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ranked #9 out of 15 resources	rated 3.70 out of 5	total 6 votes

The Illustrated Light on Yoga

Author: BKS Iyengar

Resource Type: Book

RRP: USD $19.95

Analysis:

• Definitely a book to introduce a beginner to yoga. It’s not Ashtanga yoga, but it would be ideal for someone looking for a more gentle introduction to yoga and perhaps Ashtanga.
• Describes over 57 key asanas and a brief summary of pranayama.
• Includes photographs which makes the book usable by students who don’t have access to a teacher.
• Photographs are lacking in detail as they are in black and white and are quite grainy.
• Includes a 35 week course for beginners where each week has a list of asanas to perform with gradually more difficult asanas added.
• Description of asanas includes:
  • The technique - how to get into the pose.
  • Effects - what muscles it stretches, what health benefits can be gained.
  • Hints - for the more tricky asanas eg, Sirsasana.
  • Notes - how asanas are linked to each other.
• Includes a glossary.
• This book isn’t well suited for Ashtanga practitioners as it’s devoid of vinyasa detail.
• Beginners looking to learn Ashtanga yoga are also adviced against this book as it will not teach you about vinyasas, which is an integral part of Ashtanga.

Comparison to Light on Yoga:

The classic book, Light on Yoga, is much more comprehensive with detailed descriptions of over 200 asanas and 14 pranayamas. This doesn’t distract from the usefulness of The Illustrated Light on Yoga as an excellent book for beginners.

Illustrated Light on Yoga is perfectly suited for beginners who are perhaps apprehensive about Ashtanga being “too” physically demanding and are looking for a more gentle start to yoga.

Backcover:

‘Mr Iyengar’s Light on Yoga has, since it was first published over 25 years ago, enabled many to follow his example… This new concise edition will bring the basic art of yoga to a much wider audience and will enable it to be practiced at the very highest level.’ Yehudi Menuhin

The Illustrated Light on Yoga is a straight forward and comprehensive introduction for the beginner by the acknowledged expert on the subject. Illustrated throughout with 150 photographs carefully positioned in the relevant part of the text for easy reference, it includes:

• An introduction to the philosophy and practice of yoga
• Detailed descriptions of 57 key postures
• Techniques for stilling the mind through breathing exercises
• A 35-week course progressing from beginner to intermediate level
• A full glossary of yoga terms

BKS Iyenger has been teaching and demonstrating yoga for more than 50 years. He has several million students and has established centres all over the world.

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