Light on Yoga: Yoga Dipika by B. K. S. Iyengar
|
List Price: Our Price: $11.46 You Save: $8.49 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $8.99 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Light on Yoga: Yoga Dipika
Book Review: A Perfect Book for New and Seasoned Yoga Students
Summary: 5 Stars
This is probably the best book in yoga on the market now. For the novice, it provides a step-by-step guide on how to go into each of the yoga postures with good description on the effects of the postures on your body. For the seasoned practitioner, this serves as a reservoir of advanced postures which makes yoga asana practice all the more holistic. I find the section on whih asanas are recommended for certain body conditions especially helpful.
The only grouse that I have is that the font size used in the book is consistent. This makes reading a challenge. The heading of each new pose is only identified by italics. If the editor can make some changes to the layout of the text with emphasis on subtitles, this book would be even more useful.
When I first stumble upon this book some years ago when I started to learn yoga, it was not appealing. Now, years later during which I ceased practising and now re-taking it up seriously, I find this book extremely beneficial. It could also be that I have gone beyond judging the merit of a book by the color of the print on its pages- honestly, the black-and-white photos did not appeal to me then. Now I know why this book is still so enduring 40 years after it was first published. I would say that it is a classic yoga book.
Book Review: From the Living Legend
Summary: 5 Stars
Light on Yoga (Yoga Deepika) is just that - it throws a lot of light on the 'practice' of Yoga. There is a small introduction on the philosophical aspects of it before Iyengar's trademark precision instructions start.
Iyengar had to learn asanas the hard way. Basically when his teacher sent him off to teach, he had not mastered advanced asanas. So he had to learn certain asanas on his own. Hence his famous quote "Your practice is your teacher". His book is also written with such an audience in mind. He says getting a good teacher is very important but if you cannot I will be your teacher through this book. I mean the volume of information is absolutely stunning.
If you are an absolute beginner please do go to a beginner's class for atleast couple of months before starting your own practice based on Iyengar's book. I say this because his courses that he gives at the end of the book will seem a little agressive for someone who has not understood where he stands. For example he suggests doing Sarvangasana on the first week of your practice. For some it may be right for most it may not be.
This book has been my ready reckoner for the past 5 years. I simply cannot thank BKS enough. I have never met him but he is my Guru.
Book Review: A mini encyclopaedia
Summary: 5 Stars
After an intermittent period, Im practicing yoga again and have found this book an excellent guide. As warned, its always adviced to start doing yoga with the help of a teacher. But once you are familiar with yoga, this book will help you tune yourself to great extent. The minute details which Sri Iyengar explains is mind boggling. I stand wondering (no pun intended) if there are so much things to even simplest of asanas like tAdAsana (mountain pose). The photos are excellent and helpful. The technique is very detailed and lets you know what may go wrong. The effects are also very useful. I especially like the short stories related to some asanas, they make an interesting read.One -ve point about the book is the asana headings - the whole text is in same font, which makes it a bit difficult to find where a particular asana explanation starts. If the asana headings were in bold font, it would be easy read. That shouldnt be a big nuisance though.
This book is about hatha yoga. There is a chapter for pranayama at the end, but i recommend the "Light on Pranayama" - which is much more detailed. Anyway if you buy it and are serious about hatha yoga, you can be assured that it will be a companion for the rest of your life.
Book Review: The Most Important Book Ever Written
Summary: 5 Stars
Ever wondered why you are here? Or what we humans really are? Or how to live right? The answers are all here. The short introduction alone is worth much more than the price of the book. I have read the intro at least a dozen times, and each time I get something more out of it. (Unless you have reached a place in your life where you are "ready" to understand, many truths often pass right by unheard). And I must admit, I need to read it again now!This book contains everything you need to know about yoga. With each pose, Mr. Iyengar explains not only how-to-do-it, but WHY-to-do-it (how the pose benefits you). Looking at the pictures, a beginner can easily be intimidated, but do not compare yourself to Mr. Iyengar, who has devoted his life to yoga. Beginners have MUCH to gain!
NOTE: (1) This book costs only a third of what you are used to paying for a book this size. NOTE: (2) Books, and especially videos, are no substitute for studying with a good teacher.
With his teachings and with this book, Mr. Iyengar has given a gift to mankind, a gift of undescribable beauty, joy, and compassion. You need this book. The world needs this book.
Book Review: Cant Miss for whoever is interested in yoga/spiritual stuff
Summary: 5 Stars
Guru Iyengar's book cant be missed for whoever is interested in yoga/spirtual stuff or the like. After reading the introduction, you will have a new insight into life and I personally read the introduction many times. And the instructions for the asanas, pranayama, and the banda are indispensible for every yoga student. I bought this book 8 years ago and I was amazed and started learning how to do yoga. In the book, Guru Iyengar said you need a teacher or a guru and its true. I tried to do it without a teacher for 6 years and got very little improvement and even hurt myself. It is very important you have a teacher because the book doesnt convey those minor details which is critical in every asana poses. I now go to local Iyengar Yoga class weekly and practice daily by myself and I feel I learn much much more and benefit much much more. It takes time, but doing yoga(Hatha Yoga, asana, pranayama) will equip you with good health and you will feel you start integrating your body, mind and spirit. Its just wonderful. I dont know what else to say. Go to a local Iyengar yoga center and start go to class and practice it!