Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga...

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Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga...

by B.K.S. Iyengar, Yeudi Menuhin (Foreword by)

4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 · rating details · 2,281 ratings · 148 reviews

The definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of Yoga--the ancient healing discipline for body and mind--by its greatest living teacher. Light on Yoga provides complete descriptions and illustrations of all the positions and breathing exercises. Features a foreword by Yehudi Menuhin. Illustrations throughout.

Paperback, 544 pages

Published January 3rd 1995 by Schocken (first published 1966)

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Mar 06, 2008 Lidia rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: yogis

About a year ago, I got myself a mat (eco friendly, of course), some stretch pants (organic cotton, duh), and went to a yoga studio to investigate what this bottle-nursing, teeny-tiny-spandex-wearing, mat-bag-dangling gang of people that I observed roaming the streets of my neighborhood were up to.

Now, after a year of actually sticking to a regular practice, (Insert applause here. Actually, forget that. Because, you see, I don't need that external validation. No offense.), I have discovered that...more About a year ago, I got myself a mat (eco friendly, of course), some stretch pants (organic cotton, duh), and went to a yoga studio to investigate what this bottle-nursing, teeny-tiny-spandex-wearing, mat-bag-dangling gang of people that I observed roaming the streets of my neighborhood were up to.

Now, after a year of actually sticking to a regular practice, (Insert applause here. Actually, forget that. Because, you see, I don't need that external validation. No offense.), I have discovered that yoga is the antidote to the drama in my life. Maybe you can relate? I am learning how to be a mindful, grateful, patient, disciplined, respectful and healthy human being. Seriously. One little upside down topsy-turvy epiphany at a time. Transformation. It is happening. Finally! Oh, and did I mention that my body never looked and felt better? Ooops. Oh, yeah. Yoga makes me feel strong and supple, too. Yoga makes me feel goooooood. Blissful, in fact.

But, this is supposed to be a book review not a confesional memoir, right? Right.

I use this book daily as a reference in my practice. As I mentioned, I've only been seriously at this for a year and I'm no expert, but of all the stuff that I've read about yoga, if I had to recommend only one book, this would be it. The introduction itself is a fascinating and thorough description of yogic philosophy. You'll also get: awe-inspiring photos, incredibly detailed instructions for performing 600 (!) poses, sequences for specific intentions, precautions, contradictions, helpful hints, and therapeutic effects. Wow-zers! That's a lot for just one little book!

A book can't replace the hands-on guidance of a good teacher and the support of a community of yogis, but it can certainly inform and complement your practice. It’s also good for sticking under your front-leg hip (as in ass) in Eka Pada Rajakapotasana. Get used to the Sanskrit, by the way. B.K.S. translates the names at the beginning of each asana (pose) to help illustrate its nature, but then subsequently refers back to it using the traditional Sanskrit designation.

Good luck. Thank you. Namaste.
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Mar 21, 2008 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone interested in yoga

Recommended to Anne by: Kim my Yoga Teacher

I'm in love with this book. It is a great life Bible, and it helps solidify the emotional and subconscious effects yoga has on me. For anyone who's thought about practicing yoga, you will be more than inspired if you read the 50 page introduction to this book. There is also a huge section of this book dedicated to the poses and the effects of the poses, and the final section of the book is about breathing. Yoga is definitely more than flexibility and if anything, being tight and gaining flexibil...more

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May 04, 2008 Alissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is on my "currently reading" shelf in perpetuity. Or until I hammer together a couple more e-shelves. Regarding the book: I sort of get eye-rollish about things referred to as "the Bible" of anything, and find it even a bit more grating when the topical focus is of a spiritual nature that is more broad than should be described in analogy to the pre-eminant book of one particular path to spirituality. Ok, that aside, it isn't this book's fault that the title did that. And this book is phenom...more

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Jan 27, 2009 Danimal4288 is currently reading it

apparently i'm supposed to attain freedom from desire. gotta lotta work to do on that one.

