LIGHT ON YOGA (Paperback)

~ B.K.S. Iyengar (Author)

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.

Product Description

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

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: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #731,135 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 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)

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.

9 of 9 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.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly The BOOK, December 14, 2002

By A Customer

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.