This comprehensive guide produced by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre contains everything you need to know to practice yoga at home.
The book is divided into seven sections which provide all the information you need to practice yoga at home.
Introduction
The benefits of yoga
Proper exercise
Proper breathing
Proper relaxation
Positive thinking and meditation
Proper diet
Introduction
The introduction begins with a section on the history of yoga. This is followed by an explanation of what yoga is and the four paths of yoga. After this, there is a brief introduction to the five principles of yoga and some excerpts from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
The benefits of Yoga
The next section of the book describes the benefits of yoga, including the beneficial effect on the emotions and the heart. Following this is a comprehensive explanation of the movement of the muscles, illustrated with a combination of photos and drawings. This section also covers the importance of posture and breathing and clearly and thoroughly explains the nervous and the endocrine systems. This is ideal for the beginner, especially for those wanting to practice yoga at home, as it helps to understand correct posture and reduce the risk of injury.
Proper exercise
At this point, the book begins the main core of information about the principles of yoga, starting with proper exercise. It gives an outline of the steps required to achieve a balanced yoga practice. Furthermore, there are some relaxation exercises and introductory poses. Also included are exercises for the eyes and neck, which are explained clearly and illustrated with plenty of photographs.
Next, there is a guide to the sun salutation, which is clearly described and illustrated. Following this is a description of various yoga poses. The book features a comprehensive range of poses to enable the reader to practice yoga at home. They are described and illustrated beautifully. This section also includes information about the benefits and contra-indications of each exercise. Included in the descriptions are variations of each pose that make them suitable for both the beginner and more advanced student.
Proper breathing
This section begins with an explanation of prana (life energy) and pranayama (proper breathing). There are several breathing techniques demonstrated including abdominal breathing and alternate nostril breathing.
Proper relaxation
This short chapter explains the importance of relaxation both during and after yoga practice. It outlines a final relaxation for readers to follow at the end of their yoga routine which is perfect for those who wish to practice yoga at home.
Positive thinking and meditation
This section explains the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of meditation and concentration with ideas on how to find the practice that is right for you. There is also a guide to practicing meditation. Also included in this section is a guide to managing stress. The chapter ends with a section on the law of Karma.
Proper Diet
This chapter begins with a section on being vegetarian. There is a description of the Gunas and ideas on how to keep them in balance. This is followed by a six-week guide to help you transition towards a yogic diet. Included is a plan for a week of meals. Also included in this chapter are cooking techniques and recipes for breakfasts, lunches, vegetable and condiments, dinners, breads, sweet treats and desserts, snacks and beverage.
Finally, the book closes with a comprehensive list of further resources.
This book provides a comprehensive guide to beginning yoga at home and covers all aspects of a yogic lifestyle. In this way, it really is a guide that explains everything a beginner yogi needs to know. This book is also suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners, as the poses include options suitable for developing practice. Where this book really shines is in the way it explains the entire yogic lifestyle rather than simply focusing on poses. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in creating a complete yoga practice.
For beginner yogis, I would rate this book 8/10
