Product Description
Written for serious practitioners and teachers whowant to use yoga to bring complete balance to the body, andunderstand, in more detail, how the asanas affect the structureof the body. You will learn "body reading" to determine whatposture reveals about muscular imbalances. Stiles shares hisunderstanding of anatomy and kinesiology, joint mobility andmuscle strength, and teaches a series of joint-freeing exercisesthat can also be used to strengthen muscles. 123 illustrations.Index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Valuable Resource for "The Beginner - to The Adept)
I have been practicing and teaching Yoga for 35 years, for the past 25 years I have practiced Ashtanga, unfortunately with age I am going to have to give up Ashtanga.I would recommend this book to teachers and beginners.There are valuable teaching techniques for the teacher and for anyone "beginning their Yoga Path."It will provide the novice with the information to seek a qualified teacher.Twenty four basic asanas are included in the book, but with the adaptations of the poses, the same principals apply.I am looking forward to becomming a Certified Yoga Therapy Teacher in the near future, after reading this book, this is where my path is taking me.ERYT

If you buy only one book, this should be it
I am an RN, Family Nurse Practitioner, wholistic health practitioner, massage therapist and yoga teacher.This is the best book I've seen on this topic. Mukunda Stiles begins with the history and philosophical basis for yoga therapy, then gives methods for assessment and support of physical structures to promote healing. I would love to study with the author, but having the book is the next best thing.

structural yoga therapy
as a yoga instructor i am finding this book very helpful and interesting to read

Classical yoga
This is one of my favorite yoga books. Very informative book that aids understanding the anatomy in poses. I like that Mukunda provides charts to help in identifying which muscles might be weak or tight.For the poses, he identifies which muscles are being strengthened, which are lengthened, and which one are being targeted as a focus point.

Also provides sequences. Very helpful.

Finally something that helps!
Structural Yoga Therapy: Adapting to the Individual
I was referred to Makunda Stiles' Structural Yoga Therapy by Joan Borysenko, PhD. (Minding the Body, Mending the Mind) for severe neck pain that tradidtional medicine has been unable to address except through more surgeries and nerve blocks and drugs.I have just started the individual asanas that are recommended so I will have to add to this review when I have more information.I am very hopeful.

The author is very knowlegeable about anatomy and careful not to stress other areas of the body while addressing the problem area.His writing is clear and easy to follow.Hopefully, I will be able to add to this review after practicing his asanas and achieving some level of pain relief. ... Read more

Product Description
Nominated for the 2007 Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award! Thisclassic teaching yoga to children's guide by renowned storyteller andyoga teacher Sydney Solis gathers the innovative exercises, songs andmost of all stories that make up Storytime Yoga. Storytime Yoga seeks toenlighten young minds with the magic of yoga while recounting some ofthe world's most delightful, instructive stories in a way thatencourages literacy and vibrant physical health. Designed for parents,teachers and anyone interested in working with kids from Pre-K through6th grade, it is packed with inspired and yet practical information.Here you'll find classical Hatha yoga poses used as gesturalillustrations of a serious of specially rewritten "teaching stores,"about the importance of love, generosity, peace and friendship. Thereare captivating tales ranging from the Rabbit in the Moon (India) to theMagic Pear Tree (China) and the Shipwrecked Sailor (Egypt) along withmany more. The product of hundreds of hours of in-class work by Solis,Storytime Yoga is a worthy addition to the library of anyone interestedin bringing the radiant health of yoga and storytelling to the youth ofthe world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Disappointed
I usually give positive reviews, but this book was a disappointment in nearly every way. For starters, I expected more stories and suggestions for ways to incorporate yoga into the story.There were only a few stories and not many suggestions.I could probably do as well, if not better, simply picking a storybook and doing poses I select myself.

Secondly, I was disappointed in the stories that were in the book. Most, in my opinion, were not appropriate for children--especially small kids.

I ended up returning the book, because I knew I would use it very little if at all.

Great for engaging kids!
As an elementary PE teacher I found this book super helpful in teaching my first yoga unit.The telling and retelling of yoga stories was an excellent way to engage student from kindergarten to fifth grade!

Not What I Expected
I purchased this book with the intention of reading it to first graders, as an accompaniment to yoga classes. It wasn't what I was expecting. In my opinion the stories were a little too "out there" for public school reading.

Will need to modify how I use this info
Alot of information I would not find useable I need to change things around a bit

Yoga - And it makes sense!
Yoga and Literacy together makes creativitely fun sessions. Most of the children are glued to computers, staring at the screen as their games downloads. Stress at all levels - at school, with homework or with family issues! Storytime Yoga is a great pick for children who are over stressed and especially lack reading habits. It has 26 teaching literary gems with stories from different traditional values. Nicely demonstrated, the book focus on meditation and relaxation techniques with stories of love, generosity, peace and friendship. An Indian story 'Rabbit on the moon' features in Sidney Solis book. A Story teller and a Yoga teacher combination makes the book a gem as Sidney gives indepth information on Yoga and stories with Asanas. The book also has games that adds to fun. A good pick and great character building + healthy tips on Yoga. A nice educative book for classrooms too. Enjoy. ... Read more

Product Description

A step-by-step guide for the millions of baby boomers who want one simple practice for feeling and looking great—yoga!

One in five Americans is now moving toward the age bracket of "sixty and beyond," and while many are calling sixty the "new forty," this milestone is the perfect time to take stock in good health. One form of exercise that is proven to prevent or alleviate a host of physical and mental ailments for the last 5,000 years is yoga.

Now, under the guidance of a qualified and well-known Iyengar yoga teacher, who is also the author of The New Yoga for People Over 50, readers can reap the benefits of yoga with this gentle and clear guide written specifically with today’s baby boomers in mind. Filled with clear instructions, including the use of yoga props and modified poses, plus crisp follow-along photographs, The New Yoga for Healthy Aging takes readers step by step through the asanas (poses) that can prevent or lessen ailments such as osteoporosis, hip fractures, chronic pain, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. With heartfelt interviews and tips from some of America's most active yoga teachers and their older students—each sharing wisdom, insights and successes—readers will discover a source of inspiration that will help their practice evolve into more than just those moments they spend on the mat.

Customer Reviews (14)

inspiration
that's for sure i will continue practicing and teaching yoga till the age as those feature models in this inspirational , motivational & excellent book!they are my mentor indeed. this book now is going to inspire and encourage all my students of ages to keep on practicing Yoga. how wonderful! and my salutation to all the teachers / models ,they do not look as old as their ages............. A MUST HAVE CHOICE.. you will be amazed...you would probably start to look for a studio where you could learn YOGA!( if you never do yoga )

A Review of The New Yoga for Healthy Aging by Catherine Fisher, Editor, Yoga Vidya Journal.

In recent years there has been a paradigm shift in health care.It is moving away from focusing on chronic disease, toward preventive lifestyle changes. To Suza Francina, yoga is an integral part of this shift.

A certified Iyengar yoga instructor in Ojai, California, Suza has over 30 years of experience in teaching older students. Her previous books include The New Yoga for People over 50.

This new book primarily addresses the unique needs of people over 60.B.K.S. Iyengar, now almost 90, is a master role model: "a timeless, ageless practitioner who is showing the world what healthy aging really looks like."

[Citing the National Academy of Sciences, Suza states that if the average age of institutionalization of the elderly could be postponed by just one month, it would save over $3 billion in Medicare and Medicaid.And one year of yoga costs less than a single day in the hospital.

What is so positive about yoga is that it is never too late to begin. The New Yoga for Healthy Aging is full of inspiring role models and uplifting personal vignettes. Many featured practitioners began yoga in their 50s, 60s, 70s, or even later, and some have travelled to Pune once or more to study at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Institute (RIMYI).The cover shows the joyful energy expressed by Betty Eiler, over 70, doing full hanumanasana--enough to make anyone eager to find out more. This young-at-heart lady, a long-time student of Ramanand Patel's,says that yoga practice can help us to cope with whatever challenges life may bring.

Suza makes a place for everyone to tell their story: how yoga helps them to live longer and be stronger.One practitioner's story is especially dear to our local community--that of Bernard Spira. Although Bernard has now sadly passed away, the memory of his commitment to practice inspires us with possibility.