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Nov 25, 2012 Joseph Raffetto rated it 5 of 5 stars

The yoga classic Light on Yoga outlines the history and philosophy of yoga. One definition of Yoga is it's the "true union of our will with the will of God."" In fact there is a lot about God or the Universal Spirit in the introduction. There is much in the ethical teaching that corresponds with the Christian faith. It's been suggested that Jesus spent time in India. After reading this, I wondered if that might be true.

This is not to say yoga is a religion. It's not. It's a science of all religi...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Craig Shoemake rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hinduism, yoga, asanas, indian-religion

As they say of Porsches: "There is no substitute." Legal notices aside, every yogi on the planet could say the same for this book. And for once in a blue moon a sensational blurb on a cover-"The Bible of Modern Yoga," in this case-is truer than true. If you own only one book on yoga, let this be the one.

It begins with an introduction "from the inside," so to speak. As has been made plain by some of my previous reviews, the background of the writer is as important as the extent of the writer's k...more As they say of Porsches: "There is no substitute." Legal notices aside, every yogi on the planet could say the same for this book. And for once in a blue moon a sensational blurb on a cover-"The Bible of Modern Yoga," in this case-is truer than true. If you own only one book on yoga, let this be the one.

It begins with an introduction "from the inside," so to speak. As has been made plain by some of my previous reviews, the background of the writer is as important as the extent of the writer's knowledge. Iyengar has it all. He is Hindu born and a lifelong yoga devotee. He studied with Krishnamacharya, widely acknowledged as the twentieth century's greatest yoga teacher. The view of yoga Iyengar offers in his 34 page introduction is a traditional and decidedly idealized view-that is, of yoga as a path to self-mastery and liberation. He quotes frequently from the Hindu scriptures and freely tosses Sanskrit terminology around. If you're one of those who wouldn't know adho mukha svanasana from a rare tropical disease, this may be off-putting, but if you're serious about your yoga, you'd better get used to it.

Part II, "Yogasanas, Bandha and Kriya," constitutes the majority of the book and is the reason why most will buy it. Iyengar covers several hundred asanas, supplying general advice for practice as well as detailed instructions for each pose. Every asana is accompanied by clear photos of Iyengar demonstrating the asana under discussion. The sheer quantity of asanas is unparalleled-if there is another yoga book with this many or more asanas, I've yet to find it. But it's not just that: Iyengar's explanations, his advice, and his illuminating notes on what the asanas actually do to the body and mind-advice obviously born from extensive experience and teaching-is also without equal. All yoga books have some of what Light on Yoga has; none have such a complete package of quantity and quality.

Iyengar also includes a brief but illuminating section on pranayama. However, those who wish to understand breath control in-depth are advised to consult his other masterpiece, Light on Pranayama. I've not yet explored that one, but it is on my list.

If the book ended there, it would still be an unprecedented contribution to the literature of yoga. But Iyengar goes the extra mile with two further sections: one, a complete five-year course in asanas and pranayama, graduated from rank beginner to expert level; two, a section discussing exercises for the treatment of specific ailments. Again, most yoga books worth their salt include courses at the end; one I've reviewed already (Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann) is quite excellent in this regard. But I've never seen anything close to what Iyengar does here. This is why I came to the conclusion that at least for the time being, Light on Yoga is the only yoga book I need.

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Sep 07, 2011 Uday Desai rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: must-read

This book deserves more than 5 stars.

This book is all times Yoga classics. As it is written in 1976 (I will check my copy and will update this if necessary), you may not see the presentation and writing style of Yoga books published in the western world now days.
But this is very dense book, so that every word in it is important. This book is not to be read in usual sense. The reading of this book includes practice of yoga for number of years (At least 2 years -- but this my view based on some or...more

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Apr 17, 2010 Dennis Littrell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: yoga

Iyengar, B. K. S. Light on Yoga (1965)
Simply the best

This is the definitive text on hatha yoga. This is the book you want if you are serious about beginning your yoga practice. This is also a text of reference for professional teachers used throughout the world. It is no exaggeration to say that all yoga instructors in the United States know this book, and most of them own a copy and refer to it regularly.

