The Yoga of the Yogi: The Legacy of T. Krishnamacharya

by Kausthub Desikachar

This deeply personal biographical tribute by Krishnamacharya's grandson includes photographs, archival materials, and family recollections that have never been published elsewhere, as well as unique insights into the "master of masters" by some of his most famous students-Indra Devi, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, and T.K.V. Desikachar. First published in 2005 by the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, The Yoga of the Yogi is at last available in ebook format.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2011

Reviews

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be included in more yoga training reading lists, along with Desikachar’s The Heart of Yoga!

Shared Krishnamacharya’s biography as written by his grandson, along with yoga teachings, and practical mindset for teaching to students. I loved it.

The book’s chosen typography and lay-out design took some getting used to. The font is a little small than usual, perhaps size 10, and each sentence line goes a little wider into the margins.

[Lady Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, we see a look at Krishnamacharya from his grandson. K. Desikachar's account of him is similar to Mohan's account, getting looks at the man in his later years, when his personality was more gentle. K. Desikachar, from his own account, doesn't give us a terribly balanced look at Krishnamacharya, but he did something wonderful; K. Desikachar also included essays from other students of Krishnamacharya that give us other perspectives of the man. One important thing that stood out to me as a Christian studying yoga is that Krishnamacharya, while deeply dedicated to Hinduism, recognized and respected the religions of others, including his students. He is quoted as telling one of his students about the healing qualities of yoga coming from a Devine source, "Narayana is from my culture and tradition. You must find your own Narayana from yours. Only then will it work." This spoke volumes of Krishnamacharya's teachings. Another thing that struck me was another quote from Krishnamacharya about Devine intervention, "It's no use to pray to God for help, if you are not acting to help yourself."

[Susan Rydberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The discussions of the inconsistent behavior of yogi's was refreshing.

[Deepika M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and powerful account of the life of Krishnamachariya written by his Grandson Dr. Kaustubh Desikachar.

[Mudita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for every yoga teacher/student or just any yoga enthusiast out there.
This biography written by Krishnamacharya's grandson gives an excellent understanding of the influence that this great yoga master had in the whole yoga world for the past 100 years.
It is very comprehensive and inspiring, easy to read and yet filled with deep meaning.

[Paige Docking · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read on the legacy of Krishnamacharya and how the ‘father of modern yoga’ became the master that he was. A great way to deepen the understanding of what yoga is and how it has (and should be) taught traditionally.

[Vishakha Gattani · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an impactful short introduction into the philosophy behind Yoga! Can only want to go deeper into the practice of Yoga, off the mat To be a better practitioner On the Mat.
How little do we know of our our own roots !

[Rahul Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book about a great Acharya. You will get to know a lot about Teacher and the Science. I really liked the Student's Essays.( I liked the whole book )

[Arun Shivram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book not only gives great insight on life of Yogi who in all rights is father of Modern yoga, but also gives lots of good suggestions on material to understand the subject

[Becca Huxley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting and informative. I enjoyed reading about the history and family life of Krishnamacharya from Desikachar's perspective.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started on this book thinking it was a biography of Krishnamacharya. Sadly, it was not. It was more like part biography, part memoir of Kausthub and part yoga philosophy (which incidentally was mentioned in the blurb which I blissfully overlooked). Nevertheless, what little of Krishnamacharya's stories were in the book were still very inspiring and intriguing. I just wish there was more of Guruji in the book.

[Zoe Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my thoughts on this book, visit my blog posts at Psychcentral.com:
Yoga and ADHD Treatment - Part I

Yoga and ADHD Treatment - Part II

[Scott Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I suppose I've got to rate it highly since I helped edit it ;-)

This is a lighter book about Krishnamacharya's life, intentionally written in a coffee table style to be easier to access. Anyone looking for a more in-depth study of the great yogi's life should read TKV Desikachar's Health, Healing and Beyond.

[Jayme · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. Though some of the stories are interesting, they've been better told in other books. There was little new in this one and it was poorly written too.