Suza first encountered Bernard when reading the Event Book from Guruji's 2005 book tour to Southern California. A photo of Bernard in Virabhadrasana II was captioned, `To Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar, who has made all this possible, Thank you,' with Bernard's birth date, October 12, 1911, and a website address: [..]

Suza has structured her book to serve aspiring novices as well as those who already practice. She gives a glimpse into one of her own classes, so newcomers may witness the benefits experienced by those who have practiced yoga regularly.

Readers are shown the special benefits of using the props developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. Throughout, lovely photos by Jim Jacobs show practitioners --all over 60 -- increasing the possibility of their poses, with props; Jim is himself an Iyengar student over 60.

"I believe that someday yoga chairs, bolsters, wall ropes, pelvic slings, and even backbenders will seem as normal as any other common item," writes Suza.Props are not just an investment in healthy aging--they can be a lifeline.

Suza articulates yoga's ability to ameliorate the health challenges we typically face at 60 and beyond: keeping the cardiovascular and skeletal systems healthy, relieving arthritic joints, and coping with rehabilitation after hip surgery. She also covers yoga for neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.Suza cites numerous medical studies on how yoga benefits our quality of life, and how there is an ongoing integration of yoga with Western medicine to treat medical disorders.

Suza presents a series of short sequences for healthy aging, including a sequence called `Your daily yoga vitamin.' These are organized to illustrate, explain and guide the practitioner step by step through each pose. Teaching tips are also provided.

The last chapter is appropriately titled "The Last Asana."It concerns savasana--corpse pose.Yoga teaches that we cannot be ready for death when we remain psychologically attached to the things of this world:"In savasana, we practice the art of releasing ourselves from our attachments and letting go."An afterword provides an excellent list of resources and a bibliography on related subjects.

Opening this book is like opening a door into a new, positive world of possibility--the world we all seek as we age.This book shows, by example, a way to ongoing health and grace.It demonstrates how we can be independent and strong, and why yoga is especially important to this age group.

If we embrace our golden years, we are open to possibility: to discover great wisdom, compassion and joy.We owe it to ourselves and to those dear to us to buy this book, to read it, and to commit to its wise message: "Do not waste the Gift of Old Age."

Info: [..]

Catherine Fisher is ayoga teacher and the editor of Yoga Vidya, Journal of the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Southern California.

This review originally appeared in the Summer 2007 issue of Yoga Vidya and is posted with permission.

Haven't Bothered To Use It Yet
I have a previous book by the same author.I have yet to use it, and will probably do the same with this one.The reason is simple. I don't want to have to go out and buy about 6 Yoga blankets,bolsters,folding chairs and belts, ropesand other itemsthat are picturedin order to do most of thepositions.If I had all these items,thinking of where to store them all and the thought of dragging them out every day in order to do my exercises is a complete turn off to me and my aging body.

Great Resource!
As a brand new yoga teacher (at age 62), I find Suza Francina's latest book, "The New Yoga for Healthy Aging", to be a great resource.I teach in the 55+ community where I live, so many of my students have health challenges.I often refer to the chapters on teaching seniors, as well as those dealing with specific health issues, like hip replacement (I have two in class), arthritis and osteoporosis.I also like to share quotes from Suza and the other senior teachers featured in her book with my students.I highly recommend this book for new teachers and older students as well.

Carin Seebold, RYT

Very good book.
With the innumerable yoga books on the market and the attempts of companies trying to make a buck of the yoga boom I am leary of buying any products, including books, marketed for yoga.Also, from my own experiences I feel many reviews give an exaggerated view of the books.

However, this book is truly a good book.I am 49 yrs old and have been practicing yoga for almost 5 years, two to four times a day.I am constantly trying to find out more about books, DVDs, websites etc on yoga related items in order to improve and deepen my practice.I am glad I bought this one.

For someone who recovered from a severe and incapacitating lower back injury with the practice of yoga asanas, this book is a reaffirmation of my own experiences.Had I not taken to an asana pracitce, I know for a fact that my injury would have made a "cash cow" out of me for the "medical professionals" in our health care system.More importantly the book offers tremendous inspiration, hope and encouragement to the aging -- which includes all -- and people recovering from chronic pain.It does this by sketching the lives of those who have been practicing yoga asanas.

I assure you that if you are serious about your mental, physical and emotional health, and if you have had a year of yoga and want to give your practice a boost then this book will not let you down.It will confirm your realizations and build on them regarding the healing potential of yoga asanas.I have already bought two copies and will be buying numerous more to give to everyone I know.This will save them a lot of pain and suffering as they grow older, not to mention the expenses of a medical system that is absolutely out of control.In my opinion and experiences medical science itself is shallow and flawed despite the many sincere practitioners.People suffering from chronic ailments are a testimony to this claim.

The writer has done a very good job of writing this book.Thank you Suza.
... Read more

Product Description
Iyengar yoga expert Suza Francina describes and illustrates how older beginners can adapt the practice of yoga to their special needs. Through photos of older teachers and students, this comprehensive guide demonstrates how to progress from gentle floor and chair stretching exercises to vital weight-bearing, standing and inverted postures.Amazon.com Review
"No segment of our population can benefit more from yogathan people over 50," says author Suza Francina, Iyengar yogainstructor and director of the Ojai Yoga Center, where she specializesin classes for people over 50. The New Yoga for People over 50shows how to adapt traditional postures to suit any age or fitnesslevel with step-by-step instructions aimed at the olderbeginner. Photographs, quotes, and personal stories of yoga teachersand students--many in their 70s and older--add inspiration.

One keyto modifying postures for older, stiffer bodies is the use of propsthat provide support to let the yoga student get into strenuouspostures and hold them longer without pain or fatigue. The bookillustrates how to adapt many postures with the aid of chairs, walls,wall ropes, bolsters, back-bending benches, and straps. Yoga decreasesstiffness and inertia, and enhances health, energy, flexibility,posture, breathing, independence, and balance (physical andemotional). Francina explains how yoga may prevent the shortening androunding of the spine and ward off osteoporosis. This book is anexcellent companion to a yoga class or an inspiration to beginone. --Joan Price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Closing in on 50
I first reviewed this book at the library and decided to get my own copy to continue with healthy stretches that wouldn't hurt an older, stiffer body.
Now I just need the time!;-)

Yoga
This book is very detailed and easy to follow.Illustrations are great.
I recommend this book for anyone over 50 that is thinking about yoga.

Great For Older Beginners and Those With Chronic Injuries
Easy to understand, helpful and encouraging for those of us who suffer from old injuries and general stiffness.Lots of good advice and modifications for older people who still want the benefits of yoga but have concerns about stiffness, weakness and old injuries.Great book.

Fantastic
I am a yogini at almost 60 and can also attest to the benefits of yoga.I think this book is marvelous and I plan on recommending it to many of my friends.My teacher is Iyengar based and I marvel in class as I see new students progress under her care with necessary props to ensure a safe and modified posture.This is stressed throughout the book.This is a book that gives HOPE.Hooray!!!!

respect your body!
The cover picture alone should be enough to avoid picking up, let alone buying this book. Yoga specially for us 'older bodies' should be gentle and challenging, not impossible! ... Read more

Product Description
The first complete and fully illustrated guide to Kundalini available!

Kundalini comes from the Indian word kundal, which means "lock of hair from the beloved." The uncoiling of this "hair" is the awakening of the kundalini, the creative potential that already exists in every human. The yoga in this book is a sampling of the vast wealth called Kundalini Yoga. Here you learn about the branch of yoga based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D., who brought Kundalini Yoga from India to the West in 1969. Master yoga teacher and author Shakta Kaur Khalsa demonstrates how Kundalini Yoga works for everyday life and every person. You are not required to be in perfect physical shape or share any particular belief system. Kundalini Yoga works for you if you can breathe and move your body! In this type of yoga, the most important thing is experience. Your experience goes right to your heart, your core. These ancient teachings are designed to give you a hands-on approach to experiencing your deepest emotions and highest consciousness. By approaching Kundalini Yoga with openness and respect, and by following the steps included in this book, you can change and enrich your life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Review
For those wanting peace of mind.Dont do This style of so called kundalini yoga.We live in a society where even the founders of kundalini orginizations have no genuine experience.All the self appointed experts.Practices that try to force a awakening are dangerous enless the mind is already 99 percent pure.Yoga postures for health are good 1 or 2 times a week.More then that can be dangerous.Breathing exercises are only for temporary use for a specific condition.Known to be helped by the exercises.Strong breathing exercises and other practices to try and force a awakening are very dangerous.Kundalini should be respected like lightning.Chakras like nuclear bombs.Meditation prayer and service are safe ways to work for purification.Though not too much on any given day .You can do all the service you want.Those wanting knowledge on the genuine power of a kundalini awakening.Should read gopi krishna and muktanandas autobiographies..Purify safely and make as much good karma as possible.If you are ripe/near pure. nature will take care of the rest.Never ever try and force a awakening.LOVE

Awesome! Has changed my whole concept of yoga.
Has changed my whole concept of yoga. Explains all of the asanas with great detail and illustrative pictures. I would recommend it to any one
interested in doing a little more powerful yoga.

