Customer Reviews

Beyond Power Yoga: 8 Levels of Practice for Body and Soul

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Power Yoga, Beryl Bender Birch's first book, is a great introduction to developing a strong asana practice. In Beyond Power Yoga, Beryl reminds us that true astanga yoga is about more than physical health; rather it includes ethical living, a disciplined mind and body, and openness to that which is larger than ourselves. Beryl presents this information in a conversational, friendly manner, similar to how she spoke at a workshop I recently attended. Asanas, of course, are at the core of this work, and BPY gives us a good overview of a mixed primary and secondary series of practice. However, BPY goes beyond the asanas by linking the chakras to the 8 limbs of astanga yoga practice as detailed in the Yoga Sutras. The section on pranayama is exceptional--she brings a relatively obscure practice down to earth in a way that reveals not only how to do it, but *why* it's important to practice in our lives. This is a book for those interested in the larger picture of yoga and how it fits into a spiritual/philosophical worldview of how to live rightly on this earth. Highly recommended for those who like to sweat but are ready for even more from their practice, as well as those from other hatha yoga traditions, if just to prove that astanga yoga is rooted in spirit as well as matter.

As a committed beginning yoga student--6+ months practicing--this is exactly what I have been looking for. In the West few yoga teachers are willing to make the spiritual and ehthical connections that are an essential part of yoga--union--mind and body, world and spirit. Perhaps they feel that American students are only looking for a "workout." But as the body bends and becomes more flexible, so can the mind. The energy that makes you physically strong also can liberate your spirit from the many weights that drag it down. Birch's writing is not only clear and helpful, but very moving. Reading this book, and starting to integrate the practices into one's whole life, will open up a lot of unexplored places in your life. She interprets the yoga philosophy in terms that speak directly to the student. I think she is especially helpful to women practitioners, since so much of the traditional yoga culture has been male. Wonderful--very highly recommended!

BBB does it again! What a find. I read Power Yoga a year ago and was very pleased to find Beyond... on the shelf last week. This book will give you a thorough introduction to astanga yoga, or deepen your already existing practice. But more than that, it takes you deeper into WHY practicing yoga is so challenging, why you run into hurdles/blocks, why they are good for you, and how to overcome them. Exactly why I was browsing the yoga shelf that day.....

I heartily agree with the previous reviews that praise Beryl Bender Birch's newest book. After reading Power Yoga I felt extremely inspired to start and continue practice of asana postures...but this book surpasses the postures described in detail in Power Yoga. Beyond Power Yoga: 8 Levels of Practice for Body and Soul, is truly the continuation of the Astanga practice for those yogi's who wish to improve their health physically and mentally. BBB reviews the postures described in Power Yoga and continues into an in depth description of the connections between the physical practice and the movement of prana through the chakras. She also discusses the history and progression of yoga in a direct and interesting manner. I highly recommend this book to both beginners and advanced yoga practicers because the author makes sure to cover all levels of Astanga yoga in a challenging but reassuring manner. This book provides pure motivation for the Yoga enthusiast!

I am greatly impressed by Birch's new book, "Beyond Power Yoga." I feel that she has managed to distill all of her experience and teaching skills into an incredibly well written text that is both very enjoyable to read and also very inspiring and personally challenging. Usually sequels are not as good as the original, but "Beyond Power Yoga" is an outstanding exception. I feel that it is truly an uncompromisingly honest piece of work.

First there was Power Yoga. I remember buying the book in 1996, intrigued by the cover. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down! A few months later, I went to a workshop Beryl, and her husband, Thom, gave in Chicago. What an incredible experience. What inspiring and open teachers! The sun and moon interchanging and shining brightly between them. When "Beyond Power Yoga" came out, I was one of the first in line to get it at the bookstore. I love it! It is quiet personal, heart-warming, and educational as well. Each book stands as a strong foundation on its own. Thank you, Beryl, for sharing so much joy, knowledge, and personal experience in yoga. Your tapes are wonderful too!

I bought this book at a discount sale before I really knew that much about yoga. Later I became so intrigued with the healing power of yoga that I studied to be a yoga teacher. During the course of my study I had to write research papers, study asana, learn about body structure, healing, and the spiritual journey. This book was not a book that was required reading but it was one of my most used resources. It helped me to see an American Yogis journey and relate it to my own life. Although some people might criticize the occasional personal story in the book, I enjoyed every personal moment that was written about. The stories made the book an easy read as well as made the possibility of becoming a good yogi seem accessible to me, not just something that "other people" can accomplish.

This book went very well with the Light on Life book by BKS Iyengar. The asana information has been of great benefit too, I like to have many different descriptions about the particulars of a pose. I'm a healthier person because of this book. Thank you Beryl Binder Birch, because of this book you've been one of my gurus.

When I got that book I thougt I was going to be disapointed with it, but when I was starting to read it I couldnt stop because it was so interesting and true & I was glad to see some few new postures that were added to the workout from her last book.The book is quite funny too & Beryl BB writes in an everyday language that is fun to read.

Birch once again gives us more information about herself than is needed. Check out Donna Farhi's "Yoga: Mind, Body and Spirit" for a more thorough examination of the subject matter without all of the self-important jibber-jabber.

I bought this book and read through the testimonies of the writer and her dog companion and how she got started, it is sooooo inspirational. I really want to get involved with the exercises that open all the blocks deal with the chakras. I was wondering is there a video with this book. I also enjoyed the concentration postures and the meditation and the sun salutations everything is so full. But I Feel by my being a beginner a video would help me follow through step by step a lot better. The book with its miraculous spiritual inspiration to get involved with yoga and the benefits I BELIEVE flow from the exercises its the best thing to do. I have dipped a little in yoga but would like to be more dedicated because of the energy flowing from the book. BERLY PLEASE do a video for us......LOVE you both....