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Yoga: Your Home Practice Companion
This is a complete illustrated guide to yoga by leading teachers from the world-renowned Sivananda Yoga Vedanta School. Achieve a strong, flexible body, mental alertness and inner serenity through the practice of yoga with the Sivanada Yoga Vedenta School. You'll learn classic yoga poses for all levels following clear step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions and pick up invaluable tips on what not-to-do. Find well-rounded yoga programmes of 20, 40 and 60 minutes aimed at beginners, intermediate and advanced students so you can practice at home. Plus, find out the essential roles of meditation and breathing exercises and learn strategies to develop powers of concentration. This title offers in-depth advice on a healthier diet, including more than 40 delicious recipes.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2003
195 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
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* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 9, 2019
I am not entirely sure who is the target audience for this book… I got myself a copy because the title sounded very promising: I love doing yoga every day, but I don’t like yoga classes very much, and really prefer to do my practice in the comfort of my own living room – so a home practice companion seemed like a great addition to my library.
The first section summarizes the history of yoga (or more specifically, how it came to be taught in the Western world), offers concise and clear definitions and explanations of the founding principles of yogic practice, commentaries and clarifications on a few key passages of the yoga sutras and the physiological effects of asana yoga practice. They strongly make the point that the mastery of the body through asana practice is merely a step in the process of harmonization of body, mind and spirit that is yogic practice. The section about breathing techniques and relaxation is great, and the chapter about the yogic diet is informative, and contains a helpful guide for people who would like to transition to a meat-free diet progressively.
The book is beautifully laid out, and very visually appealing, like all yoga books published by DK Publishing. The photos are often complimented by drawings showing the physical effects of the practice, to give a clear understanding of how joints and muscles work while practicing certain poses.
But I have to say that the introduction to the section on asanas puzzled me a bit: it mentions that the 12 "classic" postures illustrated in the book should be performed in the order they are described in... which I am not sure I agree with. For instance, the first asana they describe is the headstand, and while they provide the preparatory exercises for beginners, it's still a very advanced pose - and even their so-called beginners variations require extensive practice of other asanas before they can be achieved safely. That said, the progressive steps they give for each asana are also very useful to get comfortable and confident before moving on to a more advanced variation. I just don’t think the order in which they are given makes much sense. I’d recommend using another guide as a complement (Grounded Panda’s guide is great (https://shop.groundedpanda.com/), as is “Hatha Yoga Illustrated” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).
While this book tries to encompass as much information about the yogi lifestyle as possible, I think that it only does so superficially. It scratches the surface of meditation practices, and talks a little about the sutras, the philosophy and diet, but it isn’t as all-encompassing as it tries to be.
Which is why I can’t quite figure out who this book is for: it’s not for beginners, as some of the asanas are really advanced, but it’s not for more advanced practitioners either, who I assume would already know a lot of the information provided. Perhaps this book would be most useful in the hands of people who already practice yoga and want to take their practice to another level: it will not give them all the information they need, but it would be a great inspiration and launching pad towards other books and resources that would help them progress.
The first section summarizes the history of yoga (or more specifically, how it came to be taught in the Western world), offers concise and clear definitions and explanations of the founding principles of yogic practice, commentaries and clarifications on a few key passages of the yoga sutras and the physiological effects of asana yoga practice. They strongly make the point that the mastery of the body through asana practice is merely a step in the process of harmonization of body, mind and spirit that is yogic practice. The section about breathing techniques and relaxation is great, and the chapter about the yogic diet is informative, and contains a helpful guide for people who would like to transition to a meat-free diet progressively.
The book is beautifully laid out, and very visually appealing, like all yoga books published by DK Publishing. The photos are often complimented by drawings showing the physical effects of the practice, to give a clear understanding of how joints and muscles work while practicing certain poses.
But I have to say that the introduction to the section on asanas puzzled me a bit: it mentions that the 12 "classic" postures illustrated in the book should be performed in the order they are described in... which I am not sure I agree with. For instance, the first asana they describe is the headstand, and while they provide the preparatory exercises for beginners, it's still a very advanced pose - and even their so-called beginners variations require extensive practice of other asanas before they can be achieved safely. That said, the progressive steps they give for each asana are also very useful to get comfortable and confident before moving on to a more advanced variation. I just don’t think the order in which they are given makes much sense. I’d recommend using another guide as a complement (Grounded Panda’s guide is great (https://shop.groundedpanda.com/), as is “Hatha Yoga Illustrated” (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).
