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| Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing | 
 enlarge | Author: B. K. S. Iyengar
Creator: Yehudi Menuhin
Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $10.75
You Save: $9.20 (46%)
New (39) Used (17) from $10.49
Avg. Customer Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 15366
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 320
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9
ISBN: 0824506863
Dewey Decimal Number: 613
EAN: 9780824506865
ASIN: 0824506863
Publication Date: June 1, 1985
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
In this classic yoga best-seller a world-renowned yoga master shares the techniques of breathing together with a comprehensive background of yoga philosophy. B. K. S. Iyengar is a legend who has practiced yoga in a unique way, and today "Iyengar Yoga" is taught around the world by certified instructors.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 Iyengar Perfection August 23, 1998
157 out of 159 found this review helpful
There are not many sources for the westerner who wishes to explore the depths of pranayama.This book is an exhaustive look into the art of breathing.It is complete,it is detailed and technical and it comes from an acknowledged guru.It is more than any other "modern" guru or yoga organization has put out in book form about the subject.For anyone who wishes to investigate and practice pranayama this is the classic.
You need something real on Pranayama? November 19, 2000
101 out of 111 found this review helpful
In my humble opinion, BKS Iyengar is the highest authority on Yoga of these days. You may not agree with me, no problem, but just open this book and you'll see that I might be right. Brilliant and clear explanation of Pranayama, step by step genuine method,theoretical background and a whole lot more, not even speaking about the illustrations. To be absolutly frank, this book alone is better than a semi-learned instructor, which are abundant here in the West. This book WILL change you! No gibberish of Hinduism, pure essense of Yoga!
An all time classic June 5, 2003
32 out of 43 found this review helpful
No other book comes even close to this one on explanations. If one wants to know the nitty gritties of doing Pranayama. This is the book. Period!!
Highly detailed classic for serious practioners December 17, 2006
30 out of 32 found this review helpful
I teach meditation and I am educated in biology, biochemistry and psychology. I am also a student of world religions and a yoga practioner. During my graduate school years, I was also a Teaching Fellow in Physiology and I teach workshops on pranayama and biofeedback. Therefore, I think my opinion has some weight in this arena although I realize there are more serious yoga practioners who have more in-depth knowledge than me. My purpose in sharing this information is to provide context from my review. I hope this is useful.
This book is incredibly detailed and goes deeply into respiratory physiology, muscles, practices and the details of pranayama practice. There are clear explanations, however, many people may find them to technical without a biology background or the desire to take this information in slowly.
There are many good diagrams and photos in the book that any practitioner will find helpful. In some cases, they are unique in the yoga literature in some way and I can't imagine not having this book on your shelf if you are serious about the practice of pranayama.
While this is not the most colorful or modern looking text, it certainly packs a lot of information into a small space. It is also written by someone who has travelled this road and understands it both technically and from the inside. In short, it is an authoratative text on this subject.
A lighter book along the same lines which I have also read is the Science of Breath. For beginners, this title might be more appropriate. However, any practioner at any level will eventually want to own this book.
A leading book on Pranayama June 10, 2005
23 out of 29 found this review helpful
This is one of the premiere books on pranayama. My copy is from 1981. It is one of the most detailed, yet understandable book on breath, the physiology of breath, and the effects of proper breathing on the human organism written. It should be used for yoga, massage, medical students and anyone who uses their voice a lot. The drawings and diagrams are precise, simple and easy to understand. An action so simple, yet so physically intricate is rendered completely understandable in this book.
It is appropriate for all levels of yoginis and yoga aspirants. The introduction by Yehudi Menuhin is beautiful and his deep love and respect for his guru is evident. Mr. Iyengar is revered by many, many people and for many he is their guru. His style of yoga is practiced worldwide and his impact on the earth, through his students is great. He is worthy of great respect as a teacher and yogini.
Chapter 6 - Guru and Sisya - is devoted to explaining the teacher/student dynamic. In paragraph 6 he states:
"Pupils are of three categories - dull, average, and intense/superior. The dull pupil has little enthusiasm, being sensual, unstable and cowardly. He is unwilling to shed his negative qualities or to work hard for self-realization. The second type of pupil is a waverer, equally attracted towards worldly matters as by the spiritual, sometimes giving weight to the one and sometimes to the other. He knows what is the highest good, but lacks courage and determination to hold on steadfastly. He needs strong treatment to correct his fickle nature of which the guru is aware. The intense or superior pupil has vision, enthusiasm and courage. He resists temptations and has no hesitation in casting off qualities which take him away from his goal. He therefore becomes stable, skilful, and steady. The guru is always alert to find a new way to guide his intense pupil to realize his highest potential until he becomes a realized soul (siddha). The guru is always happy with his pupil, who may eventually surpass him."
I do not agree with this paragraph or this concept of teaching but I will say only this - when a teacher, any teacher labels students in such narrow definitions it greatly diminishes the teaching/learning process. It does both a great dis-service. If you are teaching from your heart and not ego all students are precious jewels to you. To label the incredibly diverse range of humanity into 3 narrow fields serves no one.
It is a book well worth owning and referring to often. Breath can never, ever be underestimated. A fully oxygenated body will serve you well and help create vital health and deep understanding.
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