Iyengar's text is characterized by a thoroughness of content, a detailed, precise, step-by-...more Iyengar, B. K. S. Light on Yoga (1965)
Simply the best

This is the definitive text on hatha yoga. This is the book you want if you are serious about beginning your yoga practice. This is also a text of reference for professional teachers used throughout the world. It is no exaggeration to say that all yoga instructors in the United States know this book, and most of them own a copy and refer to it regularly.

Iyengar's text is characterized by a thoroughness of content, a detailed, precise, step-by-step "how to" for instruction in asana and pranayama. There are 602 photos of Iyengar himself demonstrating the poses with extraordinary flexibility and precision. I have an early, hardcover edition with the photos collected together at the back of the book. The newer editions have the photos spaced appropriately throughout the text.

The 34-page Introduction entitled, "What is Yoga?" is a concise overview of the nature, aim and extent of yoga as gleaned from the ancient texts, in particular Pantajali's Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and Swatmarama's Hatha Yoga Pradipika (from which Iyengar gets his Sanskrit title, Yoga Dipika). These are the three great texts of yoga and Iyengar knows them well. This Introduction rewards patient study, and is the kind of pithy text that needs to be returned to again and again, and yet it is written in an accessible, inspired, and inspirational style.

Iyengar emphasizes precision and careful technique and a whole body mindfulness as prerequisites to success in hatha yoga. From my experience this mindfulness is absolutely essential for two main reasons. One, you will surely strain or pull a muscle, usually several little ones, if your mind goes astray or if you practice with your attention elsewhere. Count on it. Two, the full import and effect of asana cannot be appreciated, nor the psychological and spiritual lessons implicit within the practice be understood without a deep and continuous concentration--the mindfulness leading to meditation.

The technical instruction of the poses includes some commentary on beneficial effects. It should be noted that according to tradition there are 84,000 poses known (or perhaps the number is 840,000) of which about 84 are said to be necessary for health and the progression to samadhi. It is also said traditionally that a cat was the first yoga teacher. I want to note that only a gifted person with a natural suppleness can hope to master all the poses that Iyengar demonstrates. So don't despair. Most authorities will tell you that a dozen or so will suffice.

Even though detailed instruction is given in only three pranayamas, the subject is nonetheless throughly introduced and explained in the twenty-five elegant and succinct pages that constitute Part III of this book. Included and noteworthy is Iyengar's well-known warning: "Pneumatic tools can cut through the hardest rock. In Pranayama the yogi uses his lungs as pneumatic tools. If they are not used properly, they destroy both the tool and the person using it."

There are two appendices, one on "Asana Courses," which may be useful for teachers or for those who like a highly structured approach. The other is on the curative effects of asana for various disorders including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, flatulence, etc. I take this second appendix with some reserve and note that a comprehensive study of the curative effects of asana awaits its great genius. Nonetheless, the traditional experience, which Iyengar relies on, is part of the ancient practice of ayurvedic medicine, one of the great healing traditions of the world, and as such commands the highest respect. Personally, it is obvious to me that certain asanas facilitate certain natural bodily processes, and it is well know that a concentration of attention and blood flow to an effected part of the body can assist the body's healing mechanisms. Asana, properly understood in this context, is part of a maintenance program for a healthy body.

Iyengar's is preeminently a practical approach seeped in the ancient traditions of India. As such there is a distinctive, but unavoidable Hindu cast to his instruction. (Separating yoga from Hinduism is like trying to unscramble an omelette.) Nonetheless Iyengar strives for a universal approach and does an excellent job of achieving it. Note this from the introduction: "Food, the supporting yet consuming substance of all life is regarded as a phase of Brahman. It should be eaten with the feeling that with each morsel one can gain strength to serve the Lord...Whether or not to be a vegetarian is a purely personal matter as each person is influenced by the tradition and habits of the country in which he was born and bred."

