Review: The New Book of Yoga by the Sivananda Yoga Centre
Having sold over 800,000 copies worldwide, ‘The New Book of Yoga,’ also published as ‘The Sivananda Companion to Yoga,’ is a complete step-by-step guide to the practice of Sivananda Yoga. Compiled by the Sivananda Yoga Center, this classic must-have has been updated in 2000 and provides easy-to-understand information for yogis in all stages of practice and of life.
“I would like to tell you all that Yoga is not a theory but a practical way of life. If you have never tasted honey, no matter how often I tell you that honey is good for you, you won’t understand until you try it. Put Yoga into practice and you will see the benefit for yourself. This book will help you to get started, and serve as a companion and inspiration along the way.”
— Swami Vishnudevananda
The entire book is delightfully peppered with enlightening quotes by Swami Vishnudevananda and beautiful excerpts from Hindu texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Short lessons on hinduism and literature make the connection between the practice of yoga in the modern world and deeper subjects such as physiology, religion, myth and history. In addition, detailed and practical illustrations, informative diagrams and full colour photographs impart precise instructions on the correct way to perform asanas, breathing techniques and various other yogic practices.
What would appeal to every yogi is that the book is written for beginners, experts and all levels in between. It not only offers easy-to-follow practice charts for different courses and levels, but also breaks down each asana and breathing technique into their essential components through instructional diagrams and references to its place in religion, history and mythology.
The following subjects are covered in detail:
- The Philosophy of Classical Hatha Yoga
- Swami Vishnudevananda’s Five Points of Yoga
- The Sun Salutation
- The Principles of Meditation
- The 12 Basic Postures (including an entire section devoted to variations and cycles)
- Pranayama (Anuloma Viloma, Kapalabhati and other breathing exercises)
- Kriyas
- Food and Diet
- Relaxation
- The Anatomy of Yoga
- Yoga during Pregnancy
- Yoga for Children
- Yoga for Seniors
In conclusion, this is a classic definitive guide that should be on the bookshelf of every practitioner and enthusiast of yoga. It serves as a handy manual for instructors, a useful reference for the study of yoga and meditation, a veritable testament to ancient philosophies, and a bible for yogis of all ages, stages and abilities.
The Sivananda Companion to Yoga
Price: US$ 21.56 | CAD$ 29.36
Author: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
Publisher: Touchstone
Year of Publication: 2000
Type: Paperback
I have been interested in Yoga for quite some time. I am just wondering if it is better to dive into by attending a class first? I like the idea of having a book with all of the information in it. Just not sure if I will end up doing something wrong or what not. What do you think?
Nothing beats the guidance of a certified instructor that you feel comfortable with. Books such as the New Book of Yoga should complement your practice and should be used as a reference, not as an instructor. Happy practising!
Having a book of yoga is pretty interesting my wife does this and I thinkni would pass this information to her..Thanks for a great article…
You’re welcome Anthony!
Yoga is not just a form of exercise and mediation, but the most important , how to stand up tall again when you fall deep into the abyss. I don’t practise yoga, but I learn the philosophy of life in India during my study . If you can mingle with the India way of life, you can practically survive into hardships in life.
Well said, Wong!
I think yoga is wonderful but I have never actually done it! I have heard many wonderful things about it and I have seen great results as well. I think it is definitely something I may try in the future and I may even use the book as a guide. Thank you for the information.
Glad you enjoyed it Shelley!
Its interesting to me how I know a lot of people that do Yoga but very little people that actually meditate. The two go hand in hand and honestly meditation is a lot easier than yoga. I am the opposite. I have never done yoga before but have meditated before. This book seems like it hits all levels so maybe I’ll try it out as a sort of introduction…
Let me know how it goes!
I practice yoga myself and enjoy all the benefits of doing it. This book sounds like a really good investment when trying to learn what yoga is about. I especially love quotes due to their ability to nurture my soul.
Thanks for sharing with me.
Tove
Glad you enjoyed it Tove!
About 30 years ago I began practicing yoga – not with a teacher, but with a book. It really worked, to the extent that my spine, today, is much more flexible than that of many much younger people. I haven’t seen this book yet, but I imagine that it can be of similar help to people who really practice the exercises. The authors also give some insight into the philosophy of Vedanta Yoga which certainly is a big enrichment to the mere physical exercises.
Good point Heidi! Incorporating the philosophy and history enriches the physical practice tremendously.