Customer Reviews

LIGHT ON YOGA

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is the book for anyone who takes asanas seriously. There are so many variations and each asana properly explained.
If all you want is 1 yoga book, this is the book.
Note that this is Iyengar style yoga focusing on detailed alignment.
It is impossible for anyone to improve on this book as far as Iyengar yoga is concerned.

This book has a wealth of information for any practitioner of yoga, from beginner to advanced. The content is concise and practical, and the poses are sequenced in a way that allows for a gradual and safe progression in the practice. There are also dozens of practice sequences given for both improvement and how to treat common ailments through yoga. The introduction is especially valuable, as it offers a no fluff in-depth commentary on the philosophical thought behind the asana practice. I pick it up again and again and am still referring to it after nearly 15 years of owing it. My copy is dog eared and loved, and was well worth every penny.

An earlier reviewer mentioned that the photos and layout were not user friendly, and only gave the book two stars, which is a shame. This book was first printed in the mid 1960's - over 40 years ago! It was the first yoga book of it's kind to ever be printed, and it's content is timeless and as relevant today as ever. Mr. Iyengar even had to struggle with his then publisher to be allowed to include so many photos, as it was so expensive in those days to print such a book. I say hats off to the man who brought yoga to the west long before it was ready. He's a pioneer and a virtuoso of his craft, and his marvelous work should never be over overlooked just because it doesn't come in some glossy package fit for the masses.

Light On Yoga is my favorite book on yoga! With today's many Western teaching modalities and variety of teaching styles, it is nice to come back to the this book and review the traditional alignment for the many different asana's in yoga.
This truly is a reference book with in- depth description of the pose's along with photos of Iyengar demonstrating each asana.

As a yoga practitioner and teacher,this book has been a wonderful companion for many years. It would be very unusual indeed for a teacher to have either not heard of or own this book. The serious student would benefit from owning a copy also but for people new to yoga or who have physical restrictions, they may be better off looking at what people call "Therapeutic Yoga" these days. Hatha Yoga has always been a therapeutic discipline for over 5000 years but today we have the advantage of looking for specific areas that focus on a particular bias. Everyone should have the opportunity of learning how to master the mind-body complex. Camella Nair RYT author of "Aqua Kriya Yoga"

I have the original hardback of this book and took a chance and ordered the paperpack...unfortunately the type is much to small to read and I had to return it. I do wear glasses but my vision is not poor and do not have trouble reading.

I purchased this as a gift for a friend who is studying yoga. He is not studying Iyengar Yoga, however, he uses this volume constantly for refernce and instruction. I have owned this book for ages and still find myself pouring over the information and photographs in it. I love the new editions cover.

The book arrived sooner than estimated and in pristine condition, so Amazon gets another A+ from this satisfied customer!