Enjoyable, comprehensive guide to Kundalini Yoga
This book contains a vast amount of information about Kundalini yoga, from the history of yoga itself to specific meditations and recipes, in a user-friendly format.Not an exhaustive guide- there are many other meditation and sets, or kriyas, than presented here- but this is more than enough to start with.

The author does an excellent job of presenting the information in a way that makes you want to get up and try the techniques for breathing, movement and meditation.She also tries to link the yogic traditions to modern, Western medicine and anatomical understanding where applicable.Skeptics will probably remain unconvinced, but I appreciate that these movements weren't randomly linked together.

My one complaint about the book is that there are few hard and fast guidelines for daily practice.I understand why the format is so flexible- everyone will come to it with different limitations, ambitions and needs- but it would be nice to have a core practice to build around.

Having said that, it would be easy enough to build such a practice based on what's presented, and many conditions could be addressed in the ways and for the duration needed.Recommended as a beginning towards Kundalini, enhanced by some dvds by Ravi Singh and Ana Brett.

very happy
recieved book very soon after purchase. it's in excellent condition and i'm very very happy with my purchase!

Nice but not more then that
Kundaliny is a spiritual and practical kind of yoga,in a mysterious way it combines those qualities, This book is a pleasant representation of some concepts, but to it seems that one must have one of those wonderful guru women for a close instructor, to deepen the invovlment ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Great Way to Learn Sanskrit
Great book! Fantastic and easy way of breaking down sanskrit. It also explains the meaning behind the words and philosophy. It is a must have for any yoga teacher and any student interested in furthering their yoga knowledge.

Mediocre pronunciation at best
While I understand that the general American population is linguistically deficient and that any sort of help with Yoga terms is better than none,I can say that I was completely disappointed with the author's command of Sanskrit pronunciation.My husband, who is from India, listened to the book with me and after a few seconds said, "Pathetic!" and walked away. Even I could hear the poor pronunciation, and I am by no means a Sanskrit scholar.Clearly the author has little understanding of the place of articulation of Sanskrit consonants and other articulation rules.His American accent is noticeable.I would only recommend this book because it's probably better than nothing, and because I am sick of all my Yoga teachers not being able to pronounce even something as basic as "Namaste" (both "a"s are schwas!)

Great guide to learn about yoga / sanskrit terms
I am studying to become a yoga teacher and I found this book / CD's to be very useful in learning the correct Sanskrit pronunciation.

It helped me understand the meaning of asana names (yoga poses).

Pros: The sections are easy to go through. It has 2 CD's which contain chants, some yoga sutras, various yoga terms, astanga sequences, asana names, synonyms, and the Sanskrit alphabet.
The book contains drawings of he poses which is very practical.The book is hardcover and the interior that is spiral bound.

Cons: For the astanga sequences, it listed the Sanskrit numerical order instead of the asana name.I would have preferred both the number and the asana names, but this is a personal choice.

Namaste.
Tanya

If you are serious about teaching yoga, this should be in your library.
If you are serious about teaching yoga, this should be in your library, unless you have already mastered the vocabulary. It was smart of the author to record the two cd's that you can play along with the book as you work on your sanskrit. The book and cd's are easy to use, easy to find things, also includes simple drawings of the asanas.

GREAT LEARNING TOOL
I am a new yoga instructor and wanted to learn the Sanskrit language.This is a helpful guide for learning pronunciation and has great illustrations for different levels of Ashtanga sequences to follow.I recommend this book w/CDs to anyone wanting to go deeper in their practice and enhance their yoga journey. ... Read more

Product Description

Take the natural path to mental wellness

More than 25 million Americans are treated with antidepressants each year, at a cost in excess of $50 billion. But the side effects of popular prescription drugs may seem nearly as depressing as the symptoms they’re meant to treat. Veteran yoga instructor Amy Weintraub offers a better solution—one that taps the scientifically proven link between yoga and emotional well-being as well as the beauty of ancient approaches to inner peace.

Addressing a range of diagnoses, including dysthymia, anxiety-based depression, and bipolar disorder, Yoga for Depression reveals why specific postures, breathing practices, and meditation techniques can ease suffering and release life’s traumas and losses. Weintraub also reflects on her own experience with severe depression, from which she recovered through immersing herself in a daily yoga routine.
Yoga for Depression is the first yoga book devoted exclusively to the treatment of these debilitating conditions. Amy Weintraub will help readers see their suffering and themselves in a vibrant new light.

Customer Reviews (18)

Yoga for Depression
This book is a fantastic contribution to the wholistic healing movement.It is well researched and well-written.Amy Weintraub explains the condition of depression from an Eastern standpoint very well.Then she gives solutions to help relieve depression and explains them with ease.Her solution is obviously yoga.A little bit of daily discipline is all that is required.I am looking forward to to a better and healthier way of thinking.Thank you Amy.

Great Book!!Very peaceful and helpful
I didn't think that the things this book teaches you could actually work.Well they do!With the help of this book I can catch myself and prevent a panic attack from happening and its so easy.I highly recommend this book.The author makes you feel so comfortable with yourself and helps you really connect on a universal level to find peace within yourself!

This book is a delight
This book is a delight to read...and I suspect it will be for you even if you have never considered yoga as a way to improve your mood. I am the author of The Food-Mood Solution, but I recognize that there are many different drug-free paths to improving our brain chemistry and achieving more balance in life. The key is finding the path that works best for you. Although the book's emphasis is obviously on using yoga to reverse depression, almost every page contains thoughtful pearls of wisdom about navigating life's experiences. Amy has done a wonderful job of translating her experiences in life to benefit others.

Yoga for Depression
I love this book.It has alot of excellent information to help people who are suffering from depression.I am a yoga teacher and find that the poses they suggest are wonderful to relieve many symptoms of sadness.I purchased 2 additional book for my girlfriends.

Yoga for Depression review
A well-researched, well-written book which has inspired me to commit to daily yoga. Amy Weintraub illustrates convincingly the benefits yoga can bring to a depressed person, without condemning conventional medicine. Instead she recommends a mixture of yoga, medication and talk therapy to suit each individual. This book is inspiring and gives me hope. ... Read more

Product Description
“Over an extraordinary thirty year history, Kripalu Center has been a pioneer in combining authentic yoga with a contemporary Western lifestyle.” —John Abbott, President, Yoga Journal

From the senior teachers of the world-renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health–the largest yoga and retreat center in North America–comes this comprehensive guide to the unique and influential Kripalu method, which emphasizes individual growth over outward perfection of form, making it accessible to people of all ages, fitness levels, and body types.

KRIPALU YOGA
A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat

Beginning with step-by-step “experiences” that teach essential body and breath awareness, Kripalu Yoga features fully illustrated routines for beginners and intermediate students , including Kripalu’s easy-to-follow “press point” instructions. For advanced students, there is a broad menu of additional poses to increase strength, flexibility, and challenge.

Far more than an exercise program, Kripalu Yoga also teaches the lifestyle practices and energy techniques that make yoga a powerful catalyst for physical healing, psychological growth, and spiritual awakening. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Getting inside of Kripalu Yoga
This book has a ton of information but is reader friendly.I read it before yoga teacher training and used it throughout.It is now a go to in my resource library.

good intro
This is a good intro to Kripalu style of yoga. It's written in a very accessible language with lots of personal anecdotes of people who attended Kripalu workshops. I bought it because it was required for a yoga teacher training class, otherwise I wouldn't have bought it. it's still good for someone who's new to yoga and wants to understand the process. But if you're looking for something new or more in depth, skip this one.

