Book Review
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Reviewed by Eva Kuhlman
Known as the “Bible of Modern
Yoga”, Iyengar’s Light on Yoga, which was first published in 1966, is
considered THE yoga pose reference manual used by beginners and experienced
yoga teachers alike.
If you are a beginning yoga
student, the book offers clear, practical, matter-of-fact instructions for
all the asanas you may have encountered in class or want to learn on your
own. It also includes pictures of many poses that may evoke a “why in the
world would I want to do THAT?” reaction. Don’t get overwhelmed by the
pretzel-like positions – there are plenty of asanas accessible for all
bodies, along with health benefits, tips and precautions. While the book
may seem old-fashioned at times, one can only marvel at the precision and
anatomic detail given for each pose. Be sure to have an English-Sanskrit
glossary of poses available as the book lists Sanskrit names only.
For the more experienced yogi,
Light on Yoga remains an ongoing course to deepen one’s practice, a
trusted guide of teaching methodology, and an inspiration to explore the
infinite variety that a yoga practice has to offer. Whether you are trying
to tackle a new pose or just want to remind yourself what exactly happens in
Eka Pada Koundinyasana, Iyengar’s concise step-by-step instructions are
there to help.
Aside from the hundreds of postures, which form the heart of the book, the
introduction about “what is yoga” provides the history and philosophical
background of the ancient teachings, including the eight limbs – or stages –
of yoga as described by Patanjali. It gives a glimpse of what is beyond the
physical practice, and refers to several texts that may be suitable for
further reading, such as the Yoga Sutras or Bhagavad Gita.
Part III of the book introduces basic pranayama (breath control) techniques,
which can be explored in detail in another excellent Iyengar book Light
on Pranayama.
The Appendix will prove
invaluable for a student searching for guidance on how to structure a home
practice. The asana course lists 300 weeks of practice and which poses
should be done on the first through the sixth day of the week, with the
instructions “to rest” on day seven. Yes, yoga is a life-long learning
process and discipline…
Also included in the Appendix
is a section on Curative Asanas for Various Diseases. Recent personal
experience showed me the usefulness of this section. Following a few days
of digestive discomfort and considering my aversion to pills of any kind, I
reached for Light on Yoga and zoomed in on “Heartburn“, which then
instructed me to follow the sequence for “Acidity”. I admit, I modified the
routine somewhat (my queasy stomach really didn’t want to be turned upside
down in Sirsasana), but all the twisting and turning was definitely just
what the doctor ordered. By the next day, I was fine. I think I will try
“Brain” next…
While Light on Yoga is
not a book that you may read cover to cover in one sitting, it will be one
of the well-worn, dog-eared volumes on your bookshelf that you will reach
for again and again.
May your practice be full of
inspiration and curiosity.
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