While this book tries to encompass as much information about the yogi lifestyle as possible, I think that it only does so superficially. It scratches the surface of meditation practices, and talks a little about the sutras, the philosophy and diet, but it isn’t as all-encompassing as it tries to be.
Which is why I can’t quite figure out who this book is for: it’s not for beginners, as some of the asanas are really advanced, but it’s not for more advanced practitioners either, who I assume would already know a lot of the information provided. Perhaps this book would be most useful in the hands of people who already practice yoga and want to take their practice to another level: it will not give them all the information they need, but it would be a great inspiration and launching pad towards other books and resources that would help them progress.
November 30, 2024
So, this book is generally a good, if a little paradoxical, introduction to yoga. Let me explain why.
It consists of two parts: the rather non-threatening, systematic, effective introduction to the history, ethical precepts, and health benefits of yoga, as well as an introduction to relaxation, meditation, and diet. I found these to be effective, containing pared-down information for beginners while conveying what is most important.
Some things to know: the book focuses on Sivananda Yoga, which is not your typical yoga flow. In this type of yoga, you are supposed to rest after or between sequences of poses to help relax the nervous system. The diet section advises removing meat and eggs from your diet, but not milk.
Then we get to the yoga poses section (which is technically nestled in the middle of the book). This section shows not only sun salutations but also a mix of simple and surprisingly difficult asanas, presented in all variations, from preparatory versions to very intimidating advanced versions. There are effective explanations; however, you can now find internet posts written by the male model in this book discussing his multiple injuries from yoga and advising people not to practice it. This is something one should keep in mind when looking at the more extreme versions of poses.
It consists of two parts: the rather non-threatening, systematic, effective introduction to the history, ethical precepts, and health benefits of yoga, as well as an introduction to relaxation, meditation, and diet. I found these to be effective, containing pared-down information for beginners while conveying what is most important.
Some things to know: the book focuses on Sivananda Yoga, which is not your typical yoga flow. In this type of yoga, you are supposed to rest after or between sequences of poses to help relax the nervous system. The diet section advises removing meat and eggs from your diet, but not milk.
Then we get to the yoga poses section (which is technically nestled in the middle of the book). This section shows not only sun salutations but also a mix of simple and surprisingly difficult asanas, presented in all variations, from preparatory versions to very intimidating advanced versions. There are effective explanations; however, you can now find internet posts written by the male model in this book discussing his multiple injuries from yoga and advising people not to practice it. This is something one should keep in mind when looking at the more extreme versions of poses.
August 21, 2021
Das Buch ist zwar schon ein bisschen älter, hat aber meiner Meinung nach, nichts an Aktualität eingebüßt. Es gibt gute Einblicke in die Geschichte, die Bedeutung und die Wirkungsweise des Yogas. Dabei werden viele Bereiche, die für das Zusammenspiel wichtig sind, betrachtet: Körper: Übungen und Ernährung, Geist: Atmung und Meditation und die immerwährende Reflexion und Bewusstheit für sich selbst. All dies wird leicht und sehr transparent beschrieben und anhand bildlicher Unterstützung erläutert.
Mir gefiel das Buch, auch wenn ich bereits Yoga - Erfahrung habe, wieder sehr gut und es hat mir wieder erneut manches ins Bewusstsein gerückt. Yoga Einsteigern nimmt es die Scheu, nicht nur in Bezug auf die Spiritualität sondern auch auf die körperlichen Anstrengungen.
Einzig schade finde ich, dass das YinYoga, welches ich in den letzten Jahren sehr für mich entdeckt habe, hier noch nicht beschrieben wird. Aber darüber habe ich andere Bücher gelesen.
Mir gefiel das Buch, auch wenn ich bereits Yoga - Erfahrung habe, wieder sehr gut und es hat mir wieder erneut manches ins Bewusstsein gerückt. Yoga Einsteigern nimmt es die Scheu, nicht nur in Bezug auf die Spiritualität sondern auch auf die körperlichen Anstrengungen.
Einzig schade finde ich, dass das YinYoga, welches ich in den letzten Jahren sehr für mich entdeckt habe, hier noch nicht beschrieben wird. Aber darüber habe ich andere Bücher gelesen.
