Light on YogaMarch 14, 2007 5 out of 6 found this review helpful
A MUST for all serious students of yoga. It is not an easy read, but the information is necessary for a complete practice.
If You Could Have Only One Book on Hatha . . .January 18, 2007 9 out of 9 found this review helpful
. . . this would be it. It contains clear explanations and photographs of every asana there is--or, to be more precise, if it isn't in here, you don't need it. The brief section on yoga philosophy is excellent, as is the brief, but thorough, introduction to pranayama. This book has been The Bible of hatha yoga since its publication and deservedly so.
The tone of the book, however, is very austere. Very no-nonsense. And humorless. Given the nature of the book, those are certainly not to be considered flaws. But to lighten and sweeten your yoga reading and library, you would probably do well to add one of Donna Farhi's excellent books, or the Sivananda Companion, or really any other contemporary hatha-oriented text that appeals to you. Iyengar is a master and a master teacher, but his prose here does not make one feel like hitting the mat. It's quite cold and technical. If, like me, you find it helpful to have an author who coaxes and coaches and does some virtual hand-holding, get a more touchy-feely text to go along with this one.
If you want to learn, do it from the bestJanuary 14, 2007 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Great instruction, precise, to the point. Black and white photos that are inspiring and challenge our expectations. A definite book to own for anyone serious about the study of yoga and asanas.
Great bookJanuary 6, 2007 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
As the title says - Bible of Modern Yoga. Very informative, very detailed and is a great reference. It is not a 'fancy' yoga book, so no color pictures but is a must have for anyone who really wants to learn about yoga.
A classic, if you have a serious practice own this book!November 3, 2006 7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Not flashy or even user friendly (hence 4 stars instead of 5) this book is required reading for serious yogins. Iyengars description of poses is the "industry standard" even if you don't agree with his placement of the arm in one asana or another. I find myself referring to this text over and over in my teacher trainings and in my practice.