Kripalu yoga book
GREAT book ! The best I've found on Kripalu yoga.Very user friendly...for beginning _and_ for advanced yoga students. I highly recommend this book if you're interested in learning and/or honing your skills.

Some skepticism advised
This is my second book on kripalu yoga, the first being Megan Garcia's MegaYoga.I also bought the companion DVD, and really enjoyed the poses.I bought this book to learn more poses, rather than as a guide for "off the mat;" I'm a practitioner of my own religion, so I admit to skimming some of those parts since I wouldn't practice them anyway.What I like best about the book (and kripalu yoga in general) is the recognition that not everyone is flexible enough to bend into a pretzel.In fact, the book emphasizes that it will not teach the plough, full-lotus, or full headstand poses, as those are not part of kripalu tradition in that they may cause injury.The photos and description of poses were helpful, even for ones I was already doing.

What I disliked was some of the pseudo-scientific explanations about disease, such as references to Candace Pert's discredited work (she left the NIH many years before the book was published; she pretty much left mainstream science for personal reasons but I digress), references to alternative medicine as if they provide cures (when they do, they are called merely medicine), and so forth.I thought yoga is its own discipline, and does not need to refer to anything else.In addition, some of the quotes from practitioners were pretty trite: "I was overworked and yoga changed my life" was the common theme.Yes, yoga is great (I wouldn't practice it nearly every day for an hour), but a little profundity, a little depth in the quotes chosen would have helped this reader understand more about what is special about yoga.My last problem is with revering Swami Desai, who was caught in a sex scandal with 2 female disciples (revealed in the Afterword).At least, exclude him and just include the quotes from Swami Kriplau; they actually had a lot of depth.Still, I give the book 4 stars because, I got out of it what I wanted very well, and that is an illustrated guide to more asanas in kripalu yoga, and more in depth discussions on the technique.

Fabulous
This is a great book. I'm in a yoga teacher training program and was doing a project on Kripalu so I ordered this book. I am thrilled with it so far and I'm sure I'll be using it a lot when I start teaching. ... Read more

Product Description
Mudras also playfully called the "finger power points" are yoga positions for your hands and fingers. They can be practiced sitting, lying down, standing, or walking. They can be done at any time and place while stuck in traffic, at the office, watching TV, or whenever you have to twiddle your thumbs waiting for something. Hirschi shows you how these techniques can prevent illness, relieve stress, and heal emotional problems. 82 illustrations. Index. Bibliography.Amazon.com Review
Yoga for the hands--sounds too good to be true. Do it at the office, on an airplane, lying in bed. Seasoned yoga teacher Gertrud Hirschi has used these hand postures to ease asthma, relieve flu symptoms, think more effectively, relieve tension, even have a bowel movement. The possibilities she attributes to these ancient Indian techniques are endless. Join the tips of the index finger and thumb: this clears the mind. Switch the thumb to the little finger: this restores the body's fluid balance. It's not quite that easy, of course. Hirschi is careful to lay out exercise regimens, related herbal remedies, and associated affirmations. Like a classroom instructor, she guides with simultaneous breathing advice and conjures up helpful images. From building character to healing emotional pain, from bringing luck to connecting with the divine, mudras can work wonders. Now limber up those digits and lets get into spiritual shape. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands
The book is clearly illustrated and directed towards a general audience. However, it is derivative and lacks the comprehensive quality of the original sources. For yoga practitioners in particular, the original sources may be of greater value.

Could be better
Since I am a professional editor and proofreader, I found this work to be one that could use a lot of my services.Within individual paragraphs, the writing is alright, but the overall construction of the work leaves some things to be desired.The first half of the book is theory, and I can't argue with it much.The second half is practice (the individual mudras themselves), and here is where I got flummoxed.The description of each mudra is okay for the most part.She tells you how to form it. tells you what it's for, usually gives you an herbal remedy that would go with the mudra, and also provides a visualization to practice.All this info could be useful.My problem with the "practice" section is the way it is organized.If I were to edit the work, I would put all the simple mudras at the beginning and gradually work toward the most complicated.Alternatively, I would group those mudras together that relate to similar conditions.Hirschi does neither.The organization seems completely willy-nilly to me.I can find no rhyme or reason for it. Hence, I find it much more difficult to find what I'm looking for and also to remember what the mudras are good for.It's not a bad book, but if you are looking for something scholarly, look elsewhere.

Very Helpful
I bought this book for the Kindle and I like it so much I am now buying the hard copy . Although I love the Kindle I find it is better for novels than for reference books where you want to look things up and use the index. I woke up this morning with a sore neck, used the suggested mudra and in a few minutes felt better.The mudra or the power of positive thinking who cares I felt good. I also bought the card set which is "handy".

One of the few good books on mudras
Total Healing to the Limits of Living: A Sourcebook for Awakening and Engaging the Healing Energies of the Tree of Life
This is the best, easiest to understand book on mudras available. The diagrams are clear and basic and the descriptions of the uses of the various mudras are succinct. The focus is somewhat pragmatic rather than spiritual, but Hirschi has brought the mudras together in one place for all readers. The practice of mudras is very powerful when done with the right intent.

This is a GREAT book...
This is a great book. When I began to do research on this and energy healing in general, via the web, I mentioned this book to a family member also interested in enery work, and before I knew it she'd surprised me with a copy of it. I was eternally grateful.
My first experience with Mudras was with the Mushti mudra. I was going through an immense amount of tension, and when I performed the gesture, I felt the left side of my brain deflate. This is the best I know how to describe it. I was relieved of so much pressure. Ever since I have used mudras for many things and the resuts keep getting better and better. I can actually feel the shifts in energy and the difference.
I chose not to give this book a five star rating because it is not a thorough book. There are several, if not all, more mudras Gertrud Hirschi could have shared with us to make this a more rounded practice. She could not have possibly put all of the mudras in this book as there are thousands of them, but a few key ones more and it would have been a greatly compiled piece of work.
Still, a great buy, easy to understand and use and overall wonderful. Ms. Hirschi puts you on the track to self healing, self reliance and knowledge. By no means should this hinder your study of mudras, only help it. This is a great starting place.
[...] has also compiled a wonderful amount of mudras that is of great help.
Happy Practicing! ... Read more

Product Description

Yoga came to Tibet from India more than a thousand years ago, and it was quickly absorbed into the culture's rich traditions. In this small book readers will discover Heart Yoga, which developed over the centuries in the Gelukpa tradition of the Dalai Lamas. The program presented here combines popular yoga exercises wtih special Tibetan poses, and methods of working from the inside to give a healthy and a happy heart.

Roach discovered a number of previously unknown Tibetan works on yoga in the course of his ongoing efforts to find and preserve ancient Tibetan Buddhist texts. He discusses the ideas and insights presented in these texts and places them within the context of the Buddhist tradition. To help readers incorporate this ancient wisdom in their daily lives, he provides a specific regime of yoga postures and meditations. Combining instructive illustrations with the unique philosophical underpinnings of the Buddhist approach, Geshe Roach has created a unique program for yoga on a physical and spiritual level.

Customer Reviews (12)

A book worth owning
I first found out about this book at the library. After utilizing its teachings for 3 weeks, I knew that I needed to own a copy. The practice is useful and the descriptions/explanations are just right. I am proud to own this book.

Essential Buddhist Yoga
The Tibetan Book Yoga is a beautifully designed book, very easy to read,and Western oriented in its informal and practical style. Yet it not only delights but also gives us essential information -- rather hard to come across -- on the practice of Buddhist Yoga. A true jewel.

Enlightening!
This book is WONDERFUL. As others have mentioned, the illustrations and explanations of the postures sometimes seem a little light, but it is an amazing book! I have practiced yoga for several years and recently learned about tong-len; to see them so effortlessly merged in this practice seems perfect!! I did find a DVD with the same title (also by Geshe Michael Roach ) at the following link: [...]. I haven't had a chance to watch the DVD yet, but am hopeful it will shed more light on the physical postures. Even without "perfect" asanas, though, I believe that this "mindful" yoga will do much to bring peace and harmony to those who practice it. As westerners, we often get very caught up in the physical side of yoga; this book helps explain why it's important to delve deeper.

awesome
the tebetan book of yoga is so good. it is exactly what i was looking for. it is easy to read and understand, and has deepened my yoga practice and daily life.

