The Heart of Yoga

Desikachar’s clear wisdom in The Heart of Yoga can’t be understated. Returning to this book reminds me of why I love yoga, why I teach yoga, and why I do yoga. Much of the value of this book is in Desikachar’s simple prose and exposition regarding yoga philosophy. He ends many chapters with a Q & A section, answering questions he anticipates readers will have. And while there are translations in abundance of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Desikachar’s translations have real-world applicability. His approach to yoga helps us understand why the practice has endured for so many years—and it reminds yoga… show more.

This is a classic yoga text for good reason, not only is the author an international yoga teacher and scholar, he is the son of the renowned yogi Krishnamacharya, credited with creating the foundation of yoga that was brought to the Western world, and studied with his father all his life. The tone of the book is informative and kind, as if sitting with a wise master on a calm patio with a gentle breeze in the background. The postures are explained in a therapeutic method, explaining how they can be adapted for different bodies and at different times of… show more.

This book is my go-to source for authentic, clear information about the theory and practice of yoga. Written by a world-renowned yoga teacher—who was the son of one of the greatest yogis of the modern era—The Heart of Yoga is a classic that belongs on every yoga teacher’s shelf. The first half offers essential information about how to practice, including specifics on postures, breathing, and meditation. The second half presents the author's translation and commentary on the Yoga Sutras, a classic text written about 400 CE by the sage Patanjali who synthesized and organized information about yoga into 195… show more.

This book is my go-to when anyone asks me to recommend the best book for learning and understanding yoga. It’s one of the few that integrates actual yoga practices with the meaning of yoga in clear, concise language, including a wonderful translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra embedded within. The yoga of linking body, breath, mind, and relationship in a series of vinyasa kramas is timeless and doable. Each chapter is organized around a theme from the Yoga Sutras. The historic photos of the author and his world-famous yogi father, T. Krishnamacharya (who was the teacher of teachers, responsible for the… show more.