8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended, even if you have other books by or about Iyengar!, January 2, 2009
This review is from: Iyengar: The Yoga Master (Paperback)
B.K.S. Iyengar celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14, 2008. This collection of uplifting essays, stories and interviews by a delightfully diverse group of 51 contributors, is a celebration of his life.
Compiled and introduced by Kofi Busia, one of the world's foremost teachers in the Iyengar tradition, this book offers the opportunity to learn about Iyengar through the eyes and experience of close friends and long-time senior students.
The contributions in this tribute volume are unique and thought provoking. Some honor Iyengar's life and work, other essays address the best-known features of Iyengar's teaching. Most valuable is that the book provides personal reminiscence and insight into the influence Iyengar has had, as a man and a teacher, on each writer.
Kofi Busia (the editor) is also a Sanskrit scholar. He translated several ancient texts into English, including The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which adds authenticity and clarity to the book.
I found it very helpful that Kofi begins the book with an Editor's Note that explains the issues that arise in compiling a collection of stories that contain many Sanskrit words. Sanskrit terms, with few exceptions, have been transliterated as phonetically as possible to make the material more accessible to both new and experienced students.
The Editor's Note is followed by a humorous introduction in which Kofi describes how he fell into teaching, his early encounters with Iyengar, and how he came to compile this book. Along with his self-effacing personal saga, Kofi opens a window into the riveting history of how Iyengar yoga grew from a few original students into a worldwide phenomenon that revolutionized the yoga world.
Kofi's close connection with both Iyengar and many of the teachers featured in the book make him the perfect editor for this project. He acts as a knowledgeable host and philosophical guide by providing an informative and insightful introduction to each essay. His gift for extrapolating gems of yoga philosophy helps to make the personal stories universal and more meaningful.
Kofi has structured the book into two fascinating parts: "The Embodiment of Practice" and "Light On Life." The scope of these two parts is as vast as the stars in the sky!
As an animal advocate, my favorite essay is by Dona Holleman, entitled, "Yoga in Daily Life." Dona's story is about her rescue horse, Cisco, who had been so abused that he wanted nothing more in life than to run as far away as possible from anything human.
I honestly cannot recall another yoga book that filled me with such delight and recognition. I studied with many of the teachers featured in this book before they were famous, back in the seventies when they were fresh from their first trip to India. They write from the heart -- and their recollections bring back happy memories of my own discovery of Iyengar yoga.
Even if you've read other books by or about B.K.S. Iyengar, you will come away from Iyengar: The Yoga Master, with a deeper understanding of the man and his life's work, and how each of us must find our own inner light and unique way to carry the yoga flame forward.
---Suza Francina is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and author of several books, including The New Yoga for People Over 50 and The New Yoga for Healthy Aging.
(Adapted from a review by Suza Francina, Yoga Vidya Journal, Winter, 2009)
Note: Kofi Busia is currently based in Santa Cruz, California, where he is putting the finishing touches to two books, one of which is an original translation and commentary of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. www.kofibusia.com
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Light on BKS Iyengar!, June 28, 2009
This review is from: Iyengar: The Yoga Master (Paperback)
Kofi Busia is a long-time early student of Sri BKS Iyengar and a fine yoga master in his own right. One of my personal favorite teachers, a Sanskrit scholar, and a downright fine human being, Kofi has pulled together Mr. Iyengar's finest students to share their insights into this remarkable man. A must-read for yoga devotees, whether or not you follow the challenging Iyengar yoga path. Mr. Iyengar, now over 90 years old (in 2009) has made yoga history, made yoga accessible to the west, and has changed the bodies, minds and spirits of several generations of yoga practitioners. This book captures the essense of this incredible man.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a veritable treat, October 18, 2009
This review is from: Iyengar: The Yoga Master (Paperback)
A selection of highly respected and internationally renowned yoga teachers having attended a conference to celebrate B.K.S. Iyengar 90th year and to raise money for his charity have each written a chapter as a homage and to acknowledge the unequaled contribution to the world of yoga and to each of them as individuals.
The content varies as does the knowledge and maturity of its contributors.There are some very detailed and erudite elucidations as well as personal anecdotes both touching and humorous.Whether you practice Iyengar yoga or have not even heard of Guruji, as he is affectionately known by his students is of no importance.This book offers a very diverse, educative and inspiring read.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
