Health, Healing, and Beyond: Yoga and the Living Tradition of T. Krishnamacharya

by T.K.V. Desikachar, R.H. Cravens

The much-sought-after, greatly beloved exploration of the work of Krishnamacharya, teacher of many of twentieth-century yoga's greatest and most influential exponents, Health, Healing, and Beyond is filled with deep wisdom―an indispensable guide to the philosophy, principles, and limitless possibilities of yoga. First published in 1998, it is now available again to yogis, students, and teacher trainees everywhere.

Genres: Spirituality, Health, Personal Development, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Hinduism

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2001

About the author

TKV Desikachar, son and student of T Krishnamacharya had the privilege of living and studying with T Krishnamacharya from 1960 until Krishnamacharya's death in 1989. For over 50 years, TKV Desikachar has devoted himself to teaching yoga and making it relevant to people from all walks of life and with all kinds of abilities. His teaching method is based on Krishnamacharya's fundamental principle that yoga must always be adapted to an individual's changing needs in order to derive the maximum therapeutic benefit. In addition to the three decades of yoga training he received from his father, TKV Desikachar holds a degree in structural engineering. One of the world's foremost teachers of yoga and a renowned authority on the therapeutic uses of yoga, TKV Desikachar continues to oversee KYM's work in therapy as well as training and guiding the faculty of KYM. After an extraordinary life of service and healing, Sir TKV Desikachar reached the lotus feet of the lord on 08 August 2016 at 2.45am India Time.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was primarily written for Yoga teachers and practitioners. I just loved reading this profoundly moving biography of legendary yogi Krishnamacharya. And I highly recommend this book to all Yoga enthusiasts. I have practiced Yoga since 1988. As this is the 25th year of my practice, I'm keen to up my game and take it to the next level. This wonderful book has inspired me and I'm grateful to have found it and read it. Desikachar, Krishnamachra's son and successor at his eponymous Yoga school in Chennai, India, has done a tremendous service to the work of his father and to all interested in the ancient art of yoga in writing this book. The author focuses on the ancient teachings practiced by his father, a yogic view of health and healing, going beyond the known as well as explaining the approach, and style of the true master teacher. Krishnamacharya helped pave and lead lead the way, along with his colleagues, his brother in law Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, for modernizing, popularizing and globalizing Yoga. He considered Yoga to be India's greatest gift to the world. I agree.

Where is the conflict when truth is known?
Where is the disease when the mind is clear?
Where is the death when the breath is controlled?
Therefore surrender to Yoga.
~Krishnamacharya

[Nsharil · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best autobiography book of Krishnamacharya and one that doubles up as a foundation of building an understanding of yoga history and the bhagavad gita. I agree with other readers, this is an extremely touching account of the Krishnamacharya's life. I only wished that I had the privilege of being his student when he was alive. A must read for all those who want to have a glimpse of the man who was responsible for training B.K.S Iyengar and Indra Devi.

[Annette Broy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. What a deep respect that I have for this man and his life work and dedication to yoga. I plan on reading this book many times over as there were many wonderful nuggets to absorb. Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what yoga is. Yoga is not just about postures, but a way of living. Awesome!

[Curt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are into Yoga this book is a great one to teach you about some of the history of Yoga (asana) and how it was brought over to the West. This is a wonderful read about Krishnamacharya and what he did in India to revive Yoga. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about Yoga.

[Samiam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential routes for the yoga tree.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overall view of what yoga is and biographical sketches of an influential teacher to many in the United States. This teacher looks above all at the therapeutic workings with individuals to promote better health.

[Susan Rydberg]

Great book giving the explanations of the states of mind and the development of the yogi's path. Provides insight to the humanity of a great teacher. The inspiration of a healer and a teacher of the path of a seeker gives me motivation go to on as a student struggle to understand and learn.

[kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Krisnamacarya as told by his son. Essential reading for yogis/yoginis. Inspiring, provocative, well-written, and beautiful designed.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Yoga was once the provence of men and of mystics. Krishnamacharya brought yoga practice to the householder and more importantly to women.

[Sarede Switzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. Lots of food for thought.

[Kimberly K · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's wonderful that Yoga has become so accessible. Can you imagine walking for days to find a guru to instruct you? Living in isolation during your education? And then giving whatever your guru demands of you as payment?

[Janset Simsek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erst dachte ich, nicht noch ein Yogabuch.

Dann bin ich in das Leben eines spannenden Menschens eingetaucht und habe "nebenbei" viel interessantes über (indisches) Yoga und die Beziehung zwischen Sohn (Desikachar) und Vater (Krishnamacarya) erfahren.

Mega schönes Yoga Erfahrungs Buch!

[David Chmelik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I consider this as interesting as Autobiography of A Yogi, but this is focused more on Hatha Yoga than Kriya Yoga and may be more understandable to most people.

[Carrie LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I understood a lot more after having taken Level 4 training through YogaFit. Krishnamacharya was a great teacher!

i own an IBook version.

[Jean-Paul Eberle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful insight into the essence of yoga as evolved and practiced in the life journey of Krishnamacharya, teacher to Iyengar.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for every yoga teacher and student! WOW!

[Lisa Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world would be a better place if there were more people like Krishnamacharya.

[Sudarshan Bindal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting & inspiring read!

[Jake Skuraton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Health, Healing, and Beyond," T.K.V. Desikachar explores the transformative power of yoga through the teachings of Krishnamacharya. The book emphasizes the essence of yoga as a practice that unites and directs the mind towards a focused object, bringing together the physical and mental aspects of our being.

Desikachar delves into the eight limbs of yoga, which serve as a comprehensive framework for personal growth and self-realization. These limbs include:

1. Yama: Attitudes toward our environment.
2. Niyama: Attitudes toward ourselves.
3. Asana: Physical postures that promote strength and flexibility.
4. Pranayama: Conscious control of breath.
5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses.
6. Dharana: Focused concentration of the mind.
7. Dhyana: Deep meditation and contemplation.
8. Samadhi: Complete integration and union with the object of meditation.

By exploring these eight limbs, Desikachar guides readers on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth. Through the practice of yoga, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and something greater, ultimately transcending limitations and experiencing profound transformation.

"Health, Healing, and Beyond" serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to embark on a yogic path, offering insights into the profound teachings of Krishnamacharya and the timeless wisdom of yoga.

[Lady Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the three books I have read on Krishnamacharya (Mohan's and K. Desikachar's being the others), this book had the most balanced look at yoga and the guru. There are many things I learned about both Krishnamacharya and yoga. From the words of Krishnamacharya's son, we get a balanced look at how Krishnamacharya taught, his approach and devotion to yoga, and how he treated others. Through carefully chosen words, we get an understanding of Krishnamacharya's teaching style, but also a bit of his motivations (which none can truly fully know, except Krishnamacharya, himself). Here, we get some definitions of different styles of yoga as well as a small fraction of Krishnamacharya's vast knowledge. T.K.V. tells us here that Krishnamacharya, in his educational pursuits, earned the equivalent of 7 Ph.D's. I appreciated the explanations of ancient teachings and of Indian philosophy, and found it all very fascinating. From this book, we learn that Krishnamacharya, though possessing great knowledge, had a temper, and we get small looks at that temper in the stories that his son relays. It is important to have a balanced perspective such as this one. I found this book to be invaluable to my own study of yoga and its history.

[Varsha Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight from Desikachar's heart! Though a lot of us do not know (thanks to his humility and his abstention from fame) Krishnamacharya is regarded as the father of modern Yoga. This book is as close as one gets to know about the life and teachings of the acharya who devoted his entire life towards learning and teaching the life of Yoga. His way of teaching and imparting knowledge was very unique for he believed every individual is unique and has the immense capacity to heal and grow. Heis ability to be caring and strict at the same time was very awe-inspiring. All in all, I loved reading this book for it gave me a lot of perspective on what Yoga truly is and also know about the deeply inspiring personality who lived what he taught.

[Mudita · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read for all the yoga students, practitioners and teachers that dives deep into the life, the lineage and the spiritual inheritance of the most influential teacher, healer and inspirational figure of modern yoga and holistic approach to health. Very interesting and comprehensive.

[Helen Lehndorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

An illuminating read by the teacher of my teacher.

[Heidi Mair · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read my review of this book on my blog: https://heidilynneyogaandwellness.wor...

[Belinda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Krishnamacharya.

[Teal]

Very much enjoyed this book, I have a feeling that I will reread it soon <3

[Lin Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and calming for those who are stuggling, or those who simply want to learn more about the lifestyle of yoga.

[Ashe Magalhaes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read on a father-son, teacher-student relationship centered on India + yoga