Light on Yoga

by B.K.S. Iyengar

The definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of Yoga--the ancient healing discipline for body and mind--by its greatest living teacher.

Light on Yoga provides complete descriptions and illustrations of all the positions and breathing exercises. Features a foreword by Yehudi Menuhin.

This book is the magnum opus of yoga which was first published in 1965 in English. This "Bible" of yoga has been translated in many languages. It has been called the "fullest, most practical and best illustrated book on the subject" with more than 600 illustrations. It starts with the explanation on "What is Yoga ?" and then the intricate details on how to perform more than 200 postures. It also introduces pranayamas, bandhas and kriyas throughout.

This is the seminal book on yoga postures. It is the book that everyone learned from. If you are serious about the physical postures you will love this book. If you are just curious about the range of what is possible this book is where you will find it. If I could only have one book on yoga asana this would be the book I would want.

     Why all the hype? BKS Iyengar, a true master of asana, demonstrates all the common poses and a huge variety of variations in more than 600 photos, but he does not stop there. He gives detailed instructions for getting into the poses, getting out of the poses, what to expect while in the poses and more. He details the benefits of each pose and suggests what poses are curative for what ailments. This book is a tremendous resource, unmatched in the field. Helpful chapters on pranayama, bhandas and kriyas, plus explanations of important mudras are also included.

Light on Yoga has become the Yoga bible for hundreds of thousands of people who practice Yoga daily with the Iyengar method, for exercise, meditation, or simply relaxation. With more than 600 photographs depicting all the postures and breathing exercises, it remains the fullest, most practical, and most profusely illustrated guide by the world’s foremost Yoga teacher. Light on Yoga is a comprehensive and definitive sourcebook for the initiated, as well as the best introduction for the novice who seeks the healthful benefits of Yoga for mind, body, and soul.

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 childhood .

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.