Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

The yoga classic Light on Yoga outlines the history and philosophy of yoga. One definition of Yoga is it's the "true union of our will with the will of God." In fact there is a lot about God or the Universal Spirit in the introduction. There is much in the ethical teaching that corresponds with the Christian faith. It's been suggested that Jesus spent time in India. After reading this, I wondered if that might be true.This is not to say yoga is a religion. It's not. It's a science of all religions. Or to put more clearly it is a way of living, thinking and behaving. If you're interested in deepening your practice or looking for a way of improving your life this is an inspiring guide.Light on Yoga is written by B.K.S. Iyengar, who is considered one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world.His purpose is to "describe as simply as possible the asanas (postures) and pranayamas (breathing disciplines) in the new light of our own era." And it explains 592 photographs and 200 asanas with clear instructions and the benefits of each pose.It also outlines the eight limbs or stages for yoga for the quest for the soul.1. Yama (universal moral commandments)2. Niyama (self purification)3. Asana (posture)4. Pranayama (rhythmic control of the breath)5. Pratyahara (emancipation of the mind...)6. Dharana (concentration)7. Dhyana (meditation)8. Samadhi (state of super consciousness...)Yoga can be transform your life by just practicing regularly. Your views on food and health and spirituality will begin to change for the better. It's not a surprise that yoga has exploded in the United States.This is an amazing reference for your body, mind and soul.

This is a truly classic and the most comprehensive text of Yogasanas. What I liked about the book in addition to intricately detailed steps of achieving poses is -- (1) For difficult poses, it also gives alternative preparatory poses that a beginner can start following to graduate to the actual pose, (2) Towards the end of the book, Shri Iyengar has given week-by-week yoasana guide to start following and go from being a complete novice to the most advanced practitioner. On average it takes 3-6 months to achieve decent skill, and up to 2-3 years to become a master. (3) Also towards the end of the book are given specific Yogasanas to be done for specific health problems, like migraines, heart trouble, high/low BP, backaches etc. (4) The guidance given on how to practice Yogasanas and Pranayama together is excellent. It shows the depth at which Iyengar himself had studied the theory of yoga and pranayama!Excellent!!!People who have criticized this book saying it's not for the beginners, should note my point #2 above. I think these people have not paid attention to ALL the sections in the book, and hence have felt discouraged.The only thing I wish was there was categorization of Asanas according to their focus muscle or organ groups, e.g., "back-bending", "forward bending", "side twisting", "inverted poses" etc.But apart from this, the book is gold and a must have possession for anyone who's serious about following Yoga! Two thumbs up!

All pictures and descriptions of the poses are great, and a pleasure to read. The foreword by orchestra conductor Yehudi Menuhin is worth reading. A joy to read and keep close.

Light on Yoga (Yoga Deepika) is just that - it throws a lot of light on the 'practice' of Yoga. There is a small introduction on the philosophical aspects of it before Iyengar's trademark precision instructions start.Iyengar had to learn asanas the hard way. Basically when his teacher sent him off to teach, he had not mastered advanced asanas. So he had to learn certain asanas on his own. Hence his famous quote "Your practice is your teacher". His book is also written with such an audience in mind. He says getting a good teacher is very important but if you cannot I will be your teacher through this book. I mean the volume of information is absolutely stunning.If you are an absolute beginner please do go to a beginner's class for atleast couple of months before starting your own practice based on Iyengar's book. I say this because his courses that he gives at the end of the book will seem a little agressive for someone who has not understood where he stands. For example he suggests doing Sarvangasana on the first week of your practice. For some it may be right for most it may not be.This book has been my ready reckoner for the past 5 years. I simply cannot thank BKS enough. I have never met him but he is my Guru.

My massage therapist is also a certified Iyengar yoga instructor. After a year plus of massage therapy, she suggested that I might have greater benefits working with her one on one in Iyengar yoga. In my early 60s, I have had lumber surgery and a cervical spine fusion. I was very hesitant to try this but she has taken additional classes in working with people like me. In order to learn more about Iyengar yoga, I purchased this book - it was very illuminating and answered many of my questions - the lead one of which was 'what am I getting into'........Well I am several weeks into working with my instructor and it was a good decision for me, between the use of blocks, the yoga strap, the 3-minute-egg, the folding chair, the ropes anchored to the wall, and an amazing, patient teacher, I can do this. I recommend this text by the founder of Iyengar yoga and I know that I will reread it again. PS: I had studied t'ai chi for several years back in the '90s (remember those?) before life became too complicated - unfortunately, it is hard to find t'ai chi classes in the suburbs and Iyengar yoga is fulfilling spiritually as well as physically - if you were a t'ai chi player and miss the stillness of the moving meditations, look into Iyengar yoga.