the only illustrated practical Iyengar yoga guide written by themaster himself. B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health is thecomplete, authoritative teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar for mind, body, and health,and is suitable for every level of ability, age, and physical conditions. Thebook includes all the classic asanas, which are illustrated with 360¼ views ofstep-by-step sequences. There are also yoga sequences devoted to help ease thesymptoms of more than 80 ailments, from asthma and arthritis to IBS and varicoseveins. This edition's new material includes a chapter of reportage-stylephotography focusing on the life and works of B.K.S Iyengar, chronicling hispath from a sickly childhood to a worldwide yoga authority.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

excellent demonstrations
This book is great for beginners & experienced. It has excellent demonstrations of the asanas. Plus this book is about more that just asanas.

My bible!!
I started in Iyengar yoga, and so this is practically the bible for me of poses, alternatives when I can't complete the pose, etc. However, even if you do other styles of yoga this book will be very useful for identifying proper posture in each pose that each yoga type uses. It's also good for indicating certain poses that are recommended or discouraged given health conditions.
Very clear instruction, pictures and well-organized! A must have!!

Excellent
This is the best yoga book because it gives excellent guidance to perform the postures safely which is very important. I'm doing specific postures for a health issue and they really work. I am amazed by the power in them to affect healthy functioning of the body. I highly recommend it along with diet and other approaches to resolving health issues.

Great Yoga technique!
I find BKS Iyengar yoga to be awesome.I began this style practice in a local yoga studio.I recently purchased this book to help strengthen my home practice.I value the details of each pose, it reassures me that I am doing the poses correctly.It is a great purchase!

Very good but flawed
Like all Dorling Kinderley books this is beautifully presented.The poses are clearly shown and explained along with variations, including the use of props (chairs, bolsters, blankets, bricks, straps, etc.).The drawback is that this book leaves out quite a few poses that many might consider essential or at least important.Light on Yoga, for example, includes virtually every pose one could ever expect to do, as well as the mudras, bandhas, etc.This volume sacrificed the number of poses shown to show more variations.It's a good addition, and it's enjoyable and informative.But if you want the most bang for your buck, and you're interested in Iyengar, stick with Light on Yoga. ... Read more

Book Description
This is the first comprehensive guide for yoga teachers and yoga students providing all the details on how to adjust or assist someone while they are performing a yoga posture. With yoga's recent worldwide popularity, this book is invaluable to millions who teach or practice yoga. The book goes beyond just the physical aspects of yoga - it deals honestly with some touchy matters that affect yoga teachers and students alike. The book's clear instructions and generous supply of photos make it easy for yoga teachers to learn how to adjust or assist their students. Yoga students can use this book to enhance their personal practice by working with a partner. Yoga Posture Adjustments and Assisting: An Insightful Guide for Yoga Teachers and Students demonstrates and explains adjusting techniques for over 65 postures and contains over 200 photos. You can learn:

How to adjust or assist someone who is performing a yoga posture
How to perform the yoga adjustments using effective body mechanics and leverage
Multiple variations for adjusting a posture
How to use yoga props
Verbal cues to help your yoga student or partner
Ways to accommodate different body types
How to safely take your students deeper into the yoga postures

The book also features a thought provoking section on how to navigate the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of being a yoga teacher or yoga student. It candidly discusses topics such as:

Dealing with difficult emotions before, during, or after class
Coping with thoughts that can surface during yoga class or home practice
Managing expectations and judgments about ourselves, our teachers, and our students
Dealing with unusual situations in the classroom
Handling competitiveness, jealousy, nervousness

The international yoga community will greatly benefit from this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Adjustments for Yoga teachers
The book «Yoga Posture: Adjustments and Assisting» is essentially a useful book. It is simple, direct and it's language is accessible and clear. Some of the adjustments that the author proposes are allright and logical. But unfortunately some are not. If you are a Yoga teacher, in some of the proposed adjustments you may caught yourself injured on your back, because of the amount of effort you are supposed to do... Some other adjustments may also be a little bit invasive, unless you have an intimate relationship with the students and everything's allright for them. I really enjoyed the Questions and Answers Section, which I think is useful to read and think about. Here, the author seems to be very openminded, nice and creative. Congratulations.