June 4, 2019
Absolute Favorite Yoga Book Ever
I highly recommend this to beginner, intermediate, and advanced yoga students alike. Provides helpful insights into each of the asanas, as well as common mistakes and some layouts for flows between asanas. It also provided some very helpful tips for asanas I haven't seen in the other yoga books I've read, like the middle splits, headstands, and handstands. It also provided ways to advance common asanas to provide more of a challenge to more experienced yoga students, which is absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to implement more of these into my daily sun salutations. 💕🙏
I highly recommend this to beginner, intermediate, and advanced yoga students alike. Provides helpful insights into each of the asanas, as well as common mistakes and some layouts for flows between asanas. It also provided some very helpful tips for asanas I haven't seen in the other yoga books I've read, like the middle splits, headstands, and handstands. It also provided ways to advance common asanas to provide more of a challenge to more experienced yoga students, which is absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to implement more of these into my daily sun salutations. 💕🙏
December 11, 2020
This was a very traditional book that was super insightful when it came to breathing techniques and dieting. While the information on the asanas felt limited, it made up for it with the wealth of knowledge on other things surrounding yoga philosophy that included the importance of breathing, the power of positive thinking, and proper dieting. I really enjoyed this book!
October 23, 2010
Very good photos, explanations, diet, nutrition, meditation. Being veresed in the poses, I think it could have done a better job of classifying beginner, intermediate, advanced otherwise it could look very intimidating.
March 25, 2013
Got some fine info - I do better with video instruction, but this helped a lot.
Of course my favorite yoga book is "Yoga For Wimps: Poses for The Flexibly Impaired"- because I am!
Of course my favorite yoga book is "Yoga For Wimps: Poses for The Flexibly Impaired"- because I am!
June 2, 2025
Covers much the same ground as the Sivananda Companion to Yoga, with a bit more detail on some aspects and less on others.
Overall, I think this is a good addition to the bookshelf of an intermediate Sivananda practitioner who wants to self-correct their posture in the asanas, or an advanced practitioner who wants more detail on the possible variations than the Companion provides. I would not recommend it to beginners; I think they would be better served by the Companion initially and could then add this when they have a good grasp of the basic sequence and want to adapt it more to their individual needs.
The asana content is the core of the book; if you're primarily looking for something on any of the other topics it covers, this probably isn't what you want. Likewise, it's Sivananda-specific, so if you're wedded to Ashtanga or some other style, it's probably not going to be helpful; general Hatha practitioners will probably get on okay with it, provided they aren't too set on their teacher's way being the One True Way down to every last hand-placement.
Overall, I think this is a good addition to the bookshelf of an intermediate Sivananda practitioner who wants to self-correct their posture in the asanas, or an advanced practitioner who wants more detail on the possible variations than the Companion provides. I would not recommend it to beginners; I think they would be better served by the Companion initially and could then add this when they have a good grasp of the basic sequence and want to adapt it more to their individual needs.
The asana content is the core of the book; if you're primarily looking for something on any of the other topics it covers, this probably isn't what you want. Likewise, it's Sivananda-specific, so if you're wedded to Ashtanga or some other style, it's probably not going to be helpful; general Hatha practitioners will probably get on okay with it, provided they aren't too set on their teacher's way being the One True Way down to every last hand-placement.
October 9, 2021
Yoga in a nutshell
As a complete novice on yoga, this is a perfect book for me to learn about the ancient practice. It provides the history of yoga, the philosophy behind the poses, and the scientific benefits of practicing them.
The book also teaches us about breathing, meditation, stress management, and proper diet according to yogic tradition (and how to cook or prepare for them). And every now and then the book inserts beautiful gems of wisdom, as a cherry on top of a wholesome philosophy of living.
All of this are wrapped up in digestible, bite size, chapters and sub-chapters that makes it easy to read and pause (so that I can mercifully - and comically - try to emulate the poses). I couldn’t ask for a more concise and straight forward introduction to yoga than this one.
As a complete novice on yoga, this is a perfect book for me to learn about the ancient practice. It provides the history of yoga, the philosophy behind the poses, and the scientific benefits of practicing them.
The book also teaches us about breathing, meditation, stress management, and proper diet according to yogic tradition (and how to cook or prepare for them). And every now and then the book inserts beautiful gems of wisdom, as a cherry on top of a wholesome philosophy of living.
All of this are wrapped up in digestible, bite size, chapters and sub-chapters that makes it easy to read and pause (so that I can mercifully - and comically - try to emulate the poses). I couldn’t ask for a more concise and straight forward introduction to yoga than this one.
November 7, 2021
The illustrated yoga poses makes you wqnt to do yoga.
