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The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian mythology that inspired 50 yoga postures
Discover the traditional stories and wisdom behind your favourite yoga poses in this stunningly illustrated book of Indian mythology for yogis of all levels.
A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology , join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses , such Meet iconic Gods and Goddesses, from Gaṇeśa, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, to Śiva, Lord of Yogis, and Kali, goddess of mind, body, soul and death. Explore the rivalry between the sages Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra, and their cosmic feud over a wish-fulfilling cow.
Plunge into the depths of one of the richest myths in the battle between the demons and the gods who churn the cosmic oceans in search for the elixir of immortality. And learn how Śiva got his blue throat!
Learn, through the mythology of the poses, more about the roots of this ancient practice and how you can use their teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga’s true origins.
Enhance your practice by reading one story before or at the end of class, and incorporating the poses and their teaching into your life, as well as your yoga practice, and transform the way you view and practice this timeless art.
A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology , join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses , such Meet iconic Gods and Goddesses, from Gaṇeśa, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, to Śiva, Lord of Yogis, and Kali, goddess of mind, body, soul and death. Explore the rivalry between the sages Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra, and their cosmic feud over a wish-fulfilling cow.
Plunge into the depths of one of the richest myths in the battle between the demons and the gods who churn the cosmic oceans in search for the elixir of immortality. And learn how Śiva got his blue throat!
Learn, through the mythology of the poses, more about the roots of this ancient practice and how you can use their teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga’s true origins.
Enhance your practice by reading one story before or at the end of class, and incorporating the poses and their teaching into your life, as well as your yoga practice, and transform the way you view and practice this timeless art.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published July 26, 2022
439 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 20, 2022
Yoga practitioners will be aware that -- while some posture names are banal, straightforward descriptions (e.g. Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, or “standing hand-to-big toe pose --”) many others invoke animals, sages, or deities for historical, mythological, or symbolic reasons. As this book’s title suggests, it presents the mythological backstories for fifty yoga postures. The vast majority of these fifty poses are common ones that will be readily familiar to most Hatha Yoga practitioners, though a few are advanced or obscure and aren’t likely to come up in your run-of-the-mill studio class. (And a couple may be familiar to some individuals by another name.)
The book is cleanly organized with five sections (Shiva poses, Vishnu poses, Devi / goddess poses, God story poses, and sage poses) each containing writeups for ten poses. Each pose is presented via colorful artwork in the Indian style (typically with the deity or sage in question performing the posture.)
I found the entries to be well-written and clear (Hindu Mythology can be extremely complicated and some authors get lost in the weeds by including too much minutiae or unnecessary details, but that wasn’t the case here.) The full-page artistic renderings of the poses are also clear and tidy, such that anyone familiar with the pose should readily recognize it.
The one thing I think could have been done better (though probably not without messing up the aforementioned clean organizational scheme) would be to cut some of the redundancy in the stories. In a few instances, the same story appeared in multiple chapters. To the author’s credit, these weren’t just copy / pasted, they were written uniquely, sometimes with additional information or a different focus. Still, it was a bit distracting to find myself in the middle of the same story and wondering whether I’d zoned out or lost my place. This might have been dealt with by putting multiple poses with one story and not repeating the tale one or more times. For example, the stories about Vasisthasana and Visvametrasana are inherently coupled, and the poses might be as well. (Perhaps even referencing the fact that the story had already been told might have been helpful and less distracting.)
All-in-all, I thought this book did a fine job of presenting the myths and relating them to the postures. I learned a great deal from reading the book and would recommend it for yoga practitioners and those interested in Hindu Mythology.
The book is cleanly organized with five sections (Shiva poses, Vishnu poses, Devi / goddess poses, God story poses, and sage poses) each containing writeups for ten poses. Each pose is presented via colorful artwork in the Indian style (typically with the deity or sage in question performing the posture.)
I found the entries to be well-written and clear (Hindu Mythology can be extremely complicated and some authors get lost in the weeds by including too much minutiae or unnecessary details, but that wasn’t the case here.) The full-page artistic renderings of the poses are also clear and tidy, such that anyone familiar with the pose should readily recognize it.