A must have
I had gotten this book after I finished my first yoga teacher training-it is written so well and is so helpful I find myself referring back to it again and again to fine tune my assisting techniques.

If you are a teacher or a student of yoga that wants to evolve in their postures, this book is fantastic!

Wonderful for toga teachers
I really like the the down-home feel of this book. It comes with a feeling of inclusion from the author and although not every picture is absolutely perfect, (a slight blur due to posture movement in a couple of photos) I got the point of assisting at once. There is information explaining how to assist the student in the posture as well as verbal cues one might give to help them with breathing or self adjustments.
It's too bad so many times we hear that it is imposing to adjust a student in class, and certainly the teacher should aways ask first so not to make the student feel uncomfortable. As a result, unless you have studied Iyengar, as a teacher, we are not always shown how to assist and adjust when it may be needed. This book offers options and lets you decide if giving assists is right for your students. As a result, you will know how to assist safely and wisely.
After going through this book several times, I know I will use it as reference material through my teaching careeer and came away feeling more confident about offering a safe assist to my students.
I would really like to study with the author at her studio as it looks like a lot of fun!

Yoga Posture
Stephanie has produced a lovely book that gives clear direction along with clear photographs on how to assist and adjust another person. I have tried the assist for chair pose on students that I could not lead verbally into a more integrative pose, and it worked. The section of Q and A from teachers and students gives the book a feeling of sanga that unites all readers as a community of practitioners wanting to help others.Camella Nair - author "Aqua Kriya Yoga"

Neat
There just aren't that many books that focus specifically on adjustments and assisting.It's detailed and the black/white pictures are pretty good.It has a section on general principles and guidelines.At the end it has a q/a section that's pretty interesting. ... Read more

Book Description
THE ESSENTIAL COMPANION FOR BEGINNING AND EXPERIENCED YOGIS ALIKE

A highly regarded organization for yoga studies and practices, the Sivananda Yoga Center created the first edition of The Sivananda Companion to Yoga in 1983. Since its publication, it has sold more than 700,000 copies worldwide and has become a standard text for both yoga students and teachers.

Now with fresh, colorful pages throughout, The Sivananda Companion to Yoga remains the classic guide to yoga. With easy-to-follow instructions, inspirational teaching, and detailed illustrations, this authoritative guide covers every aspect of the yoga lifestyle, including relaxation, exercise, dietary guidelines, breathing, and meditation. Whether you're using it in conjunction with a class or on your own, The Sivananda Companion to Yoga can help you

* Develop a fit and beautiful body

* Boost your energy and vitality at any stage of life

* Reduce stress and experience greater peace of mind

* Eat nutritiously and responsibly

* Increase your powers of concentration and discipline

Yoga is a journey toward physical and spiritual wellness. With this beautiful, bestselling guide in hand, you will experience the health, energy, and vibrancy that yoga can bring into your life.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