--a review by Dennis Littrell(less)

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Apr 27, 2010 Jessie Toporek rated it 5 of 5 stars

“Light on Yoga” is the perfect resource manual to learn more about alignment, transitions between poses and breathing techniques. There are photos of Iyengar demonstrating nearly every pose, detailed instructions on how to approach them, and comments on their symbolic meaning.

The symbolism is the most interesting part of the book to me. My yoga teachers don’t tend to focus on this aspect of the practice, so it’s nice to pair Iyengar’s analysis with my teachers’ emphasis on physicality. My favor...more “Light on Yoga” is the perfect resource manual to learn more about alignment, transitions between poses and breathing techniques. There are photos of Iyengar demonstrating nearly every pose, detailed instructions on how to approach them, and comments on their symbolic meaning.

The symbolism is the most interesting part of the book to me. My yoga teachers don’t tend to focus on this aspect of the practice, so it’s nice to pair Iyengar’s analysis with my teachers’ emphasis on physicality. My favorite interpretation so far has been for scorpion pose, in which Iyengar writes,

“The head, which is the seat of knowledge and power is also the seat of pride, anger, hatred, jealousy, intolerance and malice. These emotions are more deadly than the poison which the scoropion carries in its sting. The yogi, by stamping on his head with his feet, attempts to eradicate these self destroying emotions and passions.”

description

Who knew? I’m positive that I wouldn’t have kept these thoughts in mind had I not read Iyengar’s interpretation, and now that I know I will set my intentions on humility, compassion and kindness when I work on scorpion pose.

The preface is written by Yehudi Menuhin, a Jewish American violin player who began practicing yoga with Iyengar in the 1950’s. I read that Menuhin once conducted an orchestra with his feet while he posed in a head stand for the duration of the concert! There’s a Menuhin quotation on one of my favorite albums, “Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture,” which I find applicable to “Light on Yoga.” Menuhin is quoted,

“Music creates order out of chaos: for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the divergent, melody imposes continuity upon the disjointed, and harmony imposes compatibility upon the incongruous.”

I feel like you could replace “music” with “yoga” (or “kung fu” now that I’ve mentioned Wu Tang) and have the Menuhin quote work just as well. Intense body work creates order out of chaos when we are conscious of our alignment, link our breath to our movement and temporarily quiet the chatter in our minds. There’s a natural rhythm to vinyasa flow sequences, I Chin Ching postures and kung fu forms; sometimes one move sets you up so perfectly for the next that you can intuit the following posture without the teacher having to instruct you. It’s harmonious when we blends back bends with forward folds, strength with flexibility, hard with soft, yin with yang.

I’m glad I found this book so early in my yoga practice so that I can keep the intention of the poses with me as I progress. I recommend it to anyone who wants to enhanse the physical practice with more meaning.
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Apr 08, 2011 Ryan Leier added it

The Yoga "Bible" is a must for any one interested in Yoga. This is the first of many books written by "The Michaelangelo of Yoga." It Has a great introduction which covers the philosophy and science of yoga. Most of the book is filled with asana. There are helpful instructions and great stories accompanying the pose.

Because BKS Iyengar practiced asana for hours a day over a period of many years, this books explains how the asanas work on many levels. The pictures are amazing! He rates the poses...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I didn't read this book from cover to cover, but reading the introduction thoroughly gave me a good idea of what it takes to develop a yoga practice. It's a great book that details the history and origin of yoga, as long as imparting the philosophies and disciplines of a 'yogi.' It has definitely changed the way I view yoga, and I look forward to practicing yoga with my new mindset.

On top of the intro, the book contains a comprehensive list of all the yoga poses I've ever done and MUCH more that...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Alicia L rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Yoga lovers

Recommended to Alicia by: Friend

This book frequently comes off the shelf. Its my go to at home yoga book and the loose binding, scribbles of writing, beat up cover and tea stains are all signs of love. This book has lots of description as well as photographs for yoga poses. Don't expect the photos to look like modern day yoga models though. Its not a book that I could ever read cover to cover, but use as a sort of encyclopedia for the physical yoga practice.

