BOOK by B. K. S. Iyengar :Light on Yoga
This is the ultimate text on Hatha yoga. This is the book you want if you are serious about your yoga practice. For me it is as essential as English dictionary, 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, it is really a book for serious practitioners. Far from other yoga books, this is a very practical one and doesn't go into the theory or religion much (as Iyengar is a more practical practice). This is what I like about it; it is a great catalog of definitive poses.
In its structure and content, Yehudi Menuhin's foreword exemplifies the simplicity and depth that Yoga can offer. The beauty of this book resides in its conciseness. In this respect it is a hidden treasure as well as embodiment of the ultimate goals of yogic practice: mental, physical and spiritual development. It is also an ancient radicalism aimed at the heart of our modern quick-fixes and 30 minute workouts.
Iyengar's work became classic in the field of modern yoga literature. With hundreds of illustrations and in-depth descriptions of all the important asanas, it really is the "bible" of yoga teacher today. The text is characterized by a thoroughness of content, a detailed, precise, step-by-step "how to" instruction in asana and pranayama.
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 condensed text that needs to be returned to again and again, and yet it is written in an accessible, inspired, and inspirational style. I have read the introduction several times, and each time I get something more out of it. The theoretical Part I alone make "Light on Yoga" worth the money spent.
In Part II there are all the major asanas, generously depicted by 602 photos of Iyengar himself demonstrating the poses with extraordinary flexibility and precision. The Sanskrit names of the asanas are used (and I feel that knowing them is worthwhile), along with an explanation of each one in English. Each pose is illustrated in pictures and explained in great detail. You get step-by-step instructions on how to execute the pose, with ample warnings and tips and practical suggestions for improving your practice. For example, in his instructions for headstand he not only gives a list of correct body actions, but also suggests practicing in a corner to prevent misaligning the legs. I have had no difficultly at all in following the instructions for the poses (as far as my plasticity would allow me), an amazing feat which speaks for the clarity of the writing.
Iyengar emphasizes precision and careful technique and 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. Two, the full import and effect of asana cannot be appreciated, nor the psychological and spiritual lessons hidden within the practice be understood without a deep and continuous concentration-the mindfulness leading to meditation. Each pose has a number or difficulty-level assigned to it (1-60), and there are basic and advanced stages of many postures. Lastly, the author tells what health benefits go with the pose. Yoga is not just designed to make you more flexible or relieve stress, each position can help in treating or preventing certain sickness and infections.
Part III introduces reader to the complex area of pranayama. Even though detailed instruction is given in only three pranayamas, the subject is nonetheless thoroughly introduced and explained in the twenty-five succinct pages. Included and noteworthy is Iyengar's well-know 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."
Appendix I has a 300 week course divided into three stages: easy, intermediate and difficult. Appendix II lists various ailments and the asanas that can cure them. There is also a glossary, a table of asanas and an index. The health precautions make sense. One should not dismiss Iyengar's warnings, they are very well stated. Of two appendices, the one on "Asana Courses" may be useful for teachers or for those who like a highly structured approach. The other one is on the curative effects of asana for various disorders including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, flatulence, etc. 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. It is obvious 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.
The courses given in the back of the book are very reasonable and slowly increase tempo, since practicing asanas beyond your capacity can be harmful. Author wisely recommends to start with the easy poses first and add gradually the intermediate and advanced asanas as body adjusts. Some asanas must be approached with great caution. By using these course recommendations with time I created a sequence of asanas to fit comfortably within a busy schedule and according to my current needs and capabilities.
Iyengar is a true master of his art, and this book is the best reference guide on the subject available today. Light on Yoga recommends that one should always begin by GENTLY, CORRECTLY and RESPONSIBLY negotiating each pose before holding it for at least 20 seconds and only then extending it longer. Ultimately, the body will be strong and no longer a major concern. The mind is then free for further development. Yoga is a life-long discipline with the hidden power of providing durable results only to those who persevere. This requires great deal of patience as well as discipline, and it is what Mr. Iyengar is trying to get across.
Once one becomes an expert the duration can be extended according to one's personal physical capacity. Always keep in mind that Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline. Therefore, one should take note of his or her own ability when doing any of the asanas.
Whether one wants to become a full-time practitioner, or just looking for basic exercises to improve health with, this book will give all what is needed.
I wish I had encountered "Light on Yoga" sooner. Granted, there are countless other books on the topic that describe the same asanas and all. But this one is the most exhaustive and the most reliable. Anyone interested in strength, flexibility, balance, and inner peace should have at least this one book. As long as diligent, intelligent, careful reading and imitation are observed, the serious student will benefit from this book tremendously.
However, one should pay attention to Mr. Iyengar's advice of ultimately studying with a competent instructor. This is the book that should accompany one when doing the transition to practicing at home more frequently. There is no replacement for great teachers. But, for those of us who wants to practice more often than once or twice a week this book is the best companion.