The one thing I think could have been done better (though probably not without messing up the aforementioned clean organizational scheme) would be to cut some of the redundancy in the stories. In a few instances, the same story appeared in multiple chapters. To the author’s credit, these weren’t just copy / pasted, they were written uniquely, sometimes with additional information or a different focus. Still, it was a bit distracting to find myself in the middle of the same story and wondering whether I’d zoned out or lost my place. This might have been dealt with by putting multiple poses with one story and not repeating the tale one or more times. For example, the stories about Vasisthasana and Visvametrasana are inherently coupled, and the poses might be as well. (Perhaps even referencing the fact that the story had already been told might have been helpful and less distracting.)
All-in-all, I thought this book did a fine job of presenting the myths and relating them to the postures. I learned a great deal from reading the book and would recommend it for yoga practitioners and those interested in Hindu Mythology.
July 21, 2024
The stories behind the poses provides a combination of mythological stories and essence of various Yogasanas!
The stories gives us the reason behind the posture and name of the relevant asana. The author has ended each story with a short insightful message which can enhance our consciousness and enrich our morals and values while performing those yogasana making them more mindful and meaningful.
Every yogic practices in Indian culture has reasons we don't know behind it and this book enlightens the readers about those reasons through mind-blowing stories and wonderful illustrations making them more digestible.
I loved reading the stories and especially the ending messages telling the essence of each pose. I got this book from library but I'm definitely going to buy it for my personal library collection. Everyone who's interested in yoga or just in Indian mythology should read this book.
The stories gives us the reason behind the posture and name of the relevant asana. The author has ended each story with a short insightful message which can enhance our consciousness and enrich our morals and values while performing those yogasana making them more mindful and meaningful.
Every yogic practices in Indian culture has reasons we don't know behind it and this book enlightens the readers about those reasons through mind-blowing stories and wonderful illustrations making them more digestible.
I loved reading the stories and especially the ending messages telling the essence of each pose. I got this book from library but I'm definitely going to buy it for my personal library collection. Everyone who's interested in yoga or just in Indian mythology should read this book.
May 7, 2024
This book was such a fun read and took me back to story time with my grandma. As a budding yoga teacher I really enjoyed learning more about the story behind the asanas and like how each asana had themes associated with it, super helpful for when creatively sequencing.
My only gripe would be the repetitiveness of the stories, some stories were mentioned multiple times but in relation to different devas/devis/rakshasas.
Overall I recommend it to folks who have no Hindu mythology background but also recommend to read more sources outside of this for the most well rounded knowledge.
My only gripe would be the repetitiveness of the stories, some stories were mentioned multiple times but in relation to different devas/devis/rakshasas.
Overall I recommend it to folks who have no Hindu mythology background but also recommend to read more sources outside of this for the most well rounded knowledge.
January 15, 2025
So beautifully written. A real treat for yogis looking to learn more about the myths and philosophy behind the asanas
September 9, 2023
I'm a yoga teacher, and I love reading about the mythological origins of many yoga postures. I was glad that my local library system had this book available. It's a beautiful book, a generously-sized hardcover with gorgeous illustrations. The stories are easy-to-read, written in a short, anecdotal format with a brief reflection at the end of each chapter. Although I enjoyed the book, my reason for 4 rather than 5 stars was that the stories became very repetitive. There is so much overlap that you are sometimes reading the *exact* same tale 2-3 times, with only slight variations to each (this was especially noticeable regarding the "wish-fulfilling cow"). Perhaps a different organization of the book might have allowed for these stories to read in a more integrated way. Regardless, it is a worthy read, although I preferred MYTHS OF THE ASANAS.
March 26, 2025
I got about halfway through this one. It's a beautiful book but I couldn't finish in time for my yoga book club and I'm not likely going to pick it up again
October 17, 2022
Dr. Raj Balkaran delivers a must-own book for yoga enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and students of mythology in "The Stories Behind the Poses." The fully illustrated hardcover volume tells the eternal stories from Indian myth anchored in the Brahmanic worldview underpinning the spiritual beliefs and the physical practice of yoga. Beyond merely a retelling of epic tales of the struggles and triumphs of gods, goddesses, kings, demons, and various characters, Balkaran delves into the transformative power of meaning-making. Artist Devika Menon brings each story to life with her inspired and informed illustrative interpretation of how mythology yielded each yogic pose.
"The Stories Behind the Poses" is an elegantly written and illustrated page-turner for anyone who appreciates origin stories from rich cultural traditions. The book is beneficial for yoga practitioners and anyone who appreciates Indian rituals and philosophy. Balkaran tells each story compellingly, creating a reason for the reader to empathize with moral and ethical dilemmas faced by powerful beings. Each story is itself a meditative tool to guide the yogi. The book invites anyone with a yoga practice to deepen their physical practices by internalizing the lessons from each tale and how it relates to the physical manifestation of the yogic posture.
"The Stories Behind the Poses" is an elegantly written and illustrated page-turner for anyone who appreciates origin stories from rich cultural traditions. The book is beneficial for yoga practitioners and anyone who appreciates Indian rituals and philosophy. Balkaran tells each story compellingly, creating a reason for the reader to empathize with moral and ethical dilemmas faced by powerful beings. Each story is itself a meditative tool to guide the yogi. The book invites anyone with a yoga practice to deepen their physical practices by internalizing the lessons from each tale and how it relates to the physical manifestation of the yogic posture.
October 7, 2024
This book contains 50 different poses of Yogasanas with each of the poses illustrated by Devika Menon and containing a story from the Puranas and other holy hindu texts retold by Raj Balakaran. The book is neatly divided into 5 sections with 10 poses each based on their mythical origins such as from the gods or the goddesses or the sages. Probably many of the stories have been hard by children recited by their grandparents. Though some of the stories are lesser known especially those of the sages. Many of the asanas are also fairly well known to practitioners except a few obscure ones (especially with the sages). Some of the stories were repeated and a few of narratives felt disconnected from the poses. However the book is a decent read for someone who wants to know the meaning of the name, the reason for performing the asana (to improve balance, endurance, strength etc).
September 6, 2022
Awakening the divine avatar
The postures of yoga practice include many ancient Vedic traditions. Most Hindu deities worshipped at temples, sacred and spiritual sanctuaries demonstrate a belief in a divine consciousness. Yoga in Rigveda means the spiritual yoking, the synchronizing of the divine thoughts/speech with the spiritual mind to seek Pure Consciousness. The vision of Vedic sages set forth mystical paths for humanity, and the Vedic mantras contained the key to cosmic evolution, metaphysical unfoldment, unlocking the laws of cosmos that condenses Prakriti and Purusha into One Pure Consciousness called Brahman. Consciousness that pervades spacetime in which matter and energy play according to the laws of physics, when they cease to act, then matter/energy with spacetime descends to its beginning, the Brahman.
The Vedic traditions lifts the veil into the vastness of the cosmos through the philosophies of Sankhya, Yoga and Vedanta. It opens the door of the heart to unite with the Gods and Goddesses. It paved the way for our imagination to enter the temples of the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and Puranas from ancient Vedic traditions. This is what we see when see the deities of Hindu belief system. When we see the murti (deities) of Kali, Durga, Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Shakti―the sacred feminine principles, they represent different forms of One creator that encompasses omniscience (infinite knowledge), omnipotence (unlimited power), omnipresence (present everywhere), Omni benevolence (perfect goodness), immutable, divine simplicity, and eternal existence. Rigveda 1.18.7 states that, sa dhīnāṁ yogaṁ invati, which translates into He (saH) promotes (invati) the yoga (yogam) of thoughts (dhInAm). Each deity is known to represent specific qualities in our mortal existence; the worship of Kali is known to bring strength, fierce love, and untamed freedom; the worship of Lakshmi is known to confer prosperity and beauty; and the worship of Parvati is to awaken creativity and the capacity to love.
The illustrations of Hindu deities represent aspects of the Brahman or the Supreme Self that includes the value of dharma, bhakti, blessings, and compassion to the devotees. A positive nature must be reflected in all illustrations, but this is prominently lacking in this book. Some of the depictions are unacceptable. I suggest the authors to consider a revision.
The postures of yoga practice include many ancient Vedic traditions. Most Hindu deities worshipped at temples, sacred and spiritual sanctuaries demonstrate a belief in a divine consciousness. Yoga in Rigveda means the spiritual yoking, the synchronizing of the divine thoughts/speech with the spiritual mind to seek Pure Consciousness. The vision of Vedic sages set forth mystical paths for humanity, and the Vedic mantras contained the key to cosmic evolution, metaphysical unfoldment, unlocking the laws of cosmos that condenses Prakriti and Purusha into One Pure Consciousness called Brahman. Consciousness that pervades spacetime in which matter and energy play according to the laws of physics, when they cease to act, then matter/energy with spacetime descends to its beginning, the Brahman.
The Vedic traditions lifts the veil into the vastness of the cosmos through the philosophies of Sankhya, Yoga and Vedanta. It opens the door of the heart to unite with the Gods and Goddesses. It paved the way for our imagination to enter the temples of the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and Puranas from ancient Vedic traditions. This is what we see when see the deities of Hindu belief system. When we see the murti (deities) of Kali, Durga, Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Shakti―the sacred feminine principles, they represent different forms of One creator that encompasses omniscience (infinite knowledge), omnipotence (unlimited power), omnipresence (present everywhere), Omni benevolence (perfect goodness), immutable, divine simplicity, and eternal existence. Rigveda 1.18.7 states that, sa dhīnāṁ yogaṁ invati, which translates into He (saH) promotes (invati) the yoga (yogam) of thoughts (dhInAm). Each deity is known to represent specific qualities in our mortal existence; the worship of Kali is known to bring strength, fierce love, and untamed freedom; the worship of Lakshmi is known to confer prosperity and beauty; and the worship of Parvati is to awaken creativity and the capacity to love.
The illustrations of Hindu deities represent aspects of the Brahman or the Supreme Self that includes the value of dharma, bhakti, blessings, and compassion to the devotees. A positive nature must be reflected in all illustrations, but this is prominently lacking in this book. Some of the depictions are unacceptable. I suggest the authors to consider a revision.
April 9, 2024
Dr. Raj Balkaran's "The Stories Behind the Poses" offers a unique exploration of yoga, weaving together the physical practice with the rich tapestry of Indian mythology. Balkaran delves into the stories that inspired these very postures, transforming your yoga routine into a journey steeped in cultural and spiritual significance.
The book focuses on 50 key yoga poses, each accompanied by a captivating tale. Balkaran, a scholar and yoga teacher, brings these myths to life in a compelling way, making them relatable even to those unfamiliar with Hinduism. The stories themselves explore themes of good versus evil, perseverance, and the quest for enlightenment, adding depth and meaning to the physical practice. Adding another layer to the book's richness are the beautiful illustrations by Devika Menon. These depictions bring the mythological figures and scenes to life, further enhancing the connection between the stories and the yoga poses.
"The Stories Behind the Poses" is a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their yoga practice. It's also a fascinating exploration of Indian mythology for those curious about the cultural roots of this ancient discipline. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, this book has the potential to transform your understanding and appreciation of yoga.
Here are some of the book's strengths:
Unveils the cultural and mythological background of yoga postures.
Enhances the yoga practice by adding depth and meaning.
Presents mythology in a captivating and accessible way.
Beautifully illustrated, making the stories come alive.
Overall, "The Stories Behind the Poses" is a delightful and informative read. It offers a refreshing perspective on yoga, one that strengthens the mind-body connection through the power of storytelling. It's important to note that the book primarily focuses on yoga as seen through a Hindu lens.
The book focuses on 50 key yoga poses, each accompanied by a captivating tale. Balkaran, a scholar and yoga teacher, brings these myths to life in a compelling way, making them relatable even to those unfamiliar with Hinduism. The stories themselves explore themes of good versus evil, perseverance, and the quest for enlightenment, adding depth and meaning to the physical practice. Adding another layer to the book's richness are the beautiful illustrations by Devika Menon. These depictions bring the mythological figures and scenes to life, further enhancing the connection between the stories and the yoga poses.
"The Stories Behind the Poses" is a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their yoga practice. It's also a fascinating exploration of Indian mythology for those curious about the cultural roots of this ancient discipline. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, this book has the potential to transform your understanding and appreciation of yoga.
Here are some of the book's strengths:
Unveils the cultural and mythological background of yoga postures.
Enhances the yoga practice by adding depth and meaning.
Presents mythology in a captivating and accessible way.
Beautifully illustrated, making the stories come alive.
Overall, "The Stories Behind the Poses" is a delightful and informative read. It offers a refreshing perspective on yoga, one that strengthens the mind-body connection through the power of storytelling. It's important to note that the book primarily focuses on yoga as seen through a Hindu lens.
August 10, 2022
A lovely volume designed to educate and awaken the oral tradition in this generation.
As a reformed Christian, I’ve always been intrigued by Eastern Indian art. It’s colorful, complex and quite honestly, odd for a Jersey Italian girl who ain’t Roman Catholic; already odd in my own universe!
“The Stories Behind the Poses”, by Dr. Raj Balkaran, is an hefty volume that introduces readers to 50 unique Yoga poses and the stories that support them. Each story features an unique “god, king or wondrous thing”
from ancient Indian mythology. Dr. Balkaran tells these stories as he does to his students across his many platforms as well as highlighting multiple themes aimed at broadening readers personal insight and for those with yogi experience, an opportunity to grow and enhance their individual practices.
I found the book extremely interesting and informative. It is very helpful to have the artwork close by while reading to help with the interpretation. For me, the stories are far more interesting than yoga poses I couldn’t master in 1000 years.
All things considered, highly giftable and informative, well made and a good value as a hardcover📚
As a reformed Christian, I’ve always been intrigued by Eastern Indian art. It’s colorful, complex and quite honestly, odd for a Jersey Italian girl who ain’t Roman Catholic; already odd in my own universe!
“The Stories Behind the Poses”, by Dr. Raj Balkaran, is an hefty volume that introduces readers to 50 unique Yoga poses and the stories that support them. Each story features an unique “god, king or wondrous thing”
from ancient Indian mythology. Dr. Balkaran tells these stories as he does to his students across his many platforms as well as highlighting multiple themes aimed at broadening readers personal insight and for those with yogi experience, an opportunity to grow and enhance their individual practices.
I found the book extremely interesting and informative. It is very helpful to have the artwork close by while reading to help with the interpretation. For me, the stories are far more interesting than yoga poses I couldn’t master in 1000 years.
All things considered, highly giftable and informative, well made and a good value as a hardcover📚
March 7, 2024
Dr. Balkaran's engaging storytelling style brings the myths to life. Readers are transported to the world of Hindu deities and their struggles, making the connection between pose and story more impactful. The book is visually stunning, featuring vibrant illustrations by Devika Menon. These illustrations not only depict the yoga poses but also capture the essence of the corresponding myths, further enriching the experience.
Overall, "The Stories Behind the Poses" is a delightful and insightful read that breathes new life into your yoga practice. By connecting the physical postures with their mythological inspiration, the book encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of yoga's rich cultural heritage. It's a perfect choice for anyone seeking to add a touch of magic and meaning to their yoga journey.
Overall, "The Stories Behind the Poses" is a delightful and insightful read that breathes new life into your yoga practice. By connecting the physical postures with their mythological inspiration, the book encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of yoga's rich cultural heritage. It's a perfect choice for anyone seeking to add a touch of magic and meaning to their yoga journey.
July 5, 2022
This is a beautifully-crafted book with meaningful illustrations and poetic verse. Each pose has main themes outlined, the story itself, and a blurb at the end highlighting the relevant lessons. Some of the poses and stories are inaccessible and irrelevant to most mere mortals, but perhaps that’s the point.
This book would make a lovely addition to the philosophy component of a yoga teacher training course or a source of self-study for an experienced practitioner. This isn’t the kind of book you read cover to cover and set aside. It’s something you come back to and glean little nuggets each time to absorb into your practice.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book would make a lovely addition to the philosophy component of a yoga teacher training course or a source of self-study for an experienced practitioner. This isn’t the kind of book you read cover to cover and set aside. It’s something you come back to and glean little nuggets each time to absorb into your practice.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 31, 2022
I never thought much about the origins of the various poses or their proper names in Hindi, so this is a real treat for this history geek. Yoga has an important place in modern life with all its stresses and often inactivity as well. I am totally delighted with it and will probably get a copy but keep it in my local public library.
Dr. Balkaran also has an online course that accompanies this book at School of Indian Wisdom in Canada.
Devika Menon is the illustrator extraordinaire of this wonderful book with brilliantly colored artistry to accompany the text.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Dr. Balkaran also has an online course that accompanies this book at School of Indian Wisdom in Canada.
Devika Menon is the illustrator extraordinaire of this wonderful book with brilliantly colored artistry to accompany the text.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Leaping Hare Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 28, 2023
Hiánypótló mű.
A jóga divat lett itt a nyugati világban, de időnként megdöbbenek, hogy akik gyakorolják, sokszor mennyire nincsenek tisztában a filozófiájával. Ez a könyv arra is rádöbbentett, hogy a jógának mitológiája is van, ősi történetek is kapcsolhatók a különböző jógapózokhoz. A kötetben nem a pózokon, hanem inkább a mitikus történeteken van a hangsúly, amelyek az ászanák jelentését, szellemiségét magyarázzák. Nem mindegyik egyformán nagy jelentőségű, de voltak benne számomra katartikus, nagy bölcsességeket hordozó sztorik olyan nézőpontokkal, amik egy nyugati ember számára merőben újak.
Mindezek tetejében gyönyörűen illusztrált a kötet: a jógaászanák vannak színes rajzokkal, mitikus alakokkal illusztrálva - élvezet forgatni.
A jóga divat lett itt a nyugati világban, de időnként megdöbbenek, hogy akik gyakorolják, sokszor mennyire nincsenek tisztában a filozófiájával. Ez a könyv arra is rádöbbentett, hogy a jógának mitológiája is van, ősi történetek is kapcsolhatók a különböző jógapózokhoz. A kötetben nem a pózokon, hanem inkább a mitikus történeteken van a hangsúly, amelyek az ászanák jelentését, szellemiségét magyarázzák. Nem mindegyik egyformán nagy jelentőségű, de voltak benne számomra katartikus, nagy bölcsességeket hordozó sztorik olyan nézőpontokkal, amik egy nyugati ember számára merőben újak.
Mindezek tetejében gyönyörűen illusztrált a kötet: a jógaászanák vannak színes rajzokkal, mitikus alakokkal illusztrálva - élvezet forgatni.
July 14, 2022
This was a really informative and interesting read. I’m really glad I decided to pick this up and learn more about the history behind yoga poses. I found the format of the book very visually pleasing and well laid out. The information was understandable but still detailed. I’d recommend this to yoga teachers and hobbyists alike as I think everyone can benefit from deepening their understanding of yoga. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
October 11, 2022
This book was outstanding and I don't think I could really, fully put it all into words. I knew some of these stories myself but only vaguely. To see them, to hear the complexities behind each pose was truly life-changing. I'd recommend this book to anyone with the passion to learn and the want/will for mindfulness.
I received this e-book free for a genuine review.
I received this e-book free for a genuine review.
October 1, 2022
Beautiful illustrations and stories that inspire yoga poses based on traditional descriptions by Iyengar (per my assessment). My only critique is that there are several editing errors that are sometimes distracting, perhaps to be corrected in the next printing.
June 3, 2024
The images alone are worth taking a look at this book. But, the stories are of course the main draw. I liked how the author gave a short purport after each story, and how he divided them based on gods or sages.
January 21, 2025
very cute read actually, I enjoyed the enchanting illustrations and short stories! however, it’s rather a coffee table book, since the stories are repetitive and often also lack a deep connection to the asanas.
December 27, 2025
I might get back to this one in a couple of years - for now it was quite confusing to me due to the number of gods and characters which are represented by the asanas. Only 2-3 stories stick to me, therefore might need a refresh again
July 22, 2022
This was such a pleasure to read! The art works is beyond beautiful, along with the story behind the poses. I’m definitely adding to my shelf, it was also helpful with my studies.
September 20, 2022
This was such an interesting read, I learnt so much.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
August 17, 2023
Absolutely adore this book. Gaining insight into the origin of each Asana has truly elevated my practice, and the book design is beautiful.
June 18, 2024
Such cool stories and tidbits about the asanas to share in my classes!
March 1, 2025
Incredible for yogis who want to connect with the legends behind each pose
Read
April 18, 202527% my mind is so happy after DNFing books that don't connect
December 28, 2025
A fascinating book, read on my kindle but might treat myself to a hardback version!
January 2, 2026
Had to settle for the Kindle version but the hardcover version is stunning. A great reference to strengthen your practice by understanding the mythological origins of these poses!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews