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Yoga
$4.44
Yoga is everywhere these days: Hollywood stars take their personal instructors with them on location; newspapers and magazines hail yoga as the answer to the unrelenting stress in our society; and gyms everywhere are now offering a dizzying array of classes. The yoga we practice today in the West bears little resemblance to the yoga that began humbly almost 5,000 years ago, but in its rich and varied history, yoga has always evolved to meet the needs of the culture it serves. But what distinguishes this publication are the 400 poses, or asanas, illustrated by artful black-and-white photographs taken especially for this book, that demonstrate the physical postures derived from an ancient Indian tradition. With dozens of stunning foldouts, this book beautifully explores a wide range of yoga with an emphasis on how it touches more than the physical body; the flexibility and stamina achieved on the yoga mat will doubtless transcend to more important aspects of everyday life. Linda Sparrowe’s introduction traces the evolution of yoga, rooted in the devotional and metaphysical teachings of the sacred yoga texts including the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita, and progressing to an in-depth look at the philosophy of Patanjali, the father of modern yoga. Included are brief introductions to the twentieth-century yogis who were influential in making yoga a Western, and indeed a worldwide, obsession.
Publisher : Universe; First Edition (January 8, 2008)
Language : English
Perfect Paperback : 454 pages
ISBN-10 : 0789399873
ISBN-13 : 978-0789399878
Item Weight : 2.15 pounds
Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.28 x 8.18 inches
13 reviews for Yoga
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Jeffrey Bolden –
What advanced yoga looks like
I agree with everyone that the pictures are gorgeous, and the yoga posses are inspirational. However I’d like to point out another aspect of how to use this. Frequently yoga books are written for a beginner to intermediate audience and they show very basic of poses. You can use this book to look up what an advanced variation looks like. For example take Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) which most people learn as a simple back stretch with weight on the legs. In this book you see the 3rd variation where the head is is laying on the butt and the arms are grabbing the shins. For me this makes it much clearer what the big difference was between Cobra and Upward facing dog, you can see how the shift in where the weight goes changes what sorts of advanced posses are possible. Also you get to see asanas I’ve never seen in any other book, like asymmetrical arm balances (all the weight is on the two arms which are lifting the body while the body is off center and stretching). Or the existence of Warrior III (Virabadrasana III), everyone knows about I and II but…Anyway, the paperback is a steal in terms of value for your money. I can’t think of any reason not to buy it if you are the sort of person who cares enough to read this review.
L. Gomez –
Amazing book, incredible pictures !
Very cool piece of art. Everyone in the class wants to steal it ! =)I’d recommend it for everyone, even for those who don’t practice yoga.The quality of the paper and the pics themselves is what dazzle you as first impression, but the name of every asana and very well organized chapters, make the book a very useful tool… Now the teacher calls the asanas by their real sanskrit names and I know what to do (or what I’m supposed to do), but maybe I will have to wait 30 years in order to reach a similar level than the guys in the pictures; they are all masters and there is a lil profile of everyone of them at the end of the book.
Gift Giver –
Good quality
Quicker than expected shipping and book was in very good condition.
Jeffrey –
Eye opening and beautiful
This book is absolutely beautiful. It’s a wonderful collection of many different bodies expressing asana. It reminds me of the famous Dri Dharma Mittra poster that you see plastered in yoga studios of Dharma doing all the poses. You can see all the variations of the different types of poses photographed professionally. As an aesthetic piece, the book is a master piece. Looking at it as a student of yoga, you can really appreciate the depth and complexity of some poses, and it sparks the imagination of what’s possible with the body. You on’t always get to see these poses in class, and it’s cool to see what an open body (and mind) can be capable of given consistent practice.
Rachel E. Watkins –
Excellent pictures, though the paperback version is too small
The introduction gives a good introduction to the history and origins of yoga up to its modern practice. The rest of the book is a collection of well-executed yoga postures in simple, clean, black and white photographs clearly demonstrate what it is you’re trying to achieve in your yoga practice, or can be an example of just what the human body can adapt to do. It seems to me that this book would better demonstrate the poses if it were larger, and perhaps easier to open, but its dimensions make it impossible to lay flat. I have found that it was originally published in a larger size, which would probably be better to buy. Mine is small and soft-cover.At any rate, this book has come in handy as I practice yoga on my own to visualize what I’m trying to do better, and to hand to my husband to ask: “Do I look anything like this picture?”It would make an excellent gift for a yoga enthusiast.
anonymous –
Fantastic Gift!
Just received this book to give as a gift. Even though it is a “paperback” the cover is of a glossy heavy cardstock that is nicer than your typical paperback. I considered finding the hardcover but it’s out of print and well over $100. If you are considering this as a gift,It is an absolutely gorgeous bunch of photos and I am certain the yogi who will be receiving it will be excited to look at it regularly.
Rebecca Lake –
Beautiful challenging yoga poses
I have been doing yoga for a few years now and this book has inspiring well-shot photos of different yoga poses that I may one day accomplish. The photos are high quality and the content is challenging at best.
tonya morton –
beautiful book
this book is beautiful and makes you appreciate each pose even more!
Placeholder –
UNBEATABLE,, UNIVERSAL beautiful yoga-sculptured bodies.
Erica J Govan –
I love this book. It’s beautifully photographed and incredibly thorough in the documentation of all possible asana. I find myself constantly picking it up just to have an inspirational flip through the pages.
Laura –
Para yoguis y yoguinis, para curiosos, para desconocedores del tema. Este libro es un lujo para los sentidos: impresionantes fotografÃas de yoguis consolidados en las posturas más inverosÃmiles. SÃ, el cuerpo humano es sorprendente. La calidad y el cuidado con que se han tomado las fotos te deja sin aliento. Para mirarlo, disfrutarlo y volver a mirarlo una y otra vez. Un regalo perfecto para alguien a quien quieras dejar con la boca abierta.
Luca Regano –
a great book with probably the best yoga pictures ever. great both as reference for poses and for pure inspiration
K.T –
I first looked at this book when it was first published a few years ago in a really huge hardback format. I thought it was absolutely wonderful. I now have my own “normal” sized copy and looking through it again, it still amazes me. the photos are astonding, and for anyone that loves yoga, it is just a truly inspiring book. I’m very pleased with my purchase 🙂