Customer Reviews

The Sivananda Companion to Yoga: A Complete Guide to the Physical Postures, Breathing Exercises, Diet, Relaxation, and Meditation Techniques of Yoga

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To my mind Sivananda is the perfect type of yoga-- just the right mix of spirituality, workout, stretching and relaxation all in one. I always feel fantastic afterwards! So when I moved and couldn't find a class in my area, I really missed it. Tried Ashtanga--too many pushups! Iyengar...so much time on alignment and never broke a sweat! Gym yoga class...how do they even call this yoga? So I got this book, and it basically took me right back to the classes I used to take at the Sivananda center on 24th St., minus the chanting and a few of the variations. I use it all the time. The poses are explained well, especially if you have practiced them in a class before, with lots of diagrams and pictures and they include plenty of variations. The quick reference chart is great to remind you what order things go in or if you just want a quick half-hour session. Also good advice on diet and meditation and yoga in general. Definitely worth it for me...it's one exercise book I actually use!

This Yoga companion is a wonderful guide for any beginner or inntermediate yoga lover. The book has a wonderful variety of poses, all of which are broken down into step by step instructions and accompanied by wonderful illustrations, pictures, and breathing instructions. This book also contains history, a diet section, and a recommended yoga schedule which is what I started on and like to follow. I use this book with my friends and we like it very much. It is a wonderful reference and I recommend it to everyone! Enjoy your yoga!

This is the most well rounded and authentic book on yoga i have ever seen. The pictures in it are bright and lively. and the discriptions are short and to the point. it includes many handy variations and even a practice chart to keep your yoga practice continual. and unlike other yoga books this book includes not just the postures but the vital breathing and relaxation exercises along with a food guide. I was actually forced to buy it for the teacher training i'm going to and i'm more than glad i have it!

This is an excellent resource for learning & discovering Hatha Yoga. It covers everything from the histroy & philsophy of the Sivananda Yoga Center to warm-ups, basic & advanced postures, breathing, diet, cleansing, & purfication techniques. There are excellent illustrations & inspiring photographs of extremly talented instructors performing basic & advanced asanas (postures.) It also includes a detailed outline for learning the asanas & organaizing a practice routine. There are even sections which discuss routines for the young, elderly, & pregnent. Although nothing beats hands-on instruction, this book allows you to learn the fundamentals of Hatha Yoga in a clear, detailed manner. If you are lucky enough to have a good teacher, you'll find yourself going back to this wonderful book for review & inspiration.

I've wanted to take up yoga for a couple of years now, and this was the book that finally helped me to get started. It is very comprehensive in its exposition of the fundamentals of yoga, and the numerous illistrations really help you feel sure that what you're doing is right, which could be a concern if you are practicing by yourself. However, I would have liked to see a longer section on yoga diet. Nevertheless, I recommend the book to anybody that is even remotely interested in yoga. The pieces of yoga history, proverbs, and inspirational thought will give you insight into that teaching, which has survived ancient times and has reached our modernity as relevant as ever. And even as you become more knowledgeable and proficient in yoga, and buy other readings, this one is bound to remain a good companion of yours for years.

This book is a great place to begin your practice of yoga. I am a beginner and I found it to be easy to follow with great illustrations. It also gives details on the history of yoga as well as information on diet. I strongly recommend it to beginners.

I received this book as a gift after I had been diagnosed with fibromyalga.I had already been practicing for a few years, but this book enabled me to depen my practice. I have since been certified to teach through the Sivananda Vedanta Yoga Centers. I love this book I come back to it again and again. It is complete in its approach. There is not too much to overwhelm the beginner, but enough substance for advanced yogi or yogini. As yoga sweeps through the West with a heavy emphasis on the asanas, this book offers ways to bring all aspects of yoga to your life. My husband uses to book for his practice and we have bought it for other family members. Om Shanti

This is an excellent overall book on hatha yoga. It is simply stated and easy to understand. It also introduces the reader to deeper aspects of the yoga study. I often refer people to this book, and I refer to it myself often.

This book offers both the novice and the advanced student something to work towards. It is clear, informative, and easy to understand with its descriptions and pictures. If you have never studied yoga, you may want to use this book in conjunction with an easier yoga book, gradually working towards this schedule.

Overall this book gives its user an excellent beginning into the world of yoga. It provides a step by step introduction into the breathing techniques and asanas that allows the total beginner to ease him or herself into the complex world of yoga. Once you have mastered all of the basics the book also goes on to more advanced techniques and variations as well as a comprehensive look at how to live a life in the tradition of the original yogis. Specifically dealt with are diet, meditation, and the meaning behind all of the asanas, breathing techniques, and the philosophy of it all. The pictures and drawings a very helpful, as they show the full body, instead of stick figures, in addition to step-by-step instruction on how to get into (and out of) the asanas. Overall great value for money for beginning and experienced yogis alike.