The proper way
Despite the ridiculous advice in the review "Approach traditional hatha yoga like Sivananda Yoga with extreme caution. In only a little time, you too can develop a degree of flexibility that can directly cause a loss of stability in your spine, in turn causing long lasting health issues. Strength and flexibility are not incompatible, but it is very easy and tempting to pursue yoga as your only fitness program, at the expense of strength, stability, muscular, and cardiovascular endurance. This is not a good health and fitness strategy for most folks. " -this book is just fabulous. If you're performing the asanas properly, as this book clearly details, then there is no risk of your back getting so flexible you will loose stability in your spine. In fact, if your doing the asanas in the proper fashion, in the order this book detail, then the strength of your spine will increase dramatically, not loose stability. That is simply ridiculous. It sounds like a weight trainer/strength trainer loosing clients to a yoga class. Yes, it's true there are plenty of weekend trained yoga instructors that don't know what they are doing, but this book is not one of them. It is simply the best methodical approach to Yoga I have yet read, and tells you why one posture follows another in a particular order, increasing strength and flexibility. Also, the "cardiovascular" benefit mentioned in the review, or supposed lack thereof, is simply not true if these asanas are performed with the proper breathing techniques and meditation. Whatever "study" the reviewer is supposedly sighting is clearly flawed. My own experience, verified by my doctor and several cardiologists, is to keep doing what I'm doing for such overall excellent cardiovascular health (which I have not always had). That would be Yoga, derived not from a class, but at home, from this fine volume. Read it thoroughly to understand the underlying principles, then do it, every day. You will not be disappointed.

a lifestyle not just an exercise
I have been interested in yoga since my teen years, I do the asanas, but wanted more. This book is part of my "more".
I am going slowly with this book and instructions are not always easy or to me, at least, complete. I lead a contmeplative lifestyle and realize that body, mind and spirit are all connected. I am not interested in public displays of fashionable yoga clothing, hot new teachers,going to yoga spas. I choose to do with less, since I need less, my wants are losing appeal for me. I am vegan for the health of animals, and attempt to live a "do no harm" life, part of "do no harm" includes taking care of myself at a deeper level and respecting my body, mind and spirit.
If you want an exercise book, this is not it. If you want the begining of alifestyle change, go with this path....promises to be quite the journey.

A very good complete yoga book
I'm a yoga teacher and I love this book!I got this book for my Yoga Teacher Training as a book we had to have. This book goes over everything you need for a yoga lifestyle. It's really informative about alot of different points. It has lots of pictures for reference. The instructions on how to get into the poses are very easy. The only thing I don't like is how much emphasis they put on the headstand. First, in the sequence that they reccomend the headstand is one of the few first poses you should do. I was taught to do it towards the end of practice. Plus constantly doing the headstand is actually not good for you. It has it's benefits but you can over do the headstand pose. Overall it's a really great book and everyone who practices yoga should have this.

Brilliant for Beginners and the Experienced
Overall this book gives its user an excellent beginning into the world of yoga.It provides a step by step introduction into the breathing techniques and asanas that allows the total beginner to ease him or herself into the complex world of yoga.Once you have mastered all of the basics the book also goes on to more advanced techniques and variations as well as a comprehensive look at how to live a life in the tradition of the original yogis.Specifically dealt with are diet, meditation, and the meaning behind all of the asanas, breathing techniques, and the philosophy of it all.The pictures and drawings a very helpful, as they show the full body, instead of stick figures, in addition to step-by-step instruction on how to get into (and out of) the asanas.Overall great value for money for beginning and experienced yogis alike.

Step by Step Personal
Very good explanation and helpful way to get started and develop a practice. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Despite skeptical jibes from his well-meaning friends, Stephen Cope set off for a four-month yoga retreat in rural Massachusetts. Ten years later, he is still there. A psychotherapist left in the lurch after a long-term relationship, Cope was experiencing the same deep questioning of life that he had witnessed so often in his practice. His self-prescribed antidote was to pursue a life of contemplation and inner discovery that he had felt drawn to for some time. Yoga and the Quest for the True Self is Cope's chronicle of self-discovery. Cope is at turns frank in describing his own obstacles and epiphanies, brotherly in relating anecdotes of friends and patients on similar quests, and clinical in his trenchant psychological summations of why we find ourselves estranged and how yoga and meditation bring us back to clear awareness. Like Mark Epstein's Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart, Yoga and the Quest for the True Self is a milestone in the melding of Eastern and Western methods of personal transformation. --Brian BruyaBook Description
Millions of Americans know yoga as a superb form of exercise and as a potent source of calm in our stress-filled lives. Far fewer are aware of the full promise of yoga as a 4,000-year-old practical path of liberation—a path that fits the needs of modern Western seekers with startling precision.Now Stephen Cope, a Western-trained psychotherapist who has lived and taught for more than ten years at the largest yoga center in America, offers this marvelously lively and irreverent "pilgrim's progress" for today's world. He demystifies the philosophy, psychology, and practice of yoga, and shows how it applies to our most human dilemmas: from loss, disappointment, and addiction, to the eternal conflicts around sex and relationship. And he shows us that in yoga, "liberation" does not require us to leave our everyday lives for some transcendent spiritual plane—life itself is the path.Above all, Cope shows how yoga can heal the suffering of self-estrangement that pervades our society, leading us to a new sense of purpose and to a deeper, more satisfying life in the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Top 5 books I've ever read.
I rank Cope's work right up there with Prisoners of Childhood by Alice Miller. This book shed light on some of my own experience andgave voice to spiritual yearnings of my own. This is a yoga of transformation. Excellent.

Insightful and Accessible
I so enjoyed reading this book. I very much felt that this book is written for real people who are skeptical/curious about yoga philosophy.Cope takes you through step by step how and why yoga works using real language not hippie/bliss out language seen in other yoga books.Also, for someone who is familiar with psychotherapy and wanting to add a spiritual dimension to their self-care this book is invaluable in merging the two lines of thinking.This book was very influential to me - I plan to refer to it much as I continue to develop my yoga practice.

Honest, Deep and Practical.A Life Changing Book !
Yoga and the Quest for the True Self is definitely one of the best (if not the best) and most useful books I've ever read. It truly speaks to developing a mature, real life approach to spirituality.

Stephen Cope writes from a perspective that I feel really speaks to the Western spiritual seeker. He combines his experience and knowledge as a psychotherapist with his knowledge of Yoga and other spiritual paths.

While Yoga is a path of union, it appears only too clear that without removing the layers of psychological baggage, union with the divine cannot truly mainfest in ones life. All of the spiritual insights and epiphanies will never be more than a transparent veil placed thinly over the unresolved baggage. Insights without fertile ground to take root will soon fade or be used as another vehicle for ego building.

The author makes clear that the mature path of Yoga is not one of renunciation, or a solitary journey, but explains that "as spiritual practice matured in India there arose a radical new understanding of the paradox of action and inaction. This was the doctrine of inaction in action, and goes further to explain that Krishna teaches in the "Gita" to "Act in the world in alignment with your true vocation, your true self etc....." Clearly not a path of renunciation or a solitary path but one that involves action IN the world.

I found this book really spoke to me as a person on the spiritual path in a way that is truly transformative and not just a bunch of religious dogma. Using his own personal experiences and the experiences of other seekers throughout the book, he has woven a beautifully written guide that is really eye opening and practical. It clearly put into perspective many things that I have either personally struggled with or wondered about.

Stephen Cope makes no claims to be an enlightened master with "wisdom from on high"nor is he trying to "convert" anyone to a particular spiritual path. He explains how the various tools of yoga can help us become more in touch with our true selves. How the process and practice of Hatha Yoga for example, isn't just physical exercise but a spiritual and yet practical process that can help people grow by becoming grounded in their own bodies. At the same time one can work at developing their witness consciousness thru the process of Hatha Yoga.

Of the many things I took away from the book, one particularly valuable was the "mantra" Breathe, Relax, Feel, Watch, Allow" which can be used in Hatha Yoga practice, meditation, or even in one's ordinary life when they are scattered and want to become grounded, focused and internally centered.

Some have mistakenly concluded that the author's final assessment is that all of his spiritual practice was for nothing. While there is a "moment" in the book where Cope leaves in the middle of a retreat, a retreat that he had preconceived notions of it's outcome , that is not by any means the conclusion of the book. Actually the crux of what Stephen Cope comes to realize after refelecting on his10 years or so of practice is that "In the entire path of yoga, there is really only one lesson...... Whenever we relinquish our craving, clinging and grasping, whenever we stop the war with reality and are totally present and undivided, we are immediately in union with our true nature".

The book also talks about the Kripalu Center and it's own growth, through the early years with founder Amrit Desai, to his (Desai's) fall from grace, and how this community matured rather than fell apart in the midst of this controversy.

It also explains much about the "false" Guru phenomena. In particular what happens when disciples own needs for an "all knowing father" can in their own way create a monster of their own making.

If you are a Yoga practitioner who wants to go "beyond the postures" as strictly physical exercise, or a spiritual seeker of any faith who wants to read a book that speaks with honesty and depth, intelligence and insight (and to "real people") then I highly recommend this book.

Yoga for the Western Student
In the world of yoga practice here in the United States, one often wonders how to incorporate all of the spiritual knowledge of the ancient texts with what we know about ourselves from a contemporary, psychological perspective.The synthesis of these two very valid traditions has found it's pinnacle in Stephen Cope's "Yoga and the Quest for the True Self".Written by a man who has has LIVED the practices under the tutelage of a guru in spiritual community, we find that our struggles of ego vs. nonattachment, compassion vs. reaction, etc. are universal.Here we learn that we are not alone in our self-study and find a guidebook for our journey.This book is a must-have for the modern, western yogi or yogini.

A misdirection
The practice of yoga IS the quest for the true self.It is a way of finding out who we are.It is a profound and private journey away from the distractions of our social, political and economic world toward a union with Brahman.It is a Spartan path that countenances no humbug and admits of no compromise.It is eons removed from the psychoanalytical claptrap of modern Western civilization, and it predates, and properly understood, is distinct from the great world religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, whose true adherents know it well.

The yoga of Patanjali and the yoga of B.K.S. Iyengar, the yoga of the Gheranda-Samhita and the Hathayogapradipika, the yoga of the Bhagavad Gita and the Katha Upanishad, the yoga of countless unnamed and unknown practitioners past and present, I am sorry to report, is not the yoga of this book.Here we have a highly social, Western psychotherapeutic, feel good, New Age sort of yoga spun out in New Age psychobabblese by someone who has only a limited and largely academic understanding of yoga.The best parts of this book are the poetic quotes at the beginning of each chapter; the worse parts the irrelevant and distracting notions about "the hated child" and other faddish trends in shrink psychology.

Yoga is the path of renunciation, a path away from the delusions of this world through non-attachment.This book is very much of this world. ... Read more

Book Description
One of the most enjoyable parts of a yoga class comes when we rest in savasana—the "corpse" pose—and realize deep serenity, a sense of eff ortless joy, and a glimpse into our true nature as unqualified presence. How is this so? Master teacher Richard Miller explains that this experience is a manifestation of yoga nidra, the meditative state of mind-body union at the heart of all yoga practice. A powerful integration of book and CD audio learning, Yoga Nidra is an ancient tantric yoga path that leads to inner freedom. Th rough accessible language appropriate for any level of practice, Miller takes us step by step through the traditional techniques of relaxation and meditation to help us move toward the realization of "unqualified presence"—the ultimate aim of yoga—a goal unreachable through posture practice alone. Through his expert guidance, students will experience: • Deep relaxation for relief from day-to-day stress • The development of "one-pointedness"—a key to spiritual awakening • Healing from painful emotions, such as fear, grief, and anger • More effective and energizing sleep, and much more Suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners—but new to most Westerners—Yoga Nidra provides an unmatched way to experience the culmination of the art of yoga, and the deeper physical, emotional, and spiritual rewards that are its promise. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

CD is good, but the book needs an editor.
Yoga Nidra may not necessarily be what some people are expecting.This form of guided meditation doesn't have you envisioning warm sunshine over the body or the sound of a babbling stream.Instead, you are guided through a series of sensing exercises as you examine the relationship between emotions and feelings and their effect on the body - eventually helping you to realize the duality created by the mind that ultimately causes suffering.For instance, you are asked to notice the constriction of the heart as you think about a time when you felt closed off to a person or situation.Then you are guided away from being directly in those feelings, observing them instead.I've been practicing this for some time in the form of vipassana meditation, and Yoga Nidra is a nice supplement to that practice.

The CD is very well produced and Richard Miller's voice and pacing are quite good.His instructions are clear, without talking too much.Some meditation CDs are very wordy to the point of distraction, but this one isn't like that.

However, the book that comes with the CD is in desperate need of an editor.I'm a yoga teacher and generally used to reading flowery material, but this one goes over the top. I found myself reading and rereading sentences trying to cut through all the adjectives to get to the meaning.I think Richard Miller's points are often lost in his overly descriptive text.A good editor would do this book a great deal of service.

I don't think you necessarily need the book to get something from the CD. However,it is useful to understand what the meditation is all about b/c it isn't the same as other forms.It's a shame that his text makes the practice seem overly involved.As such, it took me an extra few weeks to get around to listening to the CD b/c the book made it seem like the meditation was going to be a lot of work.

My advice is to listen to the CD and THEN read the book, even though Richard Miller says otherwise.

Book is helpful tool for insomniacs
I am a 60-year-old woman who has struggled with severe insomnia since her mid-twenties.I have used many strategies to help with this, some with more success than others.This book and CD have been very useful tools for me. It's emphasis is a form of meditation that you can take with you into your daily life.I have only been practicing it for a month now (although I have long practiced yoga) with very promising results.

Very relaxing
Richard Miller has a very relaxing and soothing voice, making the cd that accompanies this book very enjoyable. It has helped me take the next step in my yoga journey.

Pure New Age
I give the book 2 stars but the accompanying disc was a waste.A very poor Yoga Nidra experience.

Yoga Nidra The Meditative Heart of Yoga
I am happy to have this little yet powerful book in my hands. I have practiced Yoga Nidra with Richard on retreat, but this little gem with accompanying CD has given me the opportunity to deepen my practice at home. Chapter 2, gives me the goodies of understanding such as the sheaths and stages of the practice as well as breaking down the steps. Richard makes a lovely connection between the Zen steps of progression which lead to awakening and the movements which happen within us as we expereince the return "to what you have been all along, infinite, unlimited spacious Presence."It is the on going practice with Richard's Yoga Nidra that has helped me to STOP the search....and just be. ... Read more

Book Description
Yoga is well known for its power to create a healthy body, but few realize the emotional and spiritual benefits. In The Secret Power of Yoga, world-renowned Yoga expert Nischala Joy Devi interprets Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the principles at the basis of Yoga practice, from a heart-centered, intuitive, feminine perspective, resulting in the first translation intended for women.

Devi’s simple, elegant, and deeply personal interpretations capture the spirit of each sutra, and her suggested practices offer numerous ways to embrace the spirituality of Yoga throughout your day ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Translation from someone who can't speak the language?
I applaud insights into the Yoga Sutras, but what I don't appreciate are "translations" that really are not.Devi even declares in the book that she can't read Sanskrit(!).So why is this a translation?It's an interpretation, not a translation.To that effect, this is a translation that does not adhere to the language at all.

Devi also omits roughly half the sutras.So basically we have here an inaccurate, incomplete version of the yoga sutras.That's not a translation.

Her justification for the book is the claim that her female students didn't connect with the sutras as they have been translated by others (we'll just assume most of those translations have been made my men, since most published translations are).So she "translated" the Sutras to make it a "feel-good" book for women.Does this strike anyone as insulting?It's a sad irony that a "feminine perspective" of the sutras sacrifices exactness for good feeling, taking away the power of the reader.

It's not that the book is bad - the core of the sutras are present.What's not present is Patanjali's words as he wrote it.

the secret power of yoga
Nischala has written the book that was on my mind to write. It is always good to have at least 6 versions of the Sutra's when studying them as the commentaries can differ substantially. Nischala reminds us that we need to see the Divine in all things, including ourselves. In the busy life of the modern working mother especially, we can forget this as life becomes more complicated. I especially liked her interpretation and clarification of sutra 2:1 that describes Kriya Yoga. She links self-discipline,self-study and attunement to indwelling reality with the sacred Gayatri mantra helping us to attune to kriya practices.Meditation, study and reflection on that alone can deepen one's personal practice.Camella Nair - author of "Aqua Kriya Yoga"and "AumHatha Sadhana" and "Gayatri" CD's

Great fresh perspective and easy to read!
Having been involved in yoga for 20 years I understand the sometimes frustration that all perspectives of the traditional writings are from a male perspective.Devi holds the sacredness of the text while bringing even more heart and compassion to the readings.Thanks!Shannon

Lovely Translation...
This book is truly a gem.It discusses the Sutras from a heartfelt perspective lacking in most other translations.It will compliment any other reading of the Sutras you have done, and will add a whole other dimension.A must-have for any complete yoga library.

Simply joy & understanding!
Have not yet finished reading the whole book - so far it has exceeded my expectations in clarity &feminine inturpretation(can't spell!)of what has been a traditonaly male aspect. Highly recommended!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Can ethics be taught ? and if so by someone so self absorbed?
Having seen so many favorable reviews on this book, one hesitates to come out with something so opposite to popular opinion. My husband and I listened to 20 minutes of the cd on a driving trip. We kept asking each other if a point had been made yet and what is she trying to say. Nothing. In reading the book, there is such a wounded hero here trying to prevent others from encountering the same misfortunes. If a yoga teacher, or for that matter any one in power, acts unethically, according to Socrates, did what they thought was the right thing at the time. We all know teachers, therapists, medical professionals who have acted unethically. Would reading a book change the outcome of unethical situations? No. This book is poorly written with so many pitiful autobiographic stories in it. Yoga Journal has succeeded in 2 pages what this book could not begin to cover. For most, yoga is a spiritual path and so ethics will reflect that. If you already have good ethics and common sense, and want to read something of value, try:Ben Benjamin, The Ethics of Touch, written for bodyworkers. The The Ethics of Touch: The Hands-on Practitioner's Guide to Creating a Professional, Safe and Enduring Practice

I love this book ...
Donna Farhi has written a very important text here - I am using it in my 200-hour yoga teacher training program.I used Donna's The Breathing Book to write a pulmonary rehab program and this book is an equally important one.Thank you, Donna, for writing such wonderful, useful, life-changing books.

Should be part of every teacher training
I have been unable to put this book down after two years teaching there is a lot that Donna talks about in this book which I have faced without the guidance and professionalism that I found in this book. It is exceptionally helpful and has helped me really think about the nature of teaching Yoga and how this impacts on the students and the world around me.

A must read for ALL yoga teachers and serious students
Anyone who is currently teaching yoga, or who has a desire to teach yoga, would greatly benefit from this beautifully written and most thorough work on the topic of teaching yoga. You will grow so much as a teacher and as person through these ethical inquiries. This book should be a required reading for teacher training programs. I also highly recommend all of Donna's books as well as her workshops and women's retreat. You can find her workshop schedule at www.donnafarhi.co.nz. Donna's books and workshops have been transformational. She has an amazing ability to make what were once abstract concepts become real and applicable to everyday life. Donna has touched so many lives. She has maintained the purity of yoga. Many western yoga teachers have lost this purity and it has become all about aquiring fame and fortune. Although Donna has aquired this fame, that has never been her goal. Her goal has always been to facilitate spiritual growth in her students. I am forever grateful to my beloved teacher.

