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

~ Sivanda Yoga Center (Author), Vishnu Devananda (Author) "Living with mind and body relaxed is our natural state, our birthright - it is only the pace of our lives that has made us..." (more)
Key Phrases: new asanas, clasp the foot, basic session, Corpse Pose, Half Lotus, Spinal Twist (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

THE ESSENTIAL COMPANION FOR BEGINNING AND EXPERIENCED YOGIS ALIKE

A highly regarded organization for yoga studies and practices, the Sivananda Yoga Center created the first edition of The Sivananda Companion to Yoga in 1983. Since its publication, it has sold more than 700,000 copies worldwide and has become a standard text for both yoga students and teachers.

Now with fresh, colorful pages throughout, The Sivananda Companion to Yoga remains the classic guide to yoga. With easy-to-follow instructions, inspirational teaching, and detailed illustrations, this authoritative guide covers every aspect of the yoga lifestyle, including relaxation, exercise, dietary guidelines, breathing, and meditation. Whether you're using it in conjunction with a class or on your own, The Sivananda Companion to Yoga can help you

* Develop a fit and beautiful body
* Boost your energy and vitality at any stage of life
* Reduce stress and experience greater peace of mind
* Eat nutritiously and responsibly
* Increase your powers of concentration and discipline

Yoga is a journey toward physical and spiritual wellness. With this beautiful, bestselling guide in hand, you will experience the health, energy, and vibrancy that yoga can bring into your life.

About the Author

The Sivananda Yoga Center is a worldwide network of teaching facilities and is recognized internationally as an authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga, with locations throughout the United States and Canada and in Austria, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, India, Israel, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; 1st Fireside Ed edition (April 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684870002
• ISBN-13: 978-0684870007
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,454 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best!, June 8, 2001

By	M. Schutz (Sauk Rapids, Minnesota United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE THIS YOGA BOOK!, April 25, 2000

By	Sharon Fabrega (Asheville, NC) - See all my reviews

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!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great buy, August 23, 2005

By	Mrs. Langers (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

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!