LIGHT ON YOGA [Paperback]

B.K.S. Iyengar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 1987

New larger format, easier to read and follow edition of this Yoga classic. Includes a brand new foreword by the author. B. K. S Iyengar's Light On Yoga is established now as the classic text for all serious students of yoga. It's a jewel in the list and we are delighted to have the enthusiastic support of B. K. S. Iyengar for this new edition. There has not been a substantial redesign of Light On Yoga since the 1960's and although this orginal, cramped design does sell, we know our new look book will broaden it's appeal, ensuring Light On Yoga remains fresh and accesible. Contains: / Step by step photo-guide to routines for beginners to highly advanced. / Guide to yoga breathing / Introduction to the philosophy behind the Yoga. / Guide to healing specific health problems with yoga poses. New design will appeal to new yoga readers and existing Iyengar students: Larger, more spacious, squarer format pages / Improved structure -- so its easy to see where one exercise ends and next begins / Updated page design and typeface / Larger, easier to read type / Larger photo's of each completed Asana (pose) -- to show more detail. Iyengar's original text is retained throughout and we also have a brand new foreword written by Mr Iyengar especially for this edition.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The best book in English on hatha yoga" The New Statesman. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

B. K. S. Iyengar is the world's most revered living teacher of yoga. He was the first person to bring Yoga to the West, and his teaching has been hugely influential over the last 3 decades. He now lives and teaches in Pune, India. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Schocken; 4th edition (October 14, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805206108
• ISBN-13: 978-0805206104
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,281,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

B.K.S. Iyengar was born in India in 1918 and has been teaching yoga since of the age of 17. He has been one of the world's leading teachers of yoga for over 70 years and is internationally recognized as a leading authority of hatha yoga. His own style of teaching, "Iyengar Yoga", is followed by certified teachers across the world. Iyengar was the first person to teach yoga to large groups of students; he lays great emphasis on precision and alignment, a style that is faithfully followed by his students. He is also the only person to teach the highest aspects of yoga - Atma Darshan - through asanas. Through his work, Iyengar has established the relevance of yoga to the treatment and cure of many illnesses, and has received a Doctorate from the United Nations Charter for Peace. At the age of 90, Iyengar still practices and teaches yoga, and also travels the world teaching and lecturing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible of Hatha Yoga, July 21, 2001

By 

Jyoti Hansa "Snow Leopard" (Indianapolis,, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: LIGHT ON YOGA (Paperback)

I have been priviledged to have a copy of this book since it was first published. Being a student of yoga, I was always watching for new books on Yoga. My teacher of the time had taken me as far as she knew to do. When I met BKS Iyengar through his book, my work started again. I thought I knew a lot, but this book showed me how much I didn't know about the practice of asana, bandhas and pranayama. (postures, lock and breathwork) I was overwhelmed with the amazing amount of instruction written and discovered quickly that by using these instructions, I could take my own body further than ever before. At that time, I was quite flexible and I thought, also strong. Light on Yoga is a book that allows one to move beyond any limited thinking and limitation in a healthy body and has an amazing therapeutic section for those that suffer dis-ease and limitations. This is truly the "bible" for the asana work and is considered that by many teachers and in all traditions. The details given when followed precisely will take you beyond yourself into the most subtle and deepest levels one can experience. The first 63 pages are a translation of the Yoga Sutra's. This is a book for those that have a teacher and regular class as well as the book for those that prefer to be self-taught. You won't find a better book anywhere.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Warning! Horrible version of classic book, false advertising, December 31, 2010

By 

Darien Flores (morgantown wv) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Light on Yoga (Paperback)

I own the original version of Light on Yoga, which I highly recommend. but I decided to buy Light on Yoga for a friend as a Christmas gift, and I saw the description of this new version. The description claims that the original had been improved in various ways such as the dimensions and organization. I decided to get this updated version and buy myself a copy as well to replace my battered old book. I ordered the books from the seller Nataraj Books. When the books came I was irritated to find that I had been mislead. There were none of the promised improvements, and the quality of the photograph reproductions was horrible. They looked like bad photocopies, all dark and grainy. The photos in the original are crisp and clear. So I sent them both back and ordered the original version for my friend. I don't know why the description here on amazon makes all these claims about improvement, the books I got were definitely worse in every way, including the price. It is very misleading. I would not recommend Nataraj Books at all. I believe they sell low quality books printed in India. The only good thing about it was that they refunded me without any hassle. I recommend the original version highly, but not this shoddy reprint.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best reference on asanas, August 12, 2006

By 

Alvin Chan (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light on Yoga (Paperback)

One of the most complete books on asanas. And B. K. S. Iyengar don't just show you the picture. He goes on with explanations, benefits, variations, sequences, etc. If you are a serious practioner of asanas, this is the best and most complete reference. It goes well beyond what your asana hatha yoga teacher can do. For me, I find it a good reading to expand my knowledge on asanas, especially when I want to find something new to challenge my body. there is always something in this book that I cannot do yet, may be forever! This book is not intented to be a textbook on yoga, though. If you are beginner and don't intent to challenge your body too much, then this book may not be what you want. Try taking classes, and have a books such as " Yoga: The Iyengar Way" by Silva Mehta instead.

I am personally interested in asanas, but not so much as in doing all of the feats here. It all depends on why you want to do yoga. Don't forget that asana is only a small part (one of the eight limbs) of yoga. Even if you do asana with a meditative mind, you still miss what deep meditation can offer¯peace, health, a focused mind, and eventually bliss. And don't forget pranayama too. This book does contain some basic instruction on pranayama. But it's not comprehensive. And some long-time practioners of the Iyengar pranayama have reported undesirable side effects.

For a comprehensive and effective, non-sectarian approach to meditation and other advanced techniques in yoga, try Advanced Yoga Practices: Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living by Yogani. Supplementing Iyengar yoga with these missing pieces will give you the best techniques you have for your body, mind and spirit.