The Illustrated Light on Yoga

by B.K.S. Iyengar

Yoga Philosophy explained thru the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. The roots of Yoga can be traced back roughly 5,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization, where seals depicting people performing asanas (yoga postures) were used in trade along the river. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. It is the union of all aspects of an individual: body, mind and soul. Hence, Yoga reunites all opposites - mind and body, stillness and movement, masculine and feminine, sun and moon - in order to bring reconciliation between them. Yoga is one of the six branches in Indian philosophy and is referred to throughout the Vedas - the ancient scriptures of India. There is a legend that says that the knowledge of Yoga was first offered by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati and then passed on to the world.

B. K. S. Iyengar`s classic book Light on Yoga is a comprehensive introduction to yoga with detailed descriptions of over 200 postures (asanas) and 14 breathing exercises (pranayamas). This book, The Illustrated Light on Yoga, introduces 57 key asanas and provides a brief summary of pranayama. The book is illustrated throughout with photographs positioned in the relevant part of the text. The student can, therefore, practice a posture without the aid of a teacher. An Appendix provides an asana course for the continuing student. The Illustrated Light on Yoga is a comprehensive yet straightforward introduction for the beginner by the acknowledged expert on the subject.

The Illustrated Light on Yoga is a straightforward and comprehensive introduction for the beginner by the acknowledged expert on the subject. Illustrated throughout with 150 photographs carefully positioned in the relevant part of the text for easy reference, it includes:

• An introduction to the philosophy and practice of yoga
• Detailed descriptions of 57 key postures
• Techniques for stilling the mind through breathing exercises
• A 35-week course progressing from beginner to intermediate level
• A full glossary of yoga terms

Table of Contents:

• Forword by Yehudi Menuhin
• Preface
• Part - I: What is Yoga?
  • The Stages of Yoga
• Part - II: Yogasanas
  • Hints and Cautions
  • Technique and Effects of Asanas
• Part - III: Pranayama
  • Hints and Cautions
  • Technique and Effects of Pranayama
• Appendix: Asana courses
• Table of Asanas
• Glossary
• International Addresses
• Index.

About the Author:

Yogacharya B.K.S.Iyengar (Guruji) is a living legend who has taught yoga in unique way to all his students. He finds the meaning of the yoga sutras by his practical search and regular practice of yoga. Thus, he has helped all to experience the wisdom of the yoga sutras. His style of teaching yoga is called "Iyengar Yoga" and is now being followed by certified teachers across the world.

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja (BKS) Iyengar was born on December 14, 1918. His father Sri Krishnamachar was a school teacher and therefore Guruji has all his father's qualities even at this age. Guruji was a victim of malaria, typhoid and tuberculosis in his child-hood .

At the age of 16, he was introduced to yoga by his Guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya. At the age of 18, he was sent to Pune, Maharashtra by his guru to teach and preach yoga as he knew a little of English. This missed his opportunity to learn a lot about yoga directly from his guru.

Guruji was a sincere and committed practitioner. His own practice helped him to explore and achieve perfection in yoga asanas. This is reflected in his teachings all over these years.