I practice yoga for more than 10 years now. This book helped correct my surya namaskar and motivated me to try the other asanas.
Totally a must read
I practice yoga for more than 10 years now. This book helped correct my surya namaskar and motivated me to try the other asanas.
Totally a must read
June 2, 2020
A interesting insight into the yogic way of life. An easy, pleasant read, with helpful information on how to adapt my home practice!
Read
August 31, 2022Handy - easy - good for reference.
August 16, 2024
This is more of a reference book than a reading book. The chapter that I have have read is very inspiring with lots of pictures of women in poses that you need a very supple body for!
August 30, 2024
Great explanations and pictures for intermediate and advanced options. Also includes common mistakes.
May 30, 2022
Too many pages taken up with hard advanced poses for my use. Otherwise a great DK book.
Great illustrations on the benefits of yoga and breathing and the idea of "proper exercise" including pose and counterpose. A concise section of the Proper Exercise chapter explains the parts of a full yoga routine, their order, and how to make a routine out of them.
20, 40, and 60 minute sequences nicely illustrated.
Bonus info on breathing, meditation, relaxation, karma, and diet. I would rather have more beginner to intermediate poses.
Great illustrations on the benefits of yoga and breathing and the idea of "proper exercise" including pose and counterpose. A concise section of the Proper Exercise chapter explains the parts of a full yoga routine, their order, and how to make a routine out of them.
20, 40, and 60 minute sequences nicely illustrated.
Bonus info on breathing, meditation, relaxation, karma, and diet. I would rather have more beginner to intermediate poses.
September 10, 2010
This book is divided into three parts: a brief history of yoga, an overview of poses and vegetarian recipes. The first set of photos are very detailed showing the muscles, organs and bones benefiting from eash pose. The second set of photos are the poses along with detailed instructions on doing each pose correctly and how to tell if you are not. There is also a compilation of yoga sequences to try at home for any experience level. It is a great reference for home or studio practice.
July 30, 2011
So incredibly informative about Yoga as a whole. This book has inspired me to take a more active role in my process of postures, diet, meditation and relaxion. Yoga greatly compliments my other forms of exercise and well being. I run more and I cross train more because of yoga. My flexibility has increased and my knowledge of the process has increased tenfold because of this book. I'm no guru, but I have finally reached a steady intermediate level in my asanas.
March 17, 2014
A highly detailed and informative book that explains the 5 paths of yoga and shows the step by step approach for a complete Sivananda yoga class including breathing & relaxation. The book features yogi recipes as well as different types of hatha yoga classes for beginners, intermediate & advanced students. A must have !
May 26, 2016
4.5 Excellent pictures and descriptions of how to improve poses. An excellent resource. I wish there was a little more over-arching organization in the table of contents even separating out the poses (asanas) by type or goal for us newbies to understand better. But, I am very impressed and will continue to use this.
March 1, 2012
I really like this book. At first I was a bit miffed that it went all into the yogi lifestyle, but the more I read I realized that it was very helpful. It shows different variations of poses, vegetarian recipes,and explains how to meditate and do deep breathing.
May 9, 2012
An excellent book that extends your yoga class and gives support and encouragement for home practice.It has easy to follow pictures of the poses .Excellent guide for beginners with clear and clinical pictures, step by step guide which makes it easy to follow and perform each Asanas.
March 26, 2013
This is a great book for beginning Yoga. It is simple with a ton of descriptions and pictures of each pose. It discusses the best order to begin doing Yoga and the progression of each pose. Very, very helpful book.
October 11, 2014
This is very good. It contains chapters on asanas, general health, meditation, and diet.
Read
December 1, 2010Honestly, checked this out of the library and read through the section on benefits (not much new info.) but didn't really try any of the poses so can't really judge it.
June 23, 2011
Clear concise directions for getting into and out of asanas. Tips for creating your own regime. Nice!
April 28, 2012
This was so helpful to me as a beginner that I bought the book.
December 24, 2012
Very comprehensive. Am actually contemplating getting either this book or Tara's for me to practise at home. Literally went WAH when i saw the Advanced poses. Damn cheem!
February 16, 2014
One of the best yoga books I have read: clear, lucid descriptions of the significant facets of yoga; excellent photographs of each stage of many important asanas.
Read
October 28, 2014Yoga Your Home Practice Companion 1/4/2014
Really good get again and photo poses!!
Really good get again and photo poses!!
April 16, 2015
En bra grundbok i yoga. Boken tar upp övningar, fakta och recept!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews