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The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
The first yoga text to outline a step-by-step sequence for developing a complete practice according to viniyoga--yoga adapted to the needs of the individual.
• A contemporary classic by a world-renowned teacher.
• This new edition adds thirty-two poems by Krishnamacharya that capture the essence of his teachings.
Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who lived to be over 100 years old, was one of the greatest yogis of the modern era. Elements of Krishnamacharya's teaching have become well known around the world through the work of B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, who all studied with Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya's son T. K. V. Desikachar lived and studied with his father all his life and now teaches the full spectrum of Krishnamacharya's yoga. Desikachar has based his method on Krishnamacharya's fundamental concept of viniyoga, which maintains that practices must be continually adapted to the individual's changing needs to achieve the maximum therapeutic value.
In The Heart of Yoga Desikachar offers a distillation of his father's system as well as his own practical approach, which he describes as "a program for the spine at every level--physical, mental, and spiritual." This is the first yoga text to outline a step-by-step sequence for developing a complete practice according to the age-old principles of yoga. Desikachar discusses all the elements of yoga--poses and counterposes, conscious breathing, meditation, and philosophy--and shows how the yoga student may develop a practice tailored to his or her current state of health, age, occupation, and lifestyle.
This is a revised edition of The Heart of Yoga.
• A contemporary classic by a world-renowned teacher.
• This new edition adds thirty-two poems by Krishnamacharya that capture the essence of his teachings.
Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who lived to be over 100 years old, was one of the greatest yogis of the modern era. Elements of Krishnamacharya's teaching have become well known around the world through the work of B. K. S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi, who all studied with Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya's son T. K. V. Desikachar lived and studied with his father all his life and now teaches the full spectrum of Krishnamacharya's yoga. Desikachar has based his method on Krishnamacharya's fundamental concept of viniyoga, which maintains that practices must be continually adapted to the individual's changing needs to achieve the maximum therapeutic value.
In The Heart of Yoga Desikachar offers a distillation of his father's system as well as his own practical approach, which he describes as "a program for the spine at every level--physical, mental, and spiritual." This is the first yoga text to outline a step-by-step sequence for developing a complete practice according to the age-old principles of yoga. Desikachar discusses all the elements of yoga--poses and counterposes, conscious breathing, meditation, and philosophy--and shows how the yoga student may develop a practice tailored to his or her current state of health, age, occupation, and lifestyle.
This is a revised edition of The Heart of Yoga.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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8901 people want to read
About the author
T.K.V. Desikachar
38 books68 followersTKV 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.
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July 25, 2015
This book’s author, T.K.V. Desikachar, was the son and student of T. Krishnamacharya. If you’re not a well-read and/or Indian yoga practitioner, there’s a good chance the latter name means nothing to you, and yet your practice has likely been influenced profoundly by him. He was the teacher of B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indira Devi. Iyengar, who recently passed away, popularized the use of props (blocks, straps, bolsters, etc.) as a means to achieve proper alignment until one’s flexibility was sufficient to achieve perfect alignment without assistance. Jois developed the vigorous and flowing Ashtanga Vinyasa style of yoga, which is the direct ancestor of Power Yoga—a popular style among fitness buffs in the West. Indira Devi was a Westerner actress who took an Indian name and was among the first teachers to introduce yoga to America and to adapt it to American needs. While Desikachar wrote the book, his father’s presence is seen throughout the book in photos and quotations.
After reading the book, it will not come as quite the surprise that T. Krishnamacharya was teacher to several of modern yoga’s most innovative teachers. A central concept of Krishnamacharya’s teaching philosophy was that yoga is a personal path that must be optimized to the individual. That’s what this book tries to do. Its aim is not to teach one yoga for all, but to help individuals tailor yoga to their own needs.
The Heart of Yoga is divided into four parts. The first two parts form the core of the book, and make up the bulk of its length. The first introduces yoga at a basic level and then goes on to impart practical lessons on asana (poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), and bandha (locks.) The second part instructs on the philosophical aspect of yoga, and how an individual can bring these concepts into their life. This includes ideas that are traditionally associated with Yogic philosophy as well as those of Samkhya (Yoga and Samkhya are two of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, and are closely related.)
Part III of Desikachar’s book is his translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with commentary. Some will appreciate that the sutras are written in Sanskrit, a Romanized phonetical Sanskrit, and in English. In addition to this, Desikachar’s commentary not only elaborates on each sutra individually, but offers insight into how they are grouped and what meaning their organization conveys. For those who have read Yoga Sutras, you’ll know that they consist of 196 lines of instruction, each so laconic as to be cryptic. Commentary is essential, particularly if one is reading the translated sutras and doesn’t have the historical, cultural, or linguistic background to distill the meaning from these mega-concise aphorisms.
Part IV is called the Yoganjalisaram, which is a poem of 32 stanzas each consisting of three to six lines. “Poem” might be a misleading description. Each Sloka (i.e. like a stanza) is a lesson in yoga. It touches on diet, physical technique, philosophy, and religion.
In addition to what I thought were well-written, concise, and informative chapters, there are a number of ancillary features that are beneficial. There’s an appendix that describes some of the prominent historical texts that are commonly referred to throughout the book. Another appendix provides a series of asana sequences that are consistent with the teachings of Part I of the book. There is a glossary of terms that are used throughout the book. Up front there is an interview with T.K.V. Desikachar that deals mostly with his father’s approach to yoga. In addition to the many photos of Krishnamacharya, simple line drawings are put to good use to convey ideas where necessary.
I think what I found so appealing about this book is that the author has a pragmatic, down-to-earth, and open-minded approach to yoga. Some yoga books are way out there in the stratosphere, and their ethereal qualities don’t inspire confidence in me that the author knows of what he/she speaks. Others are doctrinaire about absolutist beliefs and values one “must” hold to be a true yogi or yogini. Desikachar is neither an ideologue nor flighty. He may have benefited from his education as an engineer. His lessons are presented simply and practically, so as to give confidence that he knows of what he speaks.
I’d recommend this book for any practitioners of yoga--be they beginner or advanced. It provides food for thought for bringing yoga into one’s life at a physical and psychological/philosophical level, and in a personal way.
After reading the book, it will not come as quite the surprise that T. Krishnamacharya was teacher to several of modern yoga’s most innovative teachers. A central concept of Krishnamacharya’s teaching philosophy was that yoga is a personal path that must be optimized to the individual. That’s what this book tries to do. Its aim is not to teach one yoga for all, but to help individuals tailor yoga to their own needs.
The Heart of Yoga is divided into four parts. The first two parts form the core of the book, and make up the bulk of its length. The first introduces yoga at a basic level and then goes on to impart practical lessons on asana (poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), and bandha (locks.) The second part instructs on the philosophical aspect of yoga, and how an individual can bring these concepts into their life. This includes ideas that are traditionally associated with Yogic philosophy as well as those of Samkhya (Yoga and Samkhya are two of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy, and are closely related.)
Part III of Desikachar’s book is his translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with commentary. Some will appreciate that the sutras are written in Sanskrit, a Romanized phonetical Sanskrit, and in English. In addition to this, Desikachar’s commentary not only elaborates on each sutra individually, but offers insight into how they are grouped and what meaning their organization conveys. For those who have read Yoga Sutras, you’ll know that they consist of 196 lines of instruction, each so laconic as to be cryptic. Commentary is essential, particularly if one is reading the translated sutras and doesn’t have the historical, cultural, or linguistic background to distill the meaning from these mega-concise aphorisms.
Part IV is called the Yoganjalisaram, which is a poem of 32 stanzas each consisting of three to six lines. “Poem” might be a misleading description. Each Sloka (i.e. like a stanza) is a lesson in yoga. It touches on diet, physical technique, philosophy, and religion.
In addition to what I thought were well-written, concise, and informative chapters, there are a number of ancillary features that are beneficial. There’s an appendix that describes some of the prominent historical texts that are commonly referred to throughout the book. Another appendix provides a series of asana sequences that are consistent with the teachings of Part I of the book. There is a glossary of terms that are used throughout the book. Up front there is an interview with T.K.V. Desikachar that deals mostly with his father’s approach to yoga. In addition to the many photos of Krishnamacharya, simple line drawings are put to good use to convey ideas where necessary.
I think what I found so appealing about this book is that the author has a pragmatic, down-to-earth, and open-minded approach to yoga. Some yoga books are way out there in the stratosphere, and their ethereal qualities don’t inspire confidence in me that the author knows of what he/she speaks. Others are doctrinaire about absolutist beliefs and values one “must” hold to be a true yogi or yogini. Desikachar is neither an ideologue nor flighty. He may have benefited from his education as an engineer. His lessons are presented simply and practically, so as to give confidence that he knows of what he speaks.
I’d recommend this book for any practitioners of yoga--be they beginner or advanced. It provides food for thought for bringing yoga into one’s life at a physical and psychological/philosophical level, and in a personal way.
April 8, 2020
“Remember that yoga is a practice of observing yourself without judgment.”
In this very difficult period, I have to say that one of my life lines is my yoga practice. After I turn off my laptop at the end of the work day, I roll out my mat, put on some good music and for about 45 minutes, I practice a series of asanas, and, linking movement and breath, I bring myself to a steady and calm place (and yes, I know that is a luxury, and I am very, very grateful for it). Over the past few months, I had grown to really love my daily yoga, even when it felt like a bit of a chore; now I am so glad to have developed this habit, as it is proving helpful on so many levels.
There are tons of books on yoga out there, and it can definitely be tricky to pick the good ones from those that are vacuous and silly. My dad had recommended a few, but he has a bias for books published thirty or even forty years ago (around the time he started getting into yoga), and that now feel painfully dated. Don’t get me wrong: there is still some good stuff to be found in books like “Light on Yoga” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but they show their age. “The Heart of Yoga” was on my father’s recommendation list, but this one is far from outdated.
If you want to truly understand yoga, and not just the inexplicably well-coiffed yoga influencers on Instagram, you should read this book. Desikachar offers a clear, approachable text on yoga as much more than a fitness regimen – and how to approach it in a way that fits each individual practitioner. Even if I am not new to yoga, I learned so much about its nature and how to enrich and deepen my practice with this book. The fact that it's written in an open-minded and very down-to-earth way is wonderful: there isn’t an ounce of preachiness or judgmental attitude in Desikachar’s writing, which makes this book perfect for anyone interested in yoga, no matter what they experience and background is. “We begin where we are and how we are, and whatever happens, happens.”
I was very interested by the section on how to build an asana practice: I practice yoga at home, and I enjoy taking yoga flows apart and see why the sequences are constructed the way they are. Desikachar gives a very comprehensible explanation on the mechanics of combining asanas into a smooth flow, starting with “warm up” poses, combining poses with the proper counterpose, how to sequence them and select them based on the effect hey have on the body, and so on. This is especially helpful, as I dislike formal yoga classes at the best of time – and seeing how we aren’t allowed to go to yoga class anymore anyway, people looking to practice on their own can use this section along with a guide such as “Hatha Yoga Illustrated” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) to build their own custom sequence for their personal practice.
Desikachar’s approach is flexible, but not sloppy: he wants to give aspiring yogis a strong, traditional base that they should explore thoroughly and carefully before letting their creativity run amok, but he clearly understands the fact that different bodies have different needs and different limitations. A section of the book is dedicated to variations on asanas to help people reach certain yoga goals my making changes and adjustments to make their practice truly their own.
The final section is Desikachar's translation of and commentary on the Yoga Sutras, the foundation text that yogis base their practice on. It is a great and concise introduction to the Yoga Sutra, and the commentary makes clear links between the scared texts and the teachings discussed in the first parts of the books.
You will not learn how to do asanas with this book, but you will gain a very important insight on how to turn a physical practice into a balanced practice that involves body as much as breath and mind. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in yoga (though the liberal use of sanskrit terms might confuse beginners a bit: but fear not, there is an index at the end of the book).
“In yoga we are not creating something for others to look at. As we perform the various asanas we observe what we are doing and how we are doing it. We do it only for ourselves. We are both observer and what is observed at the same time. If we do not pay attention to ourselves in our practice, we cannot call it yoga.”
In this very difficult period, I have to say that one of my life lines is my yoga practice. After I turn off my laptop at the end of the work day, I roll out my mat, put on some good music and for about 45 minutes, I practice a series of asanas, and, linking movement and breath, I bring myself to a steady and calm place (and yes, I know that is a luxury, and I am very, very grateful for it). Over the past few months, I had grown to really love my daily yoga, even when it felt like a bit of a chore; now I am so glad to have developed this habit, as it is proving helpful on so many levels.
There are tons of books on yoga out there, and it can definitely be tricky to pick the good ones from those that are vacuous and silly. My dad had recommended a few, but he has a bias for books published thirty or even forty years ago (around the time he started getting into yoga), and that now feel painfully dated. Don’t get me wrong: there is still some good stuff to be found in books like “Light on Yoga” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but they show their age. “The Heart of Yoga” was on my father’s recommendation list, but this one is far from outdated.
If you want to truly understand yoga, and not just the inexplicably well-coiffed yoga influencers on Instagram, you should read this book. Desikachar offers a clear, approachable text on yoga as much more than a fitness regimen – and how to approach it in a way that fits each individual practitioner. Even if I am not new to yoga, I learned so much about its nature and how to enrich and deepen my practice with this book. The fact that it's written in an open-minded and very down-to-earth way is wonderful: there isn’t an ounce of preachiness or judgmental attitude in Desikachar’s writing, which makes this book perfect for anyone interested in yoga, no matter what they experience and background is. “We begin where we are and how we are, and whatever happens, happens.”
I was very interested by the section on how to build an asana practice: I practice yoga at home, and I enjoy taking yoga flows apart and see why the sequences are constructed the way they are. Desikachar gives a very comprehensible explanation on the mechanics of combining asanas into a smooth flow, starting with “warm up” poses, combining poses with the proper counterpose, how to sequence them and select them based on the effect hey have on the body, and so on. This is especially helpful, as I dislike formal yoga classes at the best of time – and seeing how we aren’t allowed to go to yoga class anymore anyway, people looking to practice on their own can use this section along with a guide such as “Hatha Yoga Illustrated” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) to build their own custom sequence for their personal practice.
Desikachar’s approach is flexible, but not sloppy: he wants to give aspiring yogis a strong, traditional base that they should explore thoroughly and carefully before letting their creativity run amok, but he clearly understands the fact that different bodies have different needs and different limitations. A section of the book is dedicated to variations on asanas to help people reach certain yoga goals my making changes and adjustments to make their practice truly their own.
The final section is Desikachar's translation of and commentary on the Yoga Sutras, the foundation text that yogis base their practice on. It is a great and concise introduction to the Yoga Sutra, and the commentary makes clear links between the scared texts and the teachings discussed in the first parts of the books.
You will not learn how to do asanas with this book, but you will gain a very important insight on how to turn a physical practice into a balanced practice that involves body as much as breath and mind. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in yoga (though the liberal use of sanskrit terms might confuse beginners a bit: but fear not, there is an index at the end of the book).
“In yoga we are not creating something for others to look at. As we perform the various asanas we observe what we are doing and how we are doing it. We do it only for ourselves. We are both observer and what is observed at the same time. If we do not pay attention to ourselves in our practice, we cannot call it yoga.”
June 24, 2011
After reading so many books on yoga, this is probably the best that I have come across! I am extremely happy to have found and read this. I really believe that when you have a need, and articulate it, the right thing would come your way. Just like when it is said that the guru will appear when the student is ready, this book is most suited for me at this point of my practise.
I find TKV Deshikachar's approach is similar to many of my own personal beliefs when practising and teaching yoga, so I find a lot of common ground and support in his words. The understanding I gained helps me to deepen my practise and gives me more confidence that I am on the right path.
Deshikachar's father is the revered Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya who is also the teacher to BKS Iyengar and Pattabi Jois. He learned from his father the need to be sensitive to the differences of each student and to customise the teachings their needs.
This is a book that would be a good companion for anyone. It does not offer a lot of techniques of how to do a posture - there are hundreds of books available for this. Instead, the book focus on having the right understanding of what yoga is, and how you can approach so it can be more fruitful for your personal growth, and not just for physical benefits. This is so similar to my Indian yoga school's approach - that yoga is firstly for spiritual, mental, emotional and psychological development. The physical and health benefits are just by-products of a healthy state of mind and personality.
New students would find certain segments would set a good foundation for the new practise, including the need to for the mind-breath-body connection without which no matter how strong or flexible you are, you are not doing yoga. Other chapters on sequencing of postures may not be too easy for new studnets to understand, so it is better if they attend a class with a good teacher. But for the more seasoned practitioner, this book would certainly help you to give depth to your personal practise.
I find TKV Deshikachar's approach is similar to many of my own personal beliefs when practising and teaching yoga, so I find a lot of common ground and support in his words. The understanding I gained helps me to deepen my practise and gives me more confidence that I am on the right path.
Deshikachar's father is the revered Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya who is also the teacher to BKS Iyengar and Pattabi Jois. He learned from his father the need to be sensitive to the differences of each student and to customise the teachings their needs.
This is a book that would be a good companion for anyone. It does not offer a lot of techniques of how to do a posture - there are hundreds of books available for this. Instead, the book focus on having the right understanding of what yoga is, and how you can approach so it can be more fruitful for your personal growth, and not just for physical benefits. This is so similar to my Indian yoga school's approach - that yoga is firstly for spiritual, mental, emotional and psychological development. The physical and health benefits are just by-products of a healthy state of mind and personality.
New students would find certain segments would set a good foundation for the new practise, including the need to for the mind-breath-body connection without which no matter how strong or flexible you are, you are not doing yoga. Other chapters on sequencing of postures may not be too easy for new studnets to understand, so it is better if they attend a class with a good teacher. But for the more seasoned practitioner, this book would certainly help you to give depth to your personal practise.
January 2, 2016
When I first began yoga, I loved going to class but found my at-home practice to be uninspiring, so I really only practiced in class. I bought this book to help develop my personal practice. Unfortunately, I was a beginner and found this book to be over my head. I could see it was a good source about yoga, but it seemed so foreign, intimidating, and distant from my everyday life. I imagined it was written by someone who lives in a lovely, peaceful secluded place where they can just meditate and do yoga all day, and that the insights might not be relevant or easily applicable to my daily life in hectic Western society. So, I put this book aside on my shelf and forgot about it.
Fast-forward to more than a year later. I became a more serious practitioner and became more aware of how Western yoga is drifting from yoga's original focus, and was interested in going deeper into the true, authentic practice of yoga. I understood the basics of asana, but became interested in moving deeper into understanding prana, improving my meditation practice, and learning about more of the philosophical aspects of yoga. I wanted to actively bring these things into my daily life. With this desire to go deeper, I remembered this book sitting on my shelf. I picked it up and became completely absorbed in it.
Now, another year later, I am in yoga teacher training. This book is one of our required texts. Everyone in my class really enjoys it. I've given it as a gift to other people interested in yoga, and they've all loved it.
It goes into detail about developing a solid personal practice, although it does present this at a more intermediate level. This book also discusses the goals of yoga beyond just expertise in asana, and it is a great resource for going deeper into your practice. I was wrong about it being so distant from my everyday life- it is actually written in a very approachable way, by someone who understands that its readers will be learning yoga while also facing the challenges of living in today's world. Desikachar's writing is clear and compassionate, and the book has so much to offer. Desikachar certainly understands his audience.
I think this book is best suited for intermediate to advanced yoga students. However, I don't think anyone can go wrong by reading this book. Beginners would have a lot to gain from it, as it certainly sets a solid foundation in yoga. In the worst case, even if you do what I did and just put it aside and forget about it for a while, there will come a time where you will be ready for this book and it will be a gem in your hands.
Fast-forward to more than a year later. I became a more serious practitioner and became more aware of how Western yoga is drifting from yoga's original focus, and was interested in going deeper into the true, authentic practice of yoga. I understood the basics of asana, but became interested in moving deeper into understanding prana, improving my meditation practice, and learning about more of the philosophical aspects of yoga. I wanted to actively bring these things into my daily life. With this desire to go deeper, I remembered this book sitting on my shelf. I picked it up and became completely absorbed in it.
Now, another year later, I am in yoga teacher training. This book is one of our required texts. Everyone in my class really enjoys it. I've given it as a gift to other people interested in yoga, and they've all loved it.
It goes into detail about developing a solid personal practice, although it does present this at a more intermediate level. This book also discusses the goals of yoga beyond just expertise in asana, and it is a great resource for going deeper into your practice. I was wrong about it being so distant from my everyday life- it is actually written in a very approachable way, by someone who understands that its readers will be learning yoga while also facing the challenges of living in today's world. Desikachar's writing is clear and compassionate, and the book has so much to offer. Desikachar certainly understands his audience.
I think this book is best suited for intermediate to advanced yoga students. However, I don't think anyone can go wrong by reading this book. Beginners would have a lot to gain from it, as it certainly sets a solid foundation in yoga. In the worst case, even if you do what I did and just put it aside and forget about it for a while, there will come a time where you will be ready for this book and it will be a gem in your hands.
July 24, 2008
A great book to reflect over and provides some really wonderful insights into what is a very healing and balanced approach to yoga. You go through the whole thing thinking "This man speaks sense". I'm not sure I'm quite ready to incorporate all of it into my practice (and some of it I might never), but the parts that I have, have made a difference already. A great one for people looking to start to delve a bit deeper into a very authentic, yet adaptable philosophy of yoga.
August 27, 2017
It's hard to really say I'm "finished" with this book, because I've gone back so many times and read and re-read and highlighted so many passages!
Needless to say, this is one of the cornerstones of my yoga journey and practice and the wisdom and practical information in this book keep me coming back time and time again.
Needless to say, this is one of the cornerstones of my yoga journey and practice and the wisdom and practical information in this book keep me coming back time and time again.
May 30, 2011
This is an excellent book on all aspects of yoga that is comprehensive without feeling tedious or too heavy. Written by T.K.V. Desikachar, the son of Krishnmacharya, it strikes a perfect tone where you feel like your teacher is beside you guiding you along your journey. Krishnamacharya is credited with spreading yoga to the west, as he taught yoga indiscriminately to both Indians and Westerners alike as well as women (small side note: How the Brahmin class for centuries could have thought that women were incapable and unsuitable for a spiritual practice when they embody creation is beyond me...). This book is divided into very manageable chapters and also includes the yoga sutras. There are also lots of terrific photos of Krishnamacharya at 100 years old and doing really challenging yoga poses at the age of 80+ with a look of absolute serene pleasure and ease. This book would be probably be best for someone who has a basic knowledge of yoga through asana practice and who is looking to understand better the spiritual philosophy behind the practice.
April 6, 2014
Always on my bedside table & rarely travel without it.
February 7, 2023
Once we detach yoga from God, it’s hard to take it as seriously as Desikachar does.
Read
April 15, 2021Yoga son zamanlarda daha çok karşımıza çıkan bir şey olmaya başladı. Nasıl oluyorsa yoga ile ilgilendiğimi duyan birçok kişi kinayeli bir tonda ''aa sen de mi'' diye soruyor. Evet, ben de; ve yogayla ilgilenen birisi olarak, yoga hakkında insanları isyan ettirecek denli yoğun bir akış varken, yogaya dair tatmin edici cevaplar bulmak pek kolay olmuyor. Desikachar'ın bu kitabı bana ilaç gibi geldi. Gerek yoganın tarihi ve felsefi kökenlerini anlamak; gerekse kendi yoga pratiğini nasıl tasarlayacağını öğrenmek adına gayet doyurucu bir kitaptı. Bu yüzden hem yogayla ilgilenenlere, hem de yogaya şüphe ile yaklaşanlara bu kitabı edinip okumalarını tavsiye diyorum. Güncel piskoloji kitaplarında aradığınızı, belki buralarda bulabilirsiniz. Ben İngilizce baskısından okudum ama Yoganın Kalbi şeklinde bir Türkçe çevirisi de var kitabın.
Bir yandan da sanki büyülü gerçeklik üzerine bir kuram kitabı okuyormuşum hissiyatı uyandırdı bende sık sık, çünkü gerçeğin nasıl da kolay biçim değiştiriveren, şakacı ve aslında itaatkar bir çocuk olduğunun başka dilde anlatılmış bir hikayesi gibi bu kitap.
Bu kitapta cevap bulabileceğiniz sorular:
-Yoga nedir?
-Yoga ne değildir?
-Yoganın kökenleri nelerdir?
-Yoganın gündelik yaşamla nasıl bir ilişkisi vardır?
-Kim yoga yapabilir? Kim yogadan fayda görebilir? : ---bunu yapmaya gönüllü ve meraklı herkes :)
-Yogaya nasıl başlamalıyım?
-Yoga pratiğimi nasıl geliştirebilirim?
-Yoga algı ve duyumlarımı ne şekilde etkiler?
-Yoga, onu içten bir şekilde yapan kişilere neden iyi gelir?
-Yoga sadece bedensel bir pratik midir?
-Yoga yaşadığım sıkıntılardan beni nasıl kurtarır?
Desikachar yogayı sadece pozların veya yoga pratiklerinin uygulanması olarak değil, gerçek bir dikkat ile anda olarak yapılan herhangi bir eylem; bir disiplin olarak tanımlıyor daha çok. Yoganın sekiz kolu var ve bizim yoga olarak tanıdığımız yoga pozları -yani asanalar, bu sekiz koldan sadece birisi. Yani bu pozlar birer amaç değil, araç aslında. Desikachar, dış görünüşe, imaja odaklı yapılan; kendini dışarıdan izleyerek, iç farkındalığa odaklanmamış bedensel pratiklerin, yoga değil fiziksel egzersiz olduklarını söylüyor. Peki nedir bu yoga derseniz, bir şekilde yersiz yurtsuz, sıkışmış, yanlış anlaşılmış hissettiğimiz ve hatta çoğunlukla ne istediğimizi bile bilmediğimiz dünyada esas mekanımız olan bedenimizi tanımak, anlamak, bedenle barışmak ve bedenin bilgeliğine güvenmek, anda olmak adına yapılan pratikler bütünü, bir disiplin diyebilirim. Huzursuzluklarımızın kökenlerini anlamak için, huzursuzlukların barındığı yere, bedene dönmek.
Gözlerimi parlatan bir bilgelikle karşılaştığımı düşündüm sık sık okurken. Üstelik bir felsefe ya da psikoloji kitabı okuyormuş gibi kavramlarda kaybolmadan. Tavsiyemdir. Nasıl ki kötü romanlar yazılıyor diye edebiyata küsmüyoruz, karşınıza yoga adı altında binbir şekilde çıkan şeyden dolayı da yogaya ve felsefesine küsmeyiniz, temennimdir :)
Bir yandan da sanki büyülü gerçeklik üzerine bir kuram kitabı okuyormuşum hissiyatı uyandırdı bende sık sık, çünkü gerçeğin nasıl da kolay biçim değiştiriveren, şakacı ve aslında itaatkar bir çocuk olduğunun başka dilde anlatılmış bir hikayesi gibi bu kitap.
Bu kitapta cevap bulabileceğiniz sorular:
-Yoga nedir?
-Yoga ne değildir?
-Yoganın kökenleri nelerdir?
-Yoganın gündelik yaşamla nasıl bir ilişkisi vardır?
-Kim yoga yapabilir? Kim yogadan fayda görebilir? : ---bunu yapmaya gönüllü ve meraklı herkes :)
-Yogaya nasıl başlamalıyım?
-Yoga pratiğimi nasıl geliştirebilirim?
-Yoga algı ve duyumlarımı ne şekilde etkiler?
-Yoga, onu içten bir şekilde yapan kişilere neden iyi gelir?
-Yoga sadece bedensel bir pratik midir?
-Yoga yaşadığım sıkıntılardan beni nasıl kurtarır?
Desikachar yogayı sadece pozların veya yoga pratiklerinin uygulanması olarak değil, gerçek bir dikkat ile anda olarak yapılan herhangi bir eylem; bir disiplin olarak tanımlıyor daha çok. Yoganın sekiz kolu var ve bizim yoga olarak tanıdığımız yoga pozları -yani asanalar, bu sekiz koldan sadece birisi. Yani bu pozlar birer amaç değil, araç aslında. Desikachar, dış görünüşe, imaja odaklı yapılan; kendini dışarıdan izleyerek, iç farkındalığa odaklanmamış bedensel pratiklerin, yoga değil fiziksel egzersiz olduklarını söylüyor. Peki nedir bu yoga derseniz, bir şekilde yersiz yurtsuz, sıkışmış, yanlış anlaşılmış hissettiğimiz ve hatta çoğunlukla ne istediğimizi bile bilmediğimiz dünyada esas mekanımız olan bedenimizi tanımak, anlamak, bedenle barışmak ve bedenin bilgeliğine güvenmek, anda olmak adına yapılan pratikler bütünü, bir disiplin diyebilirim. Huzursuzluklarımızın kökenlerini anlamak için, huzursuzlukların barındığı yere, bedene dönmek.
Gözlerimi parlatan bir bilgelikle karşılaştığımı düşündüm sık sık okurken. Üstelik bir felsefe ya da psikoloji kitabı okuyormuş gibi kavramlarda kaybolmadan. Tavsiyemdir. Nasıl ki kötü romanlar yazılıyor diye edebiyata küsmüyoruz, karşınıza yoga adı altında binbir şekilde çıkan şeyden dolayı da yogaya ve felsefesine küsmeyiniz, temennimdir :)
August 7, 2023
People often ask me if I teach asanas, and when I answer “yes” they say: “Oh then you are a hatha yogi!” If I am talking about the Yoga Sutra they say “Oh, you are a raja yogi!” And if I say I recite the Vedas the comment is: “Oh, so you are a mantra yogi!” If I simply say that I practice, they do not know what to make of me. Many people want to give everything and everyone a label. Unfortunately, these classifications have become much too important and give the impression that there are fundamental differences between the various forms of yoga. But really they are all dealing with the same thing, and are only looking at them from different perspectives. If we really follow one direction in yoga as far as we can go, then it will lead us along all paths of yoga.
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice is a short but deep book by T.K.V. Desikachar. Desikachar is the son of Tirumalai Krishnamarcharya, one of the greatest yogis of the modern era who taught B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois and Indra Devi, and is the great grandfather of popular forms of yoga practiced in the west today from Ashtanga Yoga to Jivamukti Yoga. Desikachar’s book is influenced by his father’s teachings, and it is a gift for every student that wants to deepen their connection to yoga practice.
The more I learn about yoga, the more I feel like a speck of dust incapable of doing justice to this practice. So I took my time with it. I would sit with a page or two for a night, letting it percolate. I have made marks and dog-eared pages because I know I will be returning to it time and time again.
Part I provides foundational advice on the basic concept and meaning of yoga, sequencing a class, modifications and counterposes for neutralizing poses as well as providing instruction into pranayama breathing exercises and the main Bandha roots/seals.
Desikachar expands on philosophical concepts relevant to the yoga practice in Part II, while Part III and Part IV focuses on seminal texts. Part III includes Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that include Desikachar’s annotations on the 196 aphorisms from the Classical period (500-300 CE) where dualist thinking was dominant. The Yoga Sutras condensed the Vedic thought on yoga into a more accessible system to enlightenment. Patanjali, who may or may not have existed, sets out the eight limbs of yoga (think less “steps up a ladder” and more “all paths lead to Rome” situation) that include the yamas and niyamas etc. Part IV includes Krishnamacharya’s teachings through a manuscript of yoga verses he put together based on his holistic teachings.
Consider Heart of Yoga your modern-day bible for the yogi or yogini!
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice is a short but deep book by T.K.V. Desikachar. Desikachar is the son of Tirumalai Krishnamarcharya, one of the greatest yogis of the modern era who taught B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois and Indra Devi, and is the great grandfather of popular forms of yoga practiced in the west today from Ashtanga Yoga to Jivamukti Yoga. Desikachar’s book is influenced by his father’s teachings, and it is a gift for every student that wants to deepen their connection to yoga practice.
The more I learn about yoga, the more I feel like a speck of dust incapable of doing justice to this practice. So I took my time with it. I would sit with a page or two for a night, letting it percolate. I have made marks and dog-eared pages because I know I will be returning to it time and time again.
Part I provides foundational advice on the basic concept and meaning of yoga, sequencing a class, modifications and counterposes for neutralizing poses as well as providing instruction into pranayama breathing exercises and the main Bandha roots/seals.
Desikachar expands on philosophical concepts relevant to the yoga practice in Part II, while Part III and Part IV focuses on seminal texts. Part III includes Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that include Desikachar’s annotations on the 196 aphorisms from the Classical period (500-300 CE) where dualist thinking was dominant. The Yoga Sutras condensed the Vedic thought on yoga into a more accessible system to enlightenment. Patanjali, who may or may not have existed, sets out the eight limbs of yoga (think less “steps up a ladder” and more “all paths lead to Rome” situation) that include the yamas and niyamas etc. Part IV includes Krishnamacharya’s teachings through a manuscript of yoga verses he put together based on his holistic teachings.
Consider Heart of Yoga your modern-day bible for the yogi or yogini!
September 16, 2021
###/5
MY PERSONAL IMPRESSION:
I am not 100% sure which type of student this book is aimed at. If its aim was to provide the beginner for the history and basic understanding of the practice, I would not recommend it.
If the aim was to provide in-depth reading material to the highly experienced teacher or practitioner; maybe.
As a yoga teacher beginner student, this book made me feel yoga is not for anyone and everyone. That you need to already know and understand the deep, meaningful, and intensely psychological side of yourself AND should already be familiar with the basic concepts of the 8 limbs of yoga, to be able to practice yoga.
It’s “heavy” – heavy with big, complicated words and phrases, and concepts and you need to really concentrate on the information for it to make sense. It made it hard to continue reading or feel motivated to pick it up and finish. Most of the concepts in the book are summarized in our YTT manuals and they are more “understandable”,
A more theory and philosophy based read, than actual practice. As a visual person, I prefer a more practiced based guide.
THE MOST VALUABLE COMPONENT FOR ME
“The Many Paths of Yoga” was my favorite chapter.
I also enjoyed the Pranayama chapter, but again I think it is better summarized in our YTT manual.
An elaboration on how this material could be useful for a yoga teacher
This book does have several valuable components for Yoga teachers – I just think that it should be recommended after Yoga Teacher Training. Then you will be more familiar with the basic concepts and understand them better.
As a newbie, this book was very overwhelming and I felt better about the material after we had specific classes about the bandhas, pranayama and the many practices of yoga.
This is the type of book that I want to come back during teaching practice. To review asanas and add breathing techniques for classes.
My favorite quote:
“Yoga attempts to create a state in which we are always present—really present—in every action, in every moment.”
MY PERSONAL IMPRESSION:
I am not 100% sure which type of student this book is aimed at. If its aim was to provide the beginner for the history and basic understanding of the practice, I would not recommend it.
If the aim was to provide in-depth reading material to the highly experienced teacher or practitioner; maybe.
As a yoga teacher beginner student, this book made me feel yoga is not for anyone and everyone. That you need to already know and understand the deep, meaningful, and intensely psychological side of yourself AND should already be familiar with the basic concepts of the 8 limbs of yoga, to be able to practice yoga.
It’s “heavy” – heavy with big, complicated words and phrases, and concepts and you need to really concentrate on the information for it to make sense. It made it hard to continue reading or feel motivated to pick it up and finish. Most of the concepts in the book are summarized in our YTT manuals and they are more “understandable”,
A more theory and philosophy based read, than actual practice. As a visual person, I prefer a more practiced based guide.
THE MOST VALUABLE COMPONENT FOR ME
“The Many Paths of Yoga” was my favorite chapter.
I also enjoyed the Pranayama chapter, but again I think it is better summarized in our YTT manual.
An elaboration on how this material could be useful for a yoga teacher
This book does have several valuable components for Yoga teachers – I just think that it should be recommended after Yoga Teacher Training. Then you will be more familiar with the basic concepts and understand them better.
As a newbie, this book was very overwhelming and I felt better about the material after we had specific classes about the bandhas, pranayama and the many practices of yoga.
This is the type of book that I want to come back during teaching practice. To review asanas and add breathing techniques for classes.
My favorite quote:
“Yoga attempts to create a state in which we are always present—really present—in every action, in every moment.”
March 22, 2009
Loved it. Glad I purchased it. I didn't really understand yoga before reading this book. I learned that yoga is way more than being a human pretzel. Yoga is a mind, body and spiritual practice. It is about experiencing clarity and peace within your moment to moment experiences. I highly recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in yoga.
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June 18, 2023Zeer duidelijk en rijk boek dat tal van inzichten biedt in wat yoga is en hoe je deze het beste kunt beoefenen. Tegelijk een goed naslagwerk dat ik nog vaak open zal slaan.
September 13, 2023
Great primer to becoming a vinyasa yoga instructor/teacher. Also includes the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali at the back, so it is a great resource!
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January 27, 2024Very informative, learned a lot.
October 2, 2018
“Q: There is much interest these days in understanding nondualism. Some teachers say that is all that is needed. What is the difference between the way your father taught and Advaita Vedānta? A: My father said about advaita, and I quote, “The word advaita has two parts, a - and dvaita .” So to realize advaita we should first realize dvaita. It is a very interesting idea. In other words, to realize advaita, nondualism, one must first realize dvaita, dualism. We must start with the reality of our situation. Most of us are in dualism, and we have to accept duality and start from duality before it can become one, before we can know nonduality. Imagine: if there were only one, then there would not be the word or the concept of advaita. The concept of advaita itself implies two. Yoga links the two and through this link the two become one. That is advaita. So yoga is the step toward advaita. The two must be recognized, then brought together, otherwise even the advaita idea becomes an object. The moment I say I am an Advaitin, I am making the word advaita into an object and I create division in myself. Yoga is the method and the approach to make this great realization a reality. That is why the greatest teacher of Advaita Vedañta, commented on the Yoga Sūtra , explaining the importance of yoga and emphasizing the importance of such things as nāda [sound] and bandha [a body lock]. He spoke of yoga as an important means for reaching that goal called advaita.”
“Now what is this avidyā that is so deeply rooted in us? Avidyā can be understood as the accumulated result of our many unconscious actions, the actions and ways of perceiving that we have been mechanically carrying out for years. As a result of these unconscious responses, the mind becomes more and more dependent on habits until we accept the actions of yesterday as the norms of today. Such habituation in our action and perception is called saṃskāra . These habits cover the mind with avidyā, as if obscuring the clarity of consciousness with a filmy layer.”
October 26, 2021
I love this book. This is my second time through, and this time I did it with friends from my yoga class, including the teacher. We all love it and many insights arise from discussing it together.
The book does have several pages of asanas at the end, but what it’s really about is yoga philosophy, understanding yoga as a multi-limbed force for living lives that do not create harm. Yoga is not a series of poses or a way of working out. It’s so much more than that. I’m not explaining it well. But I am recommending the book strongly. I’m not alone in that, of course. It is often used as one of the texts in yoga teacher training courses.
The book does have several pages of asanas at the end, but what it’s really about is yoga philosophy, understanding yoga as a multi-limbed force for living lives that do not create harm. Yoga is not a series of poses or a way of working out. It’s so much more than that. I’m not explaining it well. But I am recommending the book strongly. I’m not alone in that, of course. It is often used as one of the texts in yoga teacher training courses.
February 5, 2011
A must read for yoga teacher training. I mean I had to read it for the training but I also find myself referencing it now while creating yoga classes. It has a lot of the basics, the yoga sutras and vinyasa philosophy from its originator.
June 14, 2018
I'm just a yoga newbie, so a lot of it went over my head. In particular, I didn't enjoy the breakdown of the Yoga Sutras at the end of the book. However, the parts I found useful were very good, and I feel more welcome and confident in my yoga practice for having read this.
December 7, 2017
This is one of the best books I have read on Yog. Brilliant.
September 14, 2018
A very well explained book to start exploring the different spheres of yoga.
November 2, 2018
This has some good information, but it's so dramatic that it's almost a mockery of itself. This book is why so many people feel yoga is inaccessible.
January 25, 2022
A thorough and thoughtful breakdown of yoga, covering fundamentals and the substance of yoga. At times the book felt like a textbook, with *so* much information to be consumed and understood. It's something I'll certainly come back to multiple times. That being said, The Heart of Yoga walks through how to build your own practices and perspectives, and grounds learnings in teachings from Krishnamacharya (the author's father). It also includes all of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra with translation and commentary. As an afterthought, I wish I read through the glossary before beginning the book. I'd 100% recommend this to someone deepening their relationship with yoga, but I'd also pair with other readings. (I read this book is one of the required prerequisites for a 200H Yoga Teacher Training.)
May 31, 2022
Krishnamacharya led the life we all expect of a guru: he was erudite, humble, selfless, kind, generous, and a family man and great teacher who exemplified in his manner and style the yogic path. This book is written by his son who was an engineer but also forsake the rewards of a successful career to share his father's teachings.
The Heart of Yoga deserves a place on every serious yoga student's bookshelf, yoga teachers in the West are merely fitness instructors but honestly that's what people want.
The Heart of Yoga deserves a place on every serious yoga student's bookshelf, yoga teachers in the West are merely fitness instructors but honestly that's what people want.
June 9, 2018
Удивительная книга, которая будет интересна как начинающим, так и давно практикующим йогу. Дешикачару, сыну и ученику Кришнамачарьи, удалось просто и понятно рассказать о таком сложном предмете как йога.
December 21, 2021
Um dos melhores de yoga que já li. Bem embasado, leitura agradável e aborda a maior parte dos aspectos do yoga enquanto prática pessoal e filosofia de vida. Super recomendável!
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December 27, 2023Bom pra contextualizar minimamente quem tá começando a praticar!
August 22, 2024
Classic! :) one of the Bibles of yoga
December 11, 2024
This was such a great introduction to studying the 8 limbs of yoga prior to sadhana training this January, and I am soooo excited to read more and the philosophy
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