Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing [Paperback]

B. K. S. Iyengar (Author), Yehudi Menuhin (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1985

In this classic yoga best-seller a world-renowned yoga master shares the techniques of breathing together with a comprehensive background of yoga philosophy. B. K. S. Iyengar is a legend who has practiced yoga in a unique way, and today "Iyengar Yoga" is taught around the world by certified instructors.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (June 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824506863
• ISBN-13: 978-0824506865
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 17 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Yoga
  • #96 in Books > Gay & Lesbian
  • #98 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Personal Health > Stress

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

173 of 176 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Iyengar Perfection, August 23, 1998

By 

Frikaloopa (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing (Paperback)

There are not many sources for the westerner who wishes to explore the depths of pranayama.This book is an exhaustive look into the art of breathing.It is complete,it is detailed and technical and it comes from an acknowledged guru.It is more than any other "modern" guru or yoga organization has put out in book form about the subject.For anyone who wishes to investigate and practice pranayama this is the classic.

73 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly detailed classic for serious practioners, December 16, 2006

By 

Patrick D. Goonan "see profile for URL" (Livermore, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing (Paperback)

I teach meditation and I am educated in biology, biochemistry and psychology. I am also a student of world religions and a yoga practioner. During my graduate school years, I was also a Teaching Fellow in Physiology and I teach workshops on pranayama and biofeedback. Therefore, I think my opinion has some weight in this arena although I realize there are more serious yoga practioners who have more in-depth knowledge than me. My purpose in sharing this information is to provide context from my review. I hope this is useful.

This book is incredibly detailed and goes deeply into respiratory physiology, muscles, practices and the details of pranayama practice. There are clear explanations, however, many people may find them to technical without a biology background or the desire to take this information in slowly.

There are many good diagrams and photos in the book that any practitioner will find helpful. In some cases, they are unique in the yoga literature in some way and I can't imagine not having this book on your shelf if you are serious about the practice of pranayama.

While this is not the most colorful or modern looking text, it certainly packs a lot of information into a small space. It is also written by someone who has travelled this road and understands it both technically and from the inside. In short, it is an authoratative text on this subject.

A lighter book along the same lines which I have also read is the Science of Breath. For beginners, this title might be more appropriate. However, any practioner at any level will eventually want to own this book.

120 of 131 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You need something real on Pranayama?, November 19, 2000

By 

Svyatoslav Uvarov (Bathurst, NB Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing (Paperback)

In my humble opinion, BKS Iyengar is the highest authority on Yoga of these days. You may not agree with me, no problem, but just open this book and you'll see that I might be right. Brilliant and clear explanation of Pranayama, step by step genuine method,theoretical background and a whole lot more, not even speaking about the illustrations. To be absolutly frank, this book alone is better than a semi-learned instructor, which are abundant here in the West. This book WILL change you! No gibberish of Hinduism, pure essense of Yoga!