The Elements of Yoga [Paperback]

Godfrey Devereux (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1994 | Series: Elements

Although it has become one of the most popular and effective forms of exercise and mind-body health in the West, the origins and philosophy of yoga remain a mystery to most people. This much-needed introduction explains yoga's history and traditions, its various disciplines, practices, and benefits, and includes several new exercises created especially for this book. Illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Godfrey Devereux began teaching yoga in 1979 and has been teaching full time since 1989. He is currently Director of the Windfire Yoga residential yoga training centre in Ibiza, Spain. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd (November 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852305703
• ISBN-13: 978-1852305703
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,006,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction to yoga, September 2, 2005

By 

Luis A. Iglesias Gomez (Salamanca, Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elements of Yoga (Paperback)

I found this book an extremely informative and thorough introduction to yoga. While briefly examining the different branches and styles of yoga being taught today in the West, Devereux delves quite deeply into the essence of yoga as defined by Patanjali. The book includes the author's translation of Patanjali's yogasutras as well as interesting sections on yoga and diet, yoga and sex, yoga an family, and on the partial forms of yoga presently being taught most everywhere under the hatha yoga label. I find myself going back to these sections again and again for further and deeper understanding of yoga in its multiple facets.

The second half of the book explains in great detail a good number of accessible yoga postures (mind you: accessible doesn't mean easy to perform well!) arranged in different practice routines at the end. All in all, an excellent introduction to those wanting to get started in yoga, not only as a great form of physical exercise, but as a complete lifestyle rich in purpose and meaning.