Teaching Yoga
I was very happy with a prompt delivery. Also I was satisfied with follow email confirmations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (51)

I'll probably sell this on eBay
I am disappointed in this book.I was expecting a book which takes you right into practicing Yoga but the first Chapter is all about the author's youthful years in England and India. Then the next Chapters are on meditation.I got bored and put it down and haven't picked up it since.

Not for the timid
This book is definitely for advanced students.My daughter loves it because she is 18 and can more easily twist herself into a pretzel than I could ever dream of.Eric is amazing and if nothing else, I look at this book periodically for the WOW factor and keep dreaming that some day I'll be able to do these postures.

A profound underserstanding of Yogas true meaning
I have gone through many Yoga books and tried many "yoga courses". It always seemed to be a struggle against my mind and body. Somehow i just didn't get the deeper meaning and it remained a form of physical exercise. Fortunately i began to develop some intuitive understanding and awareness in my practice. That's when I came across Schiffmann. His book expressed beautifully what I was beginning to realize. Every asana I have tried using Schiffmann's approach has been a joy to practice. Buy this book. Use it. It will change your life.

Introduction to Yoga
Learn the basics of yoga through these calming descriptions of the poses.Find out why breathing is so important to the perfect form.

Comprehensive and easy to pick up when you can
I like that the book covers the basics and is easy to pick up and read a little here and there.I like the descriptions of the Asanas and how it explains the flow of energy during each pose. It reminds you how to hold your body and reminds you to breathe during the pose.Just reading the descriptions is calming.I think this is going to be a great book to assist me on journey to making Yoga a part of my daily life. ... Read more

Book Description
Completely restructured to focus more on the how-to components of yoga, this step-by-step guide replaces photos with all-new two-color line illustrations that not only show readers what the various yoga postures look like, but how to get in and out of them easily and painlessly. Non- intimidating and easy-to-follow exercises show readers just how fun and relaxing yoga can be.Download Description
This book is for anyone interested in health, fitness, or the healing arts. It teaches you the basics of stretching, breathing, and meditation, with exercises designed to help you relax, become more flexible, more productive, and more self-satisfied. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Fantastic introductory book for those interested in yoga
Where to begin? This is the most comprehensive guide to Yoga for beginners I've ever seen. It delves into background, history, breathwork, meditation, spirituality (not religion--it explains the difference), and, of course, the asanas, or poses. The information is interesting and lively, striking a nice balance between depth and simplicity. It's straightforward and clear, but with a playful tone.

Key to any good yoga book is a wide variety of asanas, or poses, to keep you interested. This book has several chapters including standing poses, balance poses, bends, inversions, and more. The information it provides is extensive and impressive.

Each posture includes at least one drawing of the properly-performed posture, and sometimes more than one showing it from different sides or angles. Often there are illustrations of posture variations, and sometimes there are ones showing you what not to do.

The asanas include warnings about things to watch out for and contra-indicated conditions, as well as variations for easing into the postures, or simpler/less stressful variations in case you simply can't do the full asana. Many of them also include more challenging variations as well, for once you've mastered the standard pose.

The authors' vinyasanas include a warming series, a high-energy series, and a mild/calming series. There are also several series for workouts of a particular length, including three five-minute sessions for when you only have a few minutes here or there, three 15-minute sessions, and a 30-minute and one hour session. Even better, the book includes instructions to help you construct your own vinyasanas!

All in all I'd say this is the perfect book for the beginner, or for someone who wants a full and thorough introduction to the world of yoga.

Everything you always wanted to know. . .
i read this book for my book club, and the meeting of the club included a yoga class.It is VERY thorough.I liked the "ouch" boxes, which remind the reader that the goal is not to hurt oneself, or to push beyond one's limits.There is perhaps more of the philosophy than I might have wanted, but this would be a reader's personal preference.Photos very helpful.

Great for beginners
I recently got the urge to try yoga and figured a good p