Finally the truth is being told!
For about 45 yrs I have done so-called inner energy training of the Chinese, Japanese and of India.This book tells the story in a concise manner, of what has been mostly lost from Yoga Hatha and other arts.I also read "How Yoga Works" by Geshe Michael and am now looking for a workshop to attend.
This is strong meat for men and women...not milk for babes. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you are seven or fifty-seven, whether you already practice yoga or want to learn, these informative and attractive cards are the ideal answer. They give detailed steps on how to perform the poses, but also increase environmental awareness with tips on how to reduce our impact on the fragile planet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Cards
The Yoga Plant Deck combines yoga and ways to care for the planet. The cards are divided into Air, Water, Earth, Fire, and Space. They have easier and harder cards. So, there is something for everybody. The cards are beautifully designed and large enough for everyone to see. I like them and would recommend them for yoga mommies and teachers.

Yoga Planet Cards
These were a great buy. Not only have I used them in Kids yoga classes (the kids LOVE them,) I've also used them for inspiration in adult classes.

Yoga Cards
These are excellent cards for use with elementary students as well as for your own personal yoga program.

Yoga for Kids and Parents.
Yoga Planet Deck (Yoga Cards)
Yoga Planet is a collection of 50 cards, each with a simple activity or exercise that will help you incorporate yoga into daily life for yourself and for your children.The cards are divided into groups based on the elements of Air, Earth, Fire, Water and Space.Each of the elements is intended to inspire you in a different way:

Air - breathe to calm, focus and nurture yourself
Earth - build a foundation of strength
Fire - become inspired with passion and conviction
Water - be soothed and refreshed
Space - find time to unwind and think

For each individual element, the cards propose five different types of activity: Breathing, Individual Poses, Partner Poses, Games, and Inspired Action.

Yoga Planet is a very useful supplement to books such as My Daddy is a Pretzel, but its worth goes beyond teaching children who are already open to yoga. These activities provide a way for even children who may be resistant to the idea of yoga to reap its benefits.Children learn best in an immersive environment, and often do best when they do not even realize that they are learning.A child who shows no interest in Individual Poses may be willing to be lifted onto daddy's back to try a fun Partner Pose like The Knapsack.Carrying a cup of water around an obstacle course in a Game like Go With the Flow can painlessly motivate a child to learn how to move their body smoothly and carefully.And Inspired Actions like a Secret Mission to do a good deed can integrate the values and principles of yoga into a child's life even if they never do a single pose.Yoga Planet is an ideal tool for bringing yoga into a child's life in a natural and unstructured way, and can even do the same for busy dads as well!

Yoga Planet
This is a great follow up to the Yoga Pretzels Deck. I love the environmental theme that runs through it. The organization by what I believe are Auyervedic elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Space and Water) is a nice touch. It makes it take a little longer to find a balance pose vs. a breath to practice but it also adds another layer to your practice. My students are really enjoying it so far! The Laughing Circle and Appreciation Circle were a lot of fun. I did the Laughing Circle with 2nd-4th graders and the Appreciation Circle with K-1 students. ... Read more

Product Description
From the foremost living authority on Yoga comes the most comprehensiveand reliable treatment of the subject available today. This is a work of impeccable scholarship bya person who has dedicated his life to the understanding and practice of yoga. The book offers acomplete overview of every Yogic tradition, from the familiar to the lesser-known forms. It alsocovers all aspects of Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina Yoga, including history, philosophy, literature,psychology and practice. In addition, included are * translations of twenty Yoga treatises * thefirst translation of the Goraksha Paddhati ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Well, it will probably impress people when they see it on my bookshelf...
Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too wordy!!! I adore yoga, have practiced for several years and currently am becoming a teacher. I have endless books on yoga, energy healing and other "new age" titles and all of them engage me more than this book. If the book could talk, it would sound like the teacher from Charlie Brown!!! hahaIt does seem to me that if your brain can grasp the style that the author writes in, you might love this book as it's packed with a gigantic amount of information. For me, however I know that when a writer's style doesn't speak to my soul, I can read a whole page and not know what the heck I just read. Maybe for some people...not for me. Next, please!!! :P

The Encyclopedia of Yoga
If you are interested in Yoga philosophy & history this book is a great place to start and may be all you need. The material is very thorough. You will likely want to keep it as a reference book as well. Page xxiv has a helpful guide to transliteration.

Be sure to start at the begining (page xi). You will surely not want to miss pages xv - xix (the Preface). Most people skip those parts. But the preface gives you a great view into the life of a yogi. I am grateful that G. Feuerstein took the time to share his knowledge and experience in such a great work.

The Right Man For the Job!
I am so very pleased with Georg Feurstein's The Yoga Tradition. I am a yoga teacher with a long time interest in East-West studies, and this book combines the best of both hemispheres in the sense that objective and erudite scholarship is joined with deep realization and devotion to "the practice." Every word seems to have been carefully chosen in order to communicate the subtleties of this time-honored tradition in the most articulate and effective manner possible. No stone is left unturned and when I read it I know that I can trust that the information is not coming from a closed minded and dogmatic religious perspective, nor does the subject matter suffer from the blighting and spirit-slaying chauvinism of western academic arrogance. A true gem!

Dry, academic, boring
If you are looking for an encyclopedia of yoga this book is a reasonable consideration.It is, however, very dry, fact-filled, clinical, and boring.I have practiced yoga daily for over 36 years. I also teach yoga.I appreciate the scholarship contained in this book. But it is too academic for most readers. Most readers will want something more engaging from the text. Perhaps this book will serve the needs of those who want a reference book for their bookshelf. Namaste.

A fine academic textbook Introduction to yoga
While doing my undergraduate and graduate work I referred to this text quite often. It was the only comprehensive, modern, accessible text on yoga that I could find as a suitable basis to my research. Unlike most other texts that I've come across, this one addresses the current state of yoga in the West. This text intellectual, yet Feuerstein has been a practitioner of yoga for some time therefore his writing reflects a bit of experiential insight. The text is well organized and covers all the fundamentals. As I continue to go deeper into this vast subject, it is clear to me that a single thorough rendering of the history of yoga would be an impossible task for one person.
The text begins with a definition of yoga, then moves into the six schools of yoga, then a brief history of yoga, and then on to all of the various yoga traditions, including Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions as well as many of the sectarian movements. Many Americans seem particularly fond of Patanjali's yoga. So, these readers may be pleased to find that chapter nine is devoted entirely to Patanjali.
When I began working with this text, I had already been involved in a yoga tradition for sometime and was learning about the philosophy and practice via this tradition alone. While my teacher is Indian and my practices are rooted in the ancient traditions of India, the yoga tradition I am connected to is Westernized in some ways and my practices area Westernized version of yoga. What this text did for me was introduce me to a broader intellectual viewpoint of traditional yoga history and philosophy.Since then I've explored the works of other authors, both yoga adepts and yoga scholars alike. Rare is it to see a combination of both. Feurestein reveals himself as both a scholar and a practitioner though more so a scholar. For those like me who tend to lean toward the first person experiential approach toward yoga, reading the works of Feuerstein and other scholars will provide greater understanding of their modern, perhaps Western,version of yoga practice.
... Read more

Product Description
In just 196 short aphorisms, this classic work of Indian philosophy spells out succinctly how the mind works, and how it is possible to use the mind to attain liberation. Compiled in the second or third century CE, theYoga-Sutra is a road map of human consciousness—and a particularly helpful guide to the mind states one encounters in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices. It expresses the truths of the human condition with great eloquence: how we know what we know, why we suffer, and how we can discover the way out of suffering. Chip Hartranft's fresh translation and extensive, lucid commentary bring the text beautifully to life. He also provides useful auxiliary materials, including an afterword on the legacy of theYoga-Sutra and its relevance for us today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Ancient text with modern application
This is a great version of the Yoga Sutras for readers who are interested but a bit daunted by Sanskrit. By integrating intepretation of the text with its translation, Chip Hartranft presents this ancient wisdom in a way that is immediately applicable to our everyday attempts to live life well. He threads the most relevant Sanskrit words throughout so that you actually learn them as you read. All students of yoga should read this.

better ones out there
If you read the yoga sutras, you're better off no matter what translation or additional commentary you get.That said, I didn't feel like the translation and commentary were helpful for me...I would recommend Swami Satchidananda's translation over this one.Happy reading!

This is really the best Yoga Sutra Commentary.
The author's Buddhist influence is actually a good thing.The emphasis on compassion reflects itself in clear and concise teaching.

With a really good and clear explanation, one can then proceed on the road with a bit of understanding. It's a tall order, but this author has done it.

I'm all for combining both intellectual understanding
and actual practice. This book is a joy to read.

Clarity and Context in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra
I Found Hartraneft's book on "The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali" to have a firm and insightful presentation of the sutra in a coherent way that elucidated the distinctions between Patanjali and his context in Hindu religion and Buddhism. But the reviews indicating that he did not distinguish the two Sanskrit terms "Cit and Citta" - and further forwarded a Buddhist agenda concerned me in that I know no Sanskrit and am a Buddhist, and thus any "spin toward Buddhism" might be invisible to me.

I supply the 2 definitions I found and hope further posts might clarify the distinction be tween "pure" yoga and how much it is truly embedded in Hindu religion by Patanjali himself.

From:The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World ReligionsAuthor: JOHN BOWKER, originally published by Oxford University Press 1997.

Cit (Skt., `See'). In Hindu thought, pure consciousness as the essential and irreducible quality of the eternal self or Brahman. In Vednta, cit is often grouped together with being (sat) and bliss (nanda) as a description of Brahman.

Citta (Skt., `that which has been seen', i.e. belonging to consciousness, cf. CIT).

In Hinduism, the reflective and thus conscious mind;

in Buddhism, an equivalent to manas (reflective mind) and vijñna (continuing consciousness).

It belongs to all beings above the level of plant life. The nature of citta received particular analysis and emphasis in Vijñanavda (also known as Yogacra)--so much so that the school is also known as Cittamtra, Mind only.
------------
FROM: [...]

a theists view:

Citta and Cit

The liberation in life according to Samkhya is possible by the realization of separation between purusa (soul) and prakrti (body) and Yoga achieves it by uniting the self to a higher reality (e.g. God) and away from the body. Yoga is thus considered as practical aspect of the theoretical Samkhya philosophy.

Moreover, even though it is logical to study intellect (buddhi), mind (manas) and ego (ahamkar) as separate entities in Samkhya, in terms of their practical applicability (as in Yoga) it may be useful to treat them as one (citta or chitta). For example, in day to day activities of a jiwa (living being), all of them (intellect, ego and mind) are activated at the same time and it's hard to be precise about their individual participation (influences and effects). Thus citta seems a more logical choice for the combination of intellect, mind and ego according to Yoga philosophy (literature).

I don't know the author, yet I love this book
I am no expert on the Sutras. I read parts of several versions of the sutras looking for one I could study without constantly questioning the commentary. Other versions add a lot in the commentary that arguably is not meant in the original. For example, a version by Satchidananda mentions "God" after just about every line in the Sutras. I don't know Sanskrit, but the word which is being translated as "God" may mean something more like an impersonal pure awareness, and whatever it means, it does not appear in the text nearly as often as Satchidananda brings it up. Hartranft's was the best translation I for my purposes; his commentary seems to take fewer liberties. ... Read more

Product Description
Sri T. Krishnamacharya (1888–1989) was the most influential figure in the last 100 years in the field of yoga. Many of today’s best-known yoga teachers—including his brother-in-law B. K. S. Iyengar, his son T. K. V. Desikachar, and Pattabhi Jois, founder of Ashtanga yoga—studied with him and modeled their own yoga styles after his practice and teaching. Yet, despite his renowned status, Krishnamacharya’s wisdom has never before been made completely available, just as he taught it. Now, in The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga, Srivatsa Ramaswami—Krishnamacharya’s longest-standing student outside his own family—presents his master’s teachings of yogasanas in unprecedented detail. Drawing upon his 33 years of direct study, beginning in 1955 and continuing nearly until his teacher’s death, Ramaswami presents more than nine hundred poses and variations in logically structured sequences, precisely describing Krishnamacharya’s complete Vinyasakrama system. Along with every movement of each yoga posture, he covers the proper breathing techniques for each pose—something no other book also derived from Krishnamacharya’s teaching does. Nearly 1,000 full-color photographs and a 60-minute audio CD are also featured in this authoritative landmark presentation of the study practiced by the "grandfather of modern yoga." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A hidden gem
What a great contribution! If you have any interest in yoga, or in specificthe Krishnamacharya tradition, this book is a must. Highly recommended by 15 years of experienceteacher.

Book Purchase
Book arrived in excellent condition and in time.I really appreciate the quality and timely response.

Looking outside the normal Surya & Chandra Namaskar Box
Even though I loved Vinyasa yoga, I had limited training on this complex, organic style of flow. I wanted to bring more flow style into the studio, but needed inspiration. After picking up this book I was amazed at how many different movements could be done in yoga. It inspired me to look outside the normal box of surya & chandra namaskar when creating a flow-based class.

Yoga - Vinyasa
If you liked Health, Healing, and Beyond, you will love this book which delves into the practice of Yoga with Krishnamacharya. You can't go wrong here.

This is a must-read.

Vinyasa yoga, a comprehensive approach of a long tradition
A very mature and comprehensive work on yoga, suitable for beginners as well as advanced students.The suggestions how to procede are sound and based on experience. The cd joint with the yoga sutras is beautiful and makes you feeling like in India. ... Read more

Product Description
The Yoga of Eating is a practical and inspiring manual that offers original insights on the physical and spiritual functions of sugar, fat, meat, and other foods; fasting, dieting, processing, willpower, and the deeper principles of self-nurture. This book appeals to a higher authority--your own body--and shows how to access and trust the wisdom your body has to offer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

A thoughtful and perceptive book on eating--NOT a book with a food plan and diets
The author of this book has degrees in mathematics and philosophy. This book is NOT a diet plan; it doesn't offer menus, recipes, or a "new" way to lose weight. (Both 1-star reviews were written by people who were not aware of the book's content when they bought it.) Instead it consists of the author's insights on our relationship to food, including a consideration of such diets as the "caveman" and "raw" diets. The author points out that the use of fire to cook food coincided with emergence of humanity; he also considers the way food is a substitute for affection and used to console us when we are feeling rushed, lonely, or deprived. He writes, "Sometimes food cravings reflect the body's authentic need for a certain nutrient, but usually (especially in the case of junk food)the real need isn't for food at all. The food is just a substitute: sugar substituting for life's sweetness; MSG for excitement and zest for life; excessive food for nourishment in general. If you honestly listen to your body, you can distinguish between its genuine appetites and the psychological cravings we transfer to food" (p. 65). He also has things to say about the nature of contemporary life--its speed and other artificial elements in it. He urges us to stop beating ourselves up because our bodies don't conform to some made-up image. He urges us to relax. I found this a very inspiring and useful book, one to read and reflect on. People in 12-step programs would probably endorse his handling of this topic. He urges us to trust and work with our own bodies for self-healing.

don't buy it
horrible book-the title is totally misleading and the author isn't qualified at all to write on the subject.It's basically his own musings from changing his diet around-no real knowledge or expertise. Wished i could return it within minutes of receiving it.

The Best book on eating ever!
I read about this book on my Yoga blog and was intrigued. It turned out to be the most wonderful book on eating I have ever found. Applicable to everyone, not just those trying to lose weight, I highly recommend it.

The most important book on food you'll ever read
When reading Charles Eisenstein's Ascent of Humanity a few weeks ago I was amazed at the depth and breadth of his scholarship. Unfortunately the book is so tremendous, weighing in at over 600 pages its enough to scare most people off. The Yoga of Eating is a focused piece of writing that takes all of Eisenstein's core philosophies of separation from core humanity and presents in an easily accessible 160 pages.

However, while Ascent of Humanity is focused on the entire scope of existence, Yoga of Eating is solely about our attitudes and approaches to food.

Charles begins by stating that, "the health crisis engulfing the modern world is a spiritual crisis, and a precocious opportunity as well. Pain and illness in the body can illuminate what is important in life." And it is that approach which forms the basis for his thesis. By listening to our body when we eat and truly, wholly trusting it we can begin to find our actual dietary needs. Modern western medical practice indicates that our bodies are imperfect and need discipline but as we have imposed more and more willpower the results have been continually diminishing.

Only by practicing the occasional eating in silence, attentive eating and focus on breathing can we reunify with the sacred practice of consuming life in the form of plants and animals.

To highlight one example, we will examine the sweetness of our food, something I have particularly noticed in US foodstuffs (with the emphasis on 'stuff'). This sweetness may be a result of the ever increasing desire to break free from bland lives filled with illusory "choices" between Kmart and Walmart, CBS and NBC, focusing on security above all else. The sweetness is a glimpse of the fullness of our true existence.

Key to practicing the Yoga of Eating is understanding that our bodies are adapted perfectly to the conditions we have experienced. If we look at the world around us, we must understand that if I were you, I would do the same things you do. If God were you, he would do those same things. We must embrace this understanding of our perfect bodies. A body separate from a false image propagated by the establishment. By effortlessly trusting ourselves, we will likely lose weight, eat less and exercise more but without the pain and struggle of diets and willpower.

Perhaps the Yoga of Eating will be too irrational for many, and if the approach Charles advocates will make you skeptical, challenge yourself by reading this book. You will not emerge from the final page the same. It is time for a call for true selfishness. When we are good to ourselves we can embrace the abundance nature provides and we can relax into the change the we most crucially desire.

Wonderful!
This is holistic nutrition at its best.Great book, deep and full of insights that go beyond "just food".Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Modern science and ancient wisdom traditions agree that the universe is a symphony of vibrational frequencies. In this beautiful, comprehensive, and unique work, Dr. Frawley elaborates the essential truths about cosmic sound, and how we can employ important mantras for healing, transformation and inner awakening. ... Read more

Product Description
Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion.It is the most valuable inheritance of the present.It is the essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow. Swami Sivananda Sarswati. This book is the most comprehensive text ever published on yoga. It contains a complete course of 36 structured lessons on all the practices of integral yoga. The lessons were compiled from the teachings given by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and are useful as a practical and theoretical guide for all levels of yoga teachers and aspirants. The book presents a synthesis of yoga in a scientific and systematic manner. The different branches of hatha yoga, mantra yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and kriya yoga are progressively introduced with special emphasis on practice, theory and application in daily life. Includes line drawings,diagrams and colour plates. The depth of knowledge this book contains provides the link between you,the practitoner of yoga and an experienced guide and teacher.This link is your sadhana(spiritual practice),the beginning of your inner transformation,spiritual awakening and realization of higher ideals in life. The techniques covered in this book have their basis in the ancient vedic (tantric and yogic) shastras and were handed over the centuries from guru to disciple. Now in an age when travel and communication have become almost instantaneous affairs and there are more efficient methods of disseminating wisdom than the human voice and ear,we wish to offer these transcendatal instruments of grace to all who have eyes to read and ears to hear. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

thick
A yoga book the size of the dictionary! I am also very surprised that there are not more reviews of this book. It takes you from day one. Unlike most yoga books, it doesnt start out assuming that you can can already fold yourself in half. It builds up your ability slowly and gently. Covering much more than just the asana's. It takes you through every single aspect of yoga. Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, diet, hygiene, philosophy, meditation, EVERYTHING! Be warned, however, this book is not for those who are looking for a quick little yoga program, or are looking for some POWER YOGA to firm up those glutes and thighs. This is traditional. This is for those people who are looking to live the life of a true yogi. Do not be fooled by the price either. This book is worth FAR more than what it costs. Written by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a TRUE indian yogi, about TRUE indian yoga. VERY authentic, VERY good, VERY complete. And dispite SERIOUSLY being about as long as the dictionary, it is very easy to read through and understand.
May the wisdom of Swami Satyananda Saraswati come to the aid of all those who travel the path of yoga.
OM

Excellent Resource
At first glance this seems to be an overwhelming amount of literature at nearly 1000 pages.
However after reading just the first few lessons and leafing through the rest I am pleasantly surprised by the profound depth of the writing. There is no superfluous ramblings or wordy explanations, only clear, deep and precise explanations of very important aspects of the yogi path. I have been practicing yoga, meditation and reading many books on these subjects and nowhere else have I found so many answers to my questions or techniques to get past a certain roadblock. I have put all of my many other books aside as i embark on the course recommended in th text. I highly recommend this book to any serious practitioner.

Review of A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya
It is an excellent book, like all the others of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. I would recommend it to people who want to practice yoga regularly.

Magnum Opus
I am a graduate student doing my Phd in Electrical Engineering but yoga and meditation are my hobbies (along with hiking and biking).
As some of the other reviewers have pointed out, this book is one of the most comprehensive, articulate and informative book I have found so far on meditation and yoga.
The book emphasizes that, 'There is no need to believe before hand that the techniques will work. Practice and you will know it to be true'.
The book starts with Hatha yoga, basic asanas and progresses through basic breathing techniques. Along the way it gives an in-depth analysis of various forms of yoga - Karma yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti yoga, etc.
It emphasizes that these different yogas complement each other and do not go against each other.
Some people might ask, well isn't there 'one god'. Shouldn't there be one path?This is a narrow way of looking at things. Sure there is one 'Mount Everest' but there are probably many different ways to get to the base-camp!
And each has its own scenic views and obstacles.
Same with the different yogas. Pick one that best suits your personality or better integrate a few of them - E.g. Karma yoga (This is easy to begin - If you work everyday!), Bhakti yoga (Prayer, devotion,etc) and Raja yoga (Breathing, Meditations,etc).
The book gives precise instructions especially in the breathing techniques and gives it to you in steps, so that you can measure your progress and move onto the next level.
The book moves onto advanced kriya techniques towards the end of the book (these require some level of mastery over postures and breathing techniques).
This is a book to keep for a lifetime and go through again and again to understand and integrate more knowledge as one progresses on the path.

A Systematic Course In The Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya
One of the unique aspects of this wonderful book is that it calls yoga what it essentially is: a tantric spiritual path. Moreover, in a section on tantra, Swami Satyananda explains how tantra developed separately from the Vedas and gave birth to what we know as yoga today. Most of the hatha yoga trends practiced in the West today can be traced back to Krisnamacharya and his disciple B.K.S. Iyengar, who often blended the original hatha yoga (which also originated within the tantric system) with Western style gymnastics, props, etc. In this book, we get a practical course in the ancient techniques of yoga before being Westernized and modernized by teachers focusing mostly on the physical side of yoga. In tantra, hatha yoga is used as preparation or as an integral part of spiritual practice; in other words, as an integral part of meditation. The program in this book is very systematic and hands on, but also quite demanding and only for those who are serious students on the path of yoga. The only limitation with this book is simply that it is a text and not a living teacher. Ideally one need to study tantra with a competent teacher or guru. A book, no matter how comprehensive, cannot be a substitute for a personal student teacher relationship. Apart from that, I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Experience the rest of your life with restorative yoga, the supported poses and breathing practices that will help you heal the effects of chronic stress. In Relax and Renew, the first book exclusively devoted to this work, the author offers in-depth guidance in the Basic Relaxation Pose (Savasana), the heart of restorative practice. In addition, this book provides yoga sequences for busy days, including a fifteen-minute practice, yoga at your desk, and the Totally Invisible Relaxation; programs for back pain, headaches, insomnia, jet lag, and breathing problems; a special section for women during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause; a guide to props; and resources for finding a yoga teacher, recommended books, magazines, newsletters, audio programs, yoga vacations, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Excellent Practical Resource
This book gives practical solutions for de-stressing and accomplishing a restorative practice.Easy to follow and great illustrations.Excellent resource for Yoga Teacher Training, which is how I discovered this resource.

Need help letting go of striving?
Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful TimesThis is the classic text on restorative yoga. How I remember when I received my first copy of Relax & Renew: I thought: this is wimpy yoga and I want a more physical practice. I'm not going to hang out in those easy poses!

The book sat, unused, on my bookshelf for several years. Then I finally got it.

I don't know what happened, or when exactly or why, but suddenly the restorative poses made sense. I think it was a natural outcome of several years of regular asana practice. As students travel deeper along on the yogic path, they begin to realize that the reason to attempt "pretzeldom" is to achieve the state of deep relaxation which is conducive to meditative focus.

AS many before me have said: It's not how twisted into pretzeldom you can go, nor is it whether you can perform 108 sun salutations in a row; it is how fast you can drop into the non-thought space. The blissful space of pure being. This is a roundabout way of saying that this is yoga as it should be practiced by all yogis at least once per week. Let go of your striving to achieve armless head balance and enter the blissful state of an extended supported baddhakonasana!

excellent reference
This book is wonderful. A+! Excellent use of props and precise directions. A much needed reference for stressed out bodies. Buy one, and then buy one more and give it to someone!

The Definitive Guide to Relaxing with Restorative Yoga
Relax and Renew - Restful Yoga for Stressful Times, is the definitive guide to restorative yoga and restorative yoga postures. Written by Judith Lasater, a physical therapist with a doctorate in east/west psychology who has been teaching yoga since 1971 and authored several yoga books, Relax and Renew is designed to help you de-stress with supported passive yoga poses.

Those who have an active yoga practice will find the poses featured in Relax and Renew a significant departure from what they are used to. In traditional yoga the focus is on active poses followed a brief restorative pose (savasana). If you find that savasana is your favorite part of your yoga class, Relax and Renew may be just what you are looking for since its entire is restorative yoga based poses.

Lasater credits her restorative yoga based poses to BKS Iyengar, a worldwide yoga authority who experimented with props to modify yoga poses so students could experience their benefits without strain. In Relax and Renew, Lasater expands upon this concept to create yoga based poses and pose sequences designed to evoke the relaxation response and heal the effects of chronic stress. She calls restorative yoga "active relaxation."

The first part of Relax and Renew (Chapters 1 through 3) provides background information about stress and and how restorative yoga works to counter its effects. Chapter 2 takes a question and answer approach to providing information on how to get started practicing restorative yoga with details on where to begin, how to begin, what you should wear, what props you will need, etc.

Chapter 3 is devoted to the topic of props - a significant aspect of a restorative yoga practice. She categorizes props as props you lie over, props you place on your body, and props you rest on or against and includes detailed charts for how to fold blankets for various poses.

The remainder of the book focuses on specific restorative poses, a general restorative yoga practice, restorative yoga poses for busy days, restorative yoga poses for the office, and restorative yoga sequences for various conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, insomnia, difficulty breathing, jet lag, women's cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.

Each pose includes instructions for how to set up your props for the pose, getting into the pose, settling into the pose, how to come out of the pose, benefits of the pose, and any cautions. There are also detailed photographs of each of the poses, which are meant to be held for several minutes.

If you are feeling weak, fatigued, and generally stressed out by life, you may want to consider using Relax and Renew to help you begin a restorative yoga practice.

However, if you are used to moving at quantum speed and have difficulty slowing down, you may find this book and the suggestion to rest in supported poses challenging. It may also take some time to learn how to set up the props to support you properly in the various poses. To get the most out of the poses described in Relax and Renew, you will need props including several blankets, pillows, yoga blocks, yoga straps, a yoga bolster, and a chair.

Highly Recommended

to each his own
As a massage therapist, this book is perfect, too easy for few but more than enough for the rest. This day and age our culture of stress and denial of experience, we tend surpress who we really are to accomodate others. This book helps you through all that and physically, emotionally and sprituatlly opens you. This book is perfect enough, I am currently taking her teacher training and let me tell you, I don't feel you have to be a yogi to take this class, everyone should take this class, you will walk away with so much for your own personal good.
People misinterpret headstands as restorative to invigorating...people fear just laying down, without any noise and just be... be still in the moment, this very moment.
I would highly recommend this book because American Yoga is denying what real yoga is about. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a comprehensive guide to all the elements of yoga practice, including practical advice on postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and the fundamental philosophy of yoga. Exquisitely designed with more than 400 dramatic photographs, it includes two illustrated posture sequences, chapters on Pranayama, and a systematic guide to deep relaxation and meditation. All of life is a spiritual journey. Yoga: Mastering the Basics is an invaluable guide to this journey that will serve you through many years of practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great book
Very nice book, has many pictures to follow for the beginner. Would recommend highly. This book was suggested by my yoga teacher.

Appreciating Truth
The book arrived quickly and in the expected condition; I could tell it was used but very clean. It's just what I needed to continue my yoga home practice. Thanks you all!

Sue

Mastering the Basics
The book's title might be "LearningHowTo Do Yoga Without Turning Yourself Into A Pretzel.No doubt, Mastering the Basic isa better choice for the book's title.The trick to doing yoga is knowing the preliminary moves that eases one into the posture without strain or exertion.This book does just that with illustrations and concise easy to follow text printed next to the illustration.

Make no mistake about it, yoga can become "entwining" but this book stops short of that.From the most elementary posture one progresses to more complicated postures in what seemseffortless.The result is, "Hey, look what I can do.".

Therefore knowing what to do and how to do it makes all the difference in the world in sticking with your yoga practice and this book does exactly that.If you ever wanted to learn how to do yoga this book would be a big help in getting you started down that path.

Greatfoundation for yoga practice
I am reviewing the DVD which has two programs:Flexibility Strength and Balance and Deepen & Strengthen.

This dvd is great for beginners. You are lead through a series of warm-ups that are basic to all yoga moves.You learn how to move and hold the body which is essential for a good yoga foundation.There are two sessions.I prefer the Flexibility session to the Deepen and Strengthen.
The 2nd session makes you hold the positions for long periods. The young woman demonstrating the moves is Amazing!This is probably "old school" for many people, but without the foundation, you might as well just be exercising.Not for every day use, but great when I don't feel like twisting my spine into a pretzel.

Just what it says
I feel this book does what it says, covers the basics.It's easy to read and the pictures clearly show each pose.There is more to read than expected, and it is all beginner-friendly & not over-kill at all.A good book that provides exactly what it says it will. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is an inspirational and accessible introduction to the deep inner wisdom of yoga gathered from sources both ancient and modern by one of America’s most respected yoga scholars.

YOGA GEMS

For the millions of Americans who now practice yoga regularly, here is the perfect introduction to the rich philosophical and spiritual tradition behind the exercises.

George Feuerstein has drawn short, memorable quotations from the key texts of this five-thousand-year-old legacy, with an emphasis on the wisdom of modern yoga masters.The quotations have been selected and arranged to address the needs of yoga practitioners in the twenty-first century.

Among the many themes touched on in this treasure of a book: the process of inner growth; the value of silence; how to meditate; how to infuse everyday life with joy; universal kinship; overcoming suffering; dealing with grief, loss, anger, and jealousy; remembering and cultivating one’s true inner self; developing self-discipline; and bringing out the good in all you say and do.

For both new and experienced yoga students alike, Yoga Gems is the perfect travel companion on the road to inner peace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Like the title says...
This is a great little book. One of our favorite yoga teachers regularly concludes her classes with a reading from it. After doing yoga you are quite ready to absorb this sort of material. An excellent resource for yoga teachers.

Yoga meaning
I love this book. I have bought it as a gift for every friend I have. Often people want to know why I love Yoga so much-and I give them this book. It is the essence of yoga, far beyond the exercise so many think it is. Heart and soul, wonderful expressions of some of the most noted Yoga master.

Feel content
Just reading two or three "gems" each day made a huge impact on my happiness level.This small volume packs in so much wisdom.

short philosophical affirmitions to help your practice.
If you were looking for poses and technique of yoga, you will not find it in this book. Yoga Gems is not an instructional book on yoga. The Book defines yoga as a spiritual endeviour that should relate to all aspects of life and the human experience. The book is offers short reflexions and quotes from yoga masters that can be applicable to life in general, not just yoga practice. It makes a great read just before bedtime as each short topic leave you a sense of peace and can be pick up again anywhere, depending on how you feel. ... Read more