Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat

by Richard Faulds, Senior Teachers of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

“Over an extraordinary thirty year history, Kripalu Center has been a pioneer in combining authentic yoga with a contemporary Western lifestyle.” —John Abbott, President, Yoga Journal

From the senior teachers of the world-renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health–the largest yoga and retreat center in North America–comes this comprehensive guide to the unique and influential Kripalu method, which emphasizes individual growth over outward perfection of form, making it accessible to people of all ages, fitness levels, and body types.

KRIPALU YOGA
A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat

Beginning with step-by-step “experiences” that teach essential body and breath awareness, Kripalu Yoga features fully illustrated routines for beginners and intermediate students , including Kripalu’s easy-to-follow “press point” instructions. For advanced students, there is a broad menu of additional poses to increase strength, flexibility, and challenge.

Far more than an exercise program, Kripalu Yoga also teaches the lifestyle practices and energy techniques that make yoga a powerful catalyst for physical healing, psychological growth, and spiritual awakening.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

432 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2005

Reviews

[Jess Hilfer]

I could do without the testimonials on every single page....

[Jaime]

"Practice helps you discover firsthand that you are not your story,
which lessens your fascination and obsession with it."

[Andrea Wandersee]

A must-read for anyone who would like to cultivate a meaningful yoga practice.

[Lisa]

With no prior yoga experience, I spent a week at a retreat at Kripalu—then came home and bought this book. It radically expanded my understanding of yoga, which I had mistakenly viewed as a practice undertaken solely for physical well-being. Instead, it invited me to explore a more nuanced relationship between body, mind, and self—what some might call the soul, spirit, ki, chi, or simply awareness—and the ways in which they intertwine.

Many sections of the book were philosophically engaging and intellectually invigorating, while the more technical discussions of poses interested me less (I found a local class to satisfy that curiosity). What captivated me most were the insights that illuminated phenomena I had experienced in meditation but had never fully understood—an unexpected delight.

Ultimately, this book opened a door to new ways of thinking, offering intriguing concepts to explore and paths I look forward to following.

[Casey Garrett]

This book was a mandatory read while I completed my yoga teacher certification. It was an informational enjoyable read. Learn the basics of Kripalu yoga and how to create your own yoga flows. This book teaches you step by step how to do a variety of poses, how to meditate, and getting to know your body better.

I loved the mini meditations and flows that are throughout the book. At the end there are several poses in each category of a yoga class that will be super helpful as I begin to create my own classes.

Kripalu yoga took two months to read because I really wanted to digest and take in the meaning and how-to descriptions on how to correctly do poses. Take your time and enjoy this gentle yoga book.

[Logan]

Clear and comprehensive, personal and factual, informative and compelling. The best book on yoga I’ve ever read. Not only does it give an in-depth overview of the tenets of the Kripalu tradition, it delves into the history and development of the Kripalu philosophy while acknowledging some of the less enlightened roots of the spiritual community. The book design was spectacular and kept me reading. I personally loved all the testimonials and insight features from practitioners and teachers to add a very human and experiential component to the basic principles and philosophies explored in the book. A must-have and must-read for all yogis.

[Al Smith]

After swami kripalu got booted for treating his cult followers like private sex slaves (there was a settlement) mr. faulds stayed with the horse and within ten years, was earning well north of $100,000 annually by sticking with the "not-for proft" Kripalu as its administrator and hype artist..

Smart man! Bet he could write an interesting book, but I can't confirm this.

[Myka-lauren]

Great overall guide with easy instructions. Wish I had picked this up when I first started!

[Christine Kayser]

This book is so much more than a series of yoga practices to do. It dives into the many layers of yoga practice. Highly recommend for those looking to expand and deepen their practice.

[Jessi Waugh]

Should've started here

[Em]

Nice book. Will buy on Kindle if I choose to replace it.

[Tori Walker]

I am only a quarter of the way through. This is a book to read slowly and enjoy thoroughly. If you follow the instructions, you will get a better sense of what your body should feel like when you are in proper alignment (in your poses and in real life.) When you know your body, you do not need mirrors or teachers to help you with your alignment (at least not for the basic poses.)
I'd recommend 'Kripalu Yoga - A guide...' to people who already have experience with yoga taught by a qualified instructor, and who are looking to deepen their home practice or go it alone. However, anyone will benefit from this book, even people starting out on their own.

[Jennifer]

This book has a lot of good tidbits and food for thought! Not only do you learn about yoga, but there are plenty of meaningful anecdotes and he also touches on mindfulness and meditation, as well.I gobbled it up in about a week, which is good for me! As I am a very busy gal!

[C]

Just got back from Kripalu... a great introduction to the yogic philosophy and breathwork.

[Greg]

Great for aspiring yoga teachers and people interested in the Kripalu Center in western Massachusetts.

[Gail Testa]

Always reading it......

[Carrie]

Love it!!! Surprised it hasn't fallen apart. My A1 reference for my classes.

[Ian]

Very thorough and comprehensive, covering all aspects of spiritual life and practice within a yoga path.

[Martha]

Of course, the best on this subject!