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Nov 30, 2008 Cranberry Forrest rated it 5 of 5 stars

Iyengar shows the reader, with compassion and acceptance, the way to enlightenment. Through Patanjali's ancient, revered Eight Steps or Limbs, Iyengar shares with the reader a perspective that will bring light to any situation in life. This is a truely inspiring and relaxing read as well as a comprehensive guide to yoga for beginners and experts.

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Oct 23, 2009 Morgan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Morgan by: Dollar-A-Pound

A veritable yoga bible. Iyengar lays out every pose (and then some) with breakdowns of sanskrit names, difficulty ratings, detailed instructions and photos of himself doing things that most human beings cannot even fathom. Not the bast introductory instruction manual, but an awesome resource for any serious yoga practitioner or teacher.

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Apr 02, 2011 Alternate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Brilliant and instructive. A little heavy on the 'getting to know your soul' for me, but I'm not completely convinced there's no truth in the heightened awareness of our bodies, needs and happiness via the practice of yoga. For the record, my sun salutations have nothing to do with honoring God, but they do honor myself, so religion has it's place in it for even me.

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May 08, 2010 Jason rated it 5 of 5 stars

An extremely helpful book in gaining an understanding of the varied characteristics and functions of Yoga as a total physical and mental practice.
I was prepared to be critical going into it, but in the end Iyengar pretty much completely won me over. The introductory section is worth the price of the book alone.

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Feb 23, 2011 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: yoga-exercise

This is a huge, detailed book, filled with postures ranging from simple, to those which are intensely difficult and rarely done. It is well illustrated and most instructions are clearly stated. Much of the book is also devoted to Eastern philosophy, diet and lifestyle.

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Mar 13, 2012 Nicole rated it 2 of 5 stars

Had some good info, but was a lot of reading for a few positions. I think this book was probably great for when it was first written but now that yoga has picked up in popularity, I think there may be better books for beginners out there. This would be for someone that is looking to read more about the positions rather than learning how to do them.

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Jul 27, 2011 Audrey rated it 3 of 5 stars

It is literally the Bible of modern Yoga. Anyone who practices Hatha (or a derivative) will appreciate the in-depth dissections of the asanas and their proper alignment, the progressions that Iyengar offers, and the meditations on the significance of an informed asana practice.

It's dense, but an excellent reference.

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Nov 02, 2012 Wendi rated it 5 of 5 stars

I like this book because I have been doing yoga for over 10 years and wanted to add more depth to my practice. This book does this for me. There is a never ending supply of poses and I enjoy the explanation. I do not try to emulate the author while practicing. We are not built the same and my body does not and should not contort into certain configurations. That is ok. Some of the poses can be very dangerous. My only concern is that someone will really try to do some of the poses and injure them...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Donna Witkin rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is not yoga or meditation. This is about free hand exercises. It has very little connection with real yoga. Yoga and meditation bring us back to clear awareness our real Self. But this book bring us back to our body.
That too very complex exercises.

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Mar 27, 2012 Kalli rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book to read about the history and philosophy of yoga. To get more out of your practice and to understand more about the life of yoga, it's good to read about it and I think this is one of those books you must read.

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Dec 29, 2012 Christy rated it 4 of 5 stars

my college yoga teacher required this book. this book helps on all levels. shows you all post ions and even has a long term course you can follow and certain workouts to follow for certain aches or pains. great book all around

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Apr 15, 2010 Richard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: world-sacred-texts, favorite-books

Lives up to its claim, to be the Bible of Modern yoga. Meant to be read once, and then referred to again and again. And the introduction is as good an introduction to Yoga as you are likely to find. Iyengar is truely a guru.

