ExcellentNovember 13, 2008 This large book on yoga and kriya shows in detail how to do various yoga exercises, breathing excercises, a meditation method called ajapa japa, kriya yoga, and very much else.
It does not seek to indoctrinate anyone, but to present an Indian-based, yogic lifestyle with its claims and demands on your time.
And contrary to other books that sell by their title of "kriya yoga", this one gives you exact kriya methods, in a progressive program. It shows up from the book that there are many kriya yoga techniques, but also a core kriya method: it is a way of breathing that is called ujjayi.
There are others that propagate kriya yoga too, but some tie you for it, tie you to beliefs, guru worship, and tie your future by a harsh oath of unconditional loyalty that purports to extend even for life-times. Self-Realization Fellowship hands out kriya yoga in such a way. If you value the freedom you have got already, here is a better deal - kriya without ties.
The programs in the book are strenuous, but should be attainable by quite supple persons, all in all.
I am glad indeed I got this large (over 950 pages) repository of yoga teachings and methods, and thankful to the publishers too. It is a book I would not miss.
This book is not a cosmic jokeMay 19, 2008 3 out of 4 found this review helpful
People who believe this book is a cosmic joke will unfortunately miss out on an unique opportunity here to learn aspects from yoga which were only available from very advanced yoga teachers and gurus. If you could say that there would be a bible on yoga, which I don't think you can, you could say that this is the definite bible on yoga. When I got the book and looked in it I was surprised and overwhelmed to find so much text in it compared to just a few illustrations. The usual yoga book has lots of photographs with instructions, however these books often miss out on the very essential information to practice yoga not just as a stretch or fitness exercise, which certainly do have benefits. I always knew there was a lot more to yoga than was presented to me and I've been doing different types of yoga for over 20 years. If you want to get more out of your yoga practice, this is absolutely the book for you. It tells you about all the other aspects of yoga and specifically about kriya yoga. The book gives an outline to practice yoga and it is suitable for anybody, from beginners to very advanced yoga practicians.Even though is has a lot of text it is a very practical course in yoga and easy to follow. It is very readable and understandable and he gives very down to ground information about the "higher consciousness" aspects of yoga. I love it and it is worth every penny I paid for it.
THIS IS THE ONLY BOOK ON YOGA YOULL EVER NEEDFebruary 27, 2008 6 out of 7 found this review helpful
If I were to have only ONE book on yoga it would be this. Covers EVERYTHING. Perfect for students and teachers alike. Worth every penny. Its HUGE! I love this book so much. So much information, and I agree with other reviewers. Dont be intimidated. And please, dont listen to the person who gave this a 1 star saying that some little man in India is laughing all the way to bank...whatever to you, I hope you find peace within yourself. Im sure The Bihar School of Yoga in India is sad for people like you. Im sorry you feel that way and had to publically give a 1 star without even reading the book Im SURE. All proceeds from all BSOY go back to the ashrams, schools and to other charitable causes! This book is a treasure that I carry like a BIBLE! JAI Swami Satyananda, JAI SIVANANDA! Om Namah Sivaya!
If you only read one book about yoga in your life.June 19, 2007 12 out of 13 found this review helpful
This book is very complete, and yet doesn't focus on the extreme aspects that make so many people think that they 'can't do yoga'. You -can- do yoga, without being a "circus performer", (as is mentioned in the book). As there is no unecessary physical extreme here, there is also no judgement of motive: You want to do yoga / you have your reasons / yoga is good / any motives to do yoga are good motives. Teaching by good example, rather than rules; inspirational.
Cosmic jokeMarch 3, 2007 1 out of 67 found this review helpful
If you paid $80 for this book, somewhere in India a stout little man in orange is laughing all the way to the bank.
