Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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115 of 115 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An easy-to-follow manual for both health and sprituality, 11 April 2004
Published by the Bihar School of Yoga in India, this book aspires to be a university-level academic and practical studfy book, acknowledging both Western and Indian health traditions. It is very comprehensive with easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions as to how to perform the exercises, along with clear illustrations. It covers Asana – the stretching exercises (which many people confuse as the be-all and end-all of yoga) – basice, intermediate and advanced, Pranayama – the breathing exercises, Bandha – holding exercises to control the flow of “prana” energy in the body, Mudra – gestures and positions to promote the flow of psychic energise in the body, Shatkarma – methods of physical cleansing of the body (some rather grim) so as to better perform the exercises, and an introduction to Yogic physiological theory – chakras, prana and the like.
I like this book because it does not reinforce the Western body-mind separation inherent in our habitual distinction between Yoga (more correctly Asana) and Meditation, but treats both as part and parcel of the pursuit of holistic health and spirituality. However the book is versatile enough for one to pick and choose exercises as one likes. There is also a very handy therapeutic index at the back which advises which exercises are most appropriate to which ailments.
This is the only book that I refer to on an almost daily basis. I have to admit that I haven’t got an adonis body or achieved oneness with Godhead yet, nor have I even attempted any of the intermediate or advanved asanas, but these things can take time – and I’m feeling better all the time.
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136 of 138 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very thorough, well written ,easy to follow book., 1 Aug 2001
It is difficult to find a book which really stands apart from other books on Yoga, and this book really does. Swami Satyananda's covers all aspects of Hatha Yoga in a very detailed way. Each and every asana is explained in step by step easy to follow manner. Nothing is missed out. It has a beginner, intermediate and advanced sections to suit all and also to progress slowly and steadily which is the real key in Yoga practice. There are seperate sections on Pranayama, Bandha, Mudra and Shatkarma making it a comprehensive treatise. It has an appeal for both a beginner and advanced student of yoga. Benefits and contraindications of all asanas are given. Those looking for a hatha yoga book with spiritual insight will also find very informative. On the whole this is the best book on Hatha Yoga I have read and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very inspiring yoga manual, 7 Dec 2007
This book is simply superb. I have been practising yoga for a couple of years, and this book is a pleasure to dip in to for home practice.
It is a delight to work through different asanas, and to compose your own personal practice. Each asana has a list of benefits which is usually a list of physical / spiritual benefits. This helps you work out which asanas might benefit you most at the current time.
There is even a bit in the back listing asanas which help relieve common ailments.
I have bought books before on Tai Chi, martial arts and yoga, and it is usually impossible to do the moves at home from a book, but this is the first book that has made this possible, this is down to clear diagrams and excellent written descriptions. Of course it is recommended to practice alongside a qualified yoga teacher, but this book is excellent for home practice.
It is suitable for beginners to advanced.
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