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May 21, 2013 Stedwards rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-life

Great breakdown and reference guide. Struggled with male-dominated language (which I knew about going in); still invaluable to own and return to for any need in practice; should not be attempted by book alone.

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Sep 24, 2010 Ram rated it 5 of 5 stars

the most authentic and outstanding book on yoga, gives crystal clear and simple descriptions of various asanas. Highly recommended to everybody in this world, young and old, man, woman, every human being.

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Apr 26, 2009 Elynor is currently reading it

Another book required for my yoga teacher training. Definitely the "Bible of Yoga." I'm slowly reading my way through it, learning about poses it would take me many years to master let alone teach to others.

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Aug 19, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

This literally is the Bible of yoga - no more thorough source on physical postures with sequencing and explanations. The introduction isn't a bad brief summary yoga history either.

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Jun 22, 2011 Amruth Kumar Juturu rated it 4 of 5 stars

What ever there is to read in this book...I read it....and now I know what "BRAMHACHARI" means...hahaha....Good book if you are interested in Yoga....and a bit of philosophy behind it....

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May 18, 2010 Monika Müller rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very thorough and complete book on yoga with describing the health benefits of the asanas. This book is a good companion of life for a yoga teacher or devoted practitioner.

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About B.K.S. Iyengar

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (Kannada: ಬೆಳ್ಳೂರ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣಮಾಚಾರ್ ಸುಂದರರಾಜ ಐಯಂಗಾರ್), (also known as Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar) (Born December 14, 1918 in Bellur, Kolar District, Karnataka, India) is the founder of Iyengar Yoga. He is considered one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world and has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 75 years. He has written many books on yogic p...more Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (Kannada: ಬೆಳ್ಳೂರ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣಮಾಚಾರ್ ಸುಂದರರಾಜ ಐಯಂಗಾರ್), (also known as Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar) (Born December 14, 1918 in Bellur, Kolar District, Karnataka, India) is the founder of Iyengar Yoga. He is considered one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world and has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 75 years. He has written many books on yogic practice and philosophy, and is best known for his books Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. He has also written several definitive yoga texts. Iyengar yoga centers are located throughout the world, and it is believed that millions of students practice Iyengar Yoga.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991, and the Padma Bhushan in 2002.

B.K.S. Iyengar was born into a poor Hebbar Iyengar family. He had a difficult childhood. Iyengar's home village of Belur, Karnataka, India, was in the grips of the influenza pandemic at the time of his birth, leaving him sickly and weak. Iyengar's father died when he was 9 years old, and he continued to suffer from a variety of maladies in childhood, including malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and general malnutrition.

At the age of 15 Iyengar went to live with his brother-in-law, the well-known yogi, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya in Mysore. There, Iyengar began to learn asana practice, which steadily improved his health. Soon he overcame his childhood weaknesses.

With the encouragement of Krishnamacharya, Iyengar moved to Pune to teach yoga in 1937. There his practice developed as he spent many hours each day learning and experimenting in various techniques. As his methods improved, the number of students at his classes increased and his fame spread. In Pune, his brothers introduced him to Ramamani, whom he married in 1943.

In 1952, Iyengar met and befriended the famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Menuhin arranged for Iyengar to teach abroad in London, Switzerland, Paris and elsewhere. This was the first time that many Westerners had been exposed to yoga, and the practice slowly became well known. The popularity of yoga in the West can in large part be attributed to Iyengar.

In 1966, "Light on Yoga," was published. It gradually became an international best-seller and was translated into 17 languages. Often called “the bible of yoga,”[citation needed] it succeeded in making yoga well known throughout the globe. This was later followed by titles on pranayama and various aspects of yoga philosophy. Mr. Iyengar has authored 14 books.

In 1975, Iyengar opened the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, in memory of his departed wife. He officially retired from teaching in 1984, but continues to be active in the world of Iyengar Yoga, teaching special classes and writing books. Iyengar's daughter Geeta and son Prashant have gained international acclaim as teachers.